Damascus, March 16 (SANA) Turkey will temporarily close all border crossings with Syria to passenger and commercial traffic during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, a Syrian border authority official said Sunday. Mazen Alloush, director of relations at Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, said »»»

A senior figure in Japan’s ruling party has called for caution over any decision to deploy the Japan Self-Defense Forces to the conflict-hit Middle East to escort vessels and ensure safe passage, according to Kyodo News. T»»»

On March 16, 1802, the U.S. Congress authorized the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. 1 of 5 | President George W. Bush watches the graduates throw up their hats at Michie Stadium for the 2006 Graduation Ceremony of the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., on May »»»

March 16 (UPI) -- Dubai officials temporarily suspended all flights at the city's international airport Monday morning, as the United Arab Emirates was defending itself against a barrage of Iranian drone and missile strikes. A drone fired by Iran caused a fire to erupt from a fuel tank in the vicin»»»

Abu Dhabi authorities have confirmed they are responding to an incident following reports of a missile falling on a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahyah district. The attack resulted in one fatality, identified as a Palestinian national. Also ReadAlso Read: Dubai International Airport gradually resume»»»

Doha, Qatar: As part of its relentless efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Syria, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched a humanitarian project to improve access to food for the most vulnerable Syrian families, amidst the ongoing food insecurit»»»

Oil prices hovered around $100 a barrel Monday and stocks fluctuated as the Iran war moved into a third week with both sides showing no sign of backing down and diplomats trying to ensure safe passage for tankers through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Crude shot up in the opening minutes after the U»»»

The Israeli military said on Monday it had begun what it described as "limited ground operations" against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The military said in a statement that in recent days, Israeli army “troops from the 91st division have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key He»»»

In naval warfare, few weapons are as effective — or as disruptive — as marine mines. Of the 20 US Navy ships that have been severely damaged or sunk by adversary action since September 1945, 15 were "mine" victims. The US has also used as both offensive and defensive weapons: when the US Navy emplo»»»

Hungary’s two leading political blocs, Fidesz and the Tisza Party, held mass rallies on March 15 in a prominent display of power, widely seen as a measure of their capacity to rally voters ahead of the April 12 elections. Prime Minister Viktor Orban vowed to keep Hungary "an island of security and »»»

At Hungary’s March 15 national commemoration, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a speech centered on the country’s security, sovereignty, and the coming election. According to the prime minister, Europe is entering a dangerous period as Brussels prepares for deeper involvement in the war in Ukr»»»

By Thomas Gibbons-Neff and Eric Schmitt The deployment of about 2,500 Marines to the Middle East represents a new phase in the two-week-old war in Iran, as Iranian forces increase their attacks on the Strait of Hormuz. The unit, officially known as the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, according to t»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Doha Equestrian Tour wrapped up its three-day local show jumping competitions at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab on Saturday night, showcasing top-level performances from more than 120 riders and 240 horses. Total prize money for the tour exceeded QR490,000. The tour opened with th»»»

An investigation into a street brawl between Athens soccer hooligans has brought to light €302,000 in cash stashed in the home of one of the suspects, police said. A police statement said the money was confiscated, together with handgun ammunition. It gave no indication of its possible provenance, »»»

France's government is bolstering the country's military presence in the Middle East, dispatching its aircraft carrier and other warships, while President Emmanuel Macron engages with key players in the conflict, including Iran, in a bid to position Paris for future diplomatic talks. Macron said th»»»

Dubai: The Philippine peso fell to a record low against the UAE dirham on Monday morning, reflecting mounting pressure on emerging market currencies amid volatile energy markets and growing global uncertainty. (Check live forex rates here) Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balanc»»»

U.S. President Donald Trump walks across the South Lawn after landing in Marine One on Sunday, in Washington, D.C. The President is returning to the White House after spending the weekend at his private club, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Fla. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo March 16 (UPI) -»»»

THIS WEEK offers a weekly snapshot of the key developments in Brussels and across Europe over the next seven days, published every Monday morning. EU leaders are meeting on Thursday (19 March) for a busy and timely European Council in Brussels, where support for Ukraine, energy security, Middle Eas»»»

Romania’s industrial production (chart) contracted by 4.0% y/y in January, driven mainly by a 6.4% y/y drop in manufacturing output, according to data published by the statistics office INS. The decline in manufacturing was partly offset by stronger activity in the utilities sector, where output in»»»

The 2026 Academy Awards delivered a rare moment in the history of the Academy when the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film was awarded in a tie, with both The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva receiving the prize. For Romanian audiences, the news carries particular significance: one of the»»»

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi demands that Israel be "punished for its war crimes" against the Islamic Republic. The bombings of fuel depots in Tehran by Israeli authorities “violate international law and constitute ecocide,” he posted on X. Araghchi warned the attacks could leave lasting»»»

President Donald Trump urged NATO partners and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical conduit for crude that Iran has effectively closed, as major economic players began releasing oil reserves on Monday to ward off supply disruptions. Global oil prices have surged by 40 to 50 perce»»»

As Iranian Shahed drones continue to strike targets across the Middle East amidst the raging war with Israel and the US that has stretched regional air defences to their limits, Ukraine has quietly emerged as an unlikely but highly relevant source of expertise. President Volodymyr Zelensky has anno»»»

A slight decline in the prevalence rate of viral hepatitis has been recorded in Kyrgyzstan compared with 2019, a study published in the journal Healthcare of Kyrgyzstan says. At the same time, researchers emphasize that the overall level of the disease remains high, and the country continues to be »»»

It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. While movie magic plays a role in the show itself (the ceremony, after all, is actually hosted at the Dolby Theatre in a shopping centre), there is a lot you don't see on»»»

An exhibition by artist Bakhramjon Temirov «Melody of Spring» has been opened in Bishkek. The exhibition is housed in the Oak Park Gallery, organizers announced. The artist presented new paintings, created over the course of his career. These include portraits, landscapes, and still lives, all pain»»»

Kyrgyz fighter Myktybek Orolbai has entered the top three in Ultimate Fighting Championship history for the highest number of takedowns in a single fight. During his bout against American fighter Chris Curtis at UFC Fight Night 269 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, the Kyrgyz athlete set a welte»»»

US authorities have deported an Ethiopian national after immigration investigators determined that his online activity supported the FANO, an armed militia fighting against Ethiopia’s government forces. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, said Solomon Bogale posted messages calling for vio»»»

Iran is taking steps to prevent anti-establishment protests, with checkpoints appearing across the streets of the capital, internet access restricted, and mass text warnings sent to residents. In Tehran, people have been telling the BBC about new security checkpoints around the city, where they say»»»

US President Donald Trump's call to world powers to send their warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint received tepid responses on Sunday as Gulf Arab states reported new missile and drone attacks. Iran's foreign minister denied Trump's claim that Tehran wan»»»

French President Emmanuel Macron said on ​Sunday he had asked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkianto put an immediate end to attacks against ​countries ‌in the Middle East whether ⁠directly or through proxies, including in Lebanon and Iraq.  Read our blog to see how the day's events unfold»»»

Overnight strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least four people, Lebanese state media and the government said on Sunday. Israel is fighting a second front in the war in the Middle East in southern Lebanon, against Hezbollah, alongside the air campaign against Iran it launched with the United Stat»»»

Missiles intercepted in Qatar; two drones causing damage at an airbase near a major US military site in Kuwait; an oil facility hit and ports threatened in the UAE... Gulf countries continue to pay the price of war every day, more than two weeks after the start of Operation Epic Fury launched by th»»»

More than two weeks ago, the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Since then, Iran has retaliated against targets across the Gulf and effectively halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Global oil prices have surged as a result. Did the United States factor this risk into its pl»»»

In the third week of war, who is leading the country? And to what extent have those still in place been destabilised and weakened by the US and Israeli strikes on the country? A veil of mystery surrounds a man who remains out of sight: Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Another figure, Ali»»»

Russian cross-country skier Anastasia Bagiyan has won gold in the 20 km individual start race for visually impaired athletes at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, becoming a three-time champion at the Games in Italy. The 24-year-old earlier won the sprint and the 10 km classical race. This year’s Games a»»»

The oil market is experiencing extreme volatility on March 16, 2026, driven by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The war has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and forced production cuts across the Gulf, even as US President Donald Trump appealed for help from Nato allies and »»»

France holds municipal elections on Sunday – including for the mayor of Paris – less than a year before the 2027 presidential vote, with some candidates looking to use the polls as a springboard for higher office. The votes will be held in two rounds on consecutive Sundays, with the secon»»»

French voters cast ballots in municipal elections marred by low turnout on Sunday, in the last major test of the public mood ahead of next year’s all-important presidential election. The run-up to the vote was largely overshadowed by the Iran war and its fallout, notably th»»»

North Korea on Sunday tested nuclear-capable multiple rocket launchers that Pyongyang’s leader Kim Jong Un said should make the country's enemies feel a sense of "uneasiness". The tests came one day after South Korea detected 10 ballistic missiles launched from North Korea.  North Korea t»»»

Combined Russian missile and drone strikes in several Ukrainian regions killed six people, according to offcials. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the ⁠Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro and Mykolaiv regions were targeted in an attack that included around 430 drones and 68 missiles, most of which were do»»»

A Green Central Banking report reveals that a climate advocacy organisation has lodged a formal complaint with the Singapore Exchange against OCBC Bank, accusing the lender of potentially misleading investors about its exposure to coal-powered industrial facilities in Indonesia. Market Forces, the »»»

A Green Central Banking report reveals that a climate advocacy organisation has lodged a formal complaint with the Singapore Exchange against OCBC Bank, accusing the lender of potentially misleading investors about its exposure to coal-powered industrial facilities in Indonesia. Market Forces, the »»»

The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»

In the central city of Morón, Cuba, simmering anger over soaring food prices and relentless power cuts has erupted into violence as a band of protesters stormed a provincial Communist Party building, setting it ablaze in the process. Furniture was torn from the offices as fires were set late on Mar»»»

The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»

A Green Central Banking report reveals that a climate advocacy organisation has lodged a formal complaint with the Singapore Exchange against OCBC Bank, accusing the lender of potentially misleading investors about its exposure to coal-powered industrial facilities in Indonesia. Market Forces, the »»»

The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»

A Green Central Banking report reveals that a climate advocacy organisation has lodged a formal complaint with the Singapore Exchange against OCBC Bank, accusing the lender of potentially misleading investors about its exposure to coal-powered industrial facilities in Indonesia. Market Forces, the »»»

A Green Central Banking report reveals that a climate advocacy organisation has lodged a formal complaint with the Singapore Exchange against OCBC Bank, accusing the lender of potentially misleading investors about its exposure to coal-powered industrial facilities in Indonesia. Market Forces, the »»»