'We will vote but not with our hearts': Inside the election staged by Myanmar's military rulers
On a patch of rough ground near the Irrawaddy River, aspiring member of parliament and retired Lieutenant-General Tayza Kyaw tries to muster some enthusiasm from his audience with a speech promising them better times. He is the candidate for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), backed»»»
Sharp cold snap to close the year in Hungary as arctic air sweeps in
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Epstein and Bill Clinton visited Russian Far East – US files
Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein flew to Russia on at least three occasions in the early 2000s, including traveling to the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk together with former US President Bill Clinton, files published by the US Department of Justice have revealed. Last week, the DOJ uploaded »»»
Milei’s government bill cuts state role in Argentina public education - UPI.com
Argentine President Javier Milei's administration is promoting a reform that seeks to redefine the role of the state in public education, curb direct government intervention and give families greater control over their children’s schooling. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo BUENOS AIRES»»»
Midnight Hammer in 2025: Trump Ends Half Measures on Iran
With Donald Trump back in the Oval Office in early 2025, it took less than a year for his revamped “maximum pressure” campaign to set the pace for Iran. What began as an argument over reviving the nuclear deal quickly gave way to a far starker reality: war on Iranian soil, for only the second time »»»
Corruption scandal means Zelenskiy would likely lose a presidential election
The expanding Energoatom corruption scandal has hurt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's popularity and if elections were held this weekend he would lose in the second round, according to a Socis poll. A majority of »»»
Putin could step down if a Ukraine peace deal is agreed at Mar-a-Lago meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28 in what he is billing as a possible breakthrough meeting to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as speculation swirls that Russian President Vladimir Putin may step down in favour of a»»»
Putin could step down if a Ukraine peace deal is agreed at Mar-a-Lago meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28 in what he is billing as a possible breakthrough meeting to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as speculation swirls that Russian President Vladimir Putin may step down in favour of a»»»
Corruption scandal means Zelenskiy would likely lose a presidential election
The expanding Energoatom corruption scandal has hurt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's popularity and if elections were held this weekend he would lose in the second round, according to a Socis poll. A majority of »»»
Lebanese Cabinet Approves Draft Law on Financial Crisis Losses
Lebanon's government on Friday approved a draft law to distribute financial losses from the 2019 economic crisis that deprived many Lebanese of their deposits despite strong opposition to the legislation from political parties, depositors and banking officials. The draft law will be submitted to th»»»
Maduro government announces release of 99 political prisoners - UPI.com
Congressman Tomás Guanipa (C) speaks during a press conference in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on Tuesday. Guanipa said Venezuelan prisons are holding people who have not committed crimes and were being detained for expressing dissent. Photo by Henry Chirinos/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Venezuela's government an»»»
The American people will never get closure on the Epstein files
Across the United States, Democrats and Republicans are demanding that their leaders come clean with the Epstein files and the truth finally be told. What they are getting instead is a massive redaction campaign. Not since 1998 with the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky show trial has the American p»»»
Musona rescues Zimbabwe in AFCON draw with Angola
Marrakesh, Morocco: Veteran Knowledge Musona scored as Zimbabwe came from behind to draw 1-1 with Angola in Marrakesh on Friday as the second round of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group matches kicked off. Gelson Dala put Angola ahead midway through the first half and recalled Musona levelled deep»»»
Salam vows accountability and full funds return as cabinet approves banks law
After Cabinet passed a long-awaited banking draft bill that would distribute losses from the 2019 economic crisis amid objections from nine ministers and modest protests, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam appeared a bit agitated as he answered journalists' questions. The law stipulates that each of the st»»»
Cabinet approves banks financial gap law after long debate
Cabinet approved Friday a long-awaited banking draft bill that would distribute losses from the 2019 economic crisis. Thirteen ministers voted in favor of the financial gap law amid the objection of nine ministers: three Lebanese Forces ministers, two Hezbollah ministers, Kataeb minister Adel Nassa»»»
Russia to Repurpose Burevestnik, Poseidon Materials for Civilian Use - Official
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will repurpose advanced materials and alloys used in the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone for civilian use, including in the energy and space industries, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said. "Of course, we will leverage»»»
Former Malaysian PM Najib found guilty of money laundering in 1MDB corruption case
Malaysia's High Court on Friday found former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak guilty of all 21 counts of money laundering related to the sprawling corruption scandal involving Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). This conviction is likely to add years to the pri»»»
22 Years After Karbala: How Bulgaria Continues to Honor Its Fallen Soldiers
Twenty-two years have passed since the deadly attack in the Iraqi city of Karbala that claimed the lives of five Bulgarian servicemen. A truck bomb rammed into Camp India, where the Bulgarian contingent was stationed, killing Georgi Kachorin, Ivan Indjov, Svilen Kirov, Nikolay Saryev and officer ca»»»
Trump launched global tariff wars in 2025. Here's a recap of his trade actions this year
It's been a rollercoaster of a year for U.S. trade policy. President Donald Trump launched a barrage of new tariffs in 2025, plunging the U.S. into trade wars with nearly every country in the world. Volley after volley of threats and steeper import taxes often arrived erratically — with Trump claim»»»
10 UAE projects that will improve quality of life for residents
Every few months, UAE gets a lifestyle upgrade. From new ways to commute to the office to flying by cab between cities, there’s a new innovation around every bend. As the Emirates races towards its aim to be the best in terms of digitally connected and quality of life, we look at the 12 cool projec»»»
Cabinet convenes for third time to discuss banks draft law
Ministers were reportedly suggesting amending a banking draft bill before approving it as Cabinet convened Friday in its third session to discuss the long-awaited bill that would distribute losses from the 2019 economic crisis. Al-Jadeed reported Friday that many ministers would vote against the la»»»
On This Day, Dec. 26: Shenandoah National Park established in Virginia - UPI.com
On Dec. 26, 1935, Shenandoah National Park was established in northern Virginia after years of raising funds to purchase the land 1 of 7 | The northern lights can be seen in the skies above the Shenandoah National Park near Front Royal, Va., on October 10, 2024. The park was established December 26»»»
Tempe disaster victims’ father criticizes Hellenic Train over Christmas card
Nikos Plakias, who lost his twin daughters and a niece in Greece’s deadliest rail disaster, has criticized railway operator Hellenic Train over a Christmas greetings card he said showed a lack of sensitivity toward victims’ families. The card, bearing the message “Next stop: Next to those we love,”»»»
Russia Mediating between Syria, Israel to Reach Security Agreement
Political sources in Tel Aviv revealed that Russia is secretly mediating between Syria and Israel to reach a security agreement between them with the United States' blessing. Israel's Kan 11 state radio said Azerbaijan was hosting and leading meetings and discussions with Syrian and Israeli officia»»»
Spring 2025 student activities promote skills, values and talent development
Doha, Qatar: The Student Activities – Spring 2025 programme, is an initiative designed to channel students’ time into purposeful learning experiences. The programme focuses on developing life skills, strengthening values, and discovering students’ talents through a diverse set of educational, sport»»»
The EU laws reining in big tech and fighting disinformation – but angering Trump
The Trump administration took its fight with the EU over tech regulation to a new level this week, denying visas to five Europeans and accusing them of seeking to censor "American viewpoints". All five have been instrumental in EU efforts to counter hate speech and disinformation online.&»»»
‘Merry Christmas to all’: Trump says US launched ‘deadly’ strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria
Palm Beach: President Donald Trump said US forces conducted "powerful and deadly" strikes Thursday against ISIS militants in northwestern Nigeria, after he warned the group to stop killing Christians in the country. The Department of Defense said "multiple terrorists" were killed in an attack condu»»»
Farmers ease some road blockages as Christmas exodus peaks
The Christmas holiday exodus from cities is continuing, with traffic conditions showing marked improvement after widespread disruption caused by farmers’ road blockades earlier in the week. According to police, negotiations between farmers and traffic authorities helped ease congestion at several k»»»
Brazil ex-President Jair Bolsonaro's surgery for hernia 'successful'
The jailed ex-president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has undergone a successful surgery for a double hernia, his wife Michelle says. The former leader is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after he lost the 2022 presidential election to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Braz»»»
Abu Dhabi launches indoor air monitoring system to track pollution in buildings
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has launched a new Indoor Air Quality Observatory, known as HawAQM, to closely monitor air quality inside buildings across the emirate. The initiative is a key project under ADPHC’s public health strategy and aims to improve living, learning and»»»
Syria’s financial watchdog probes 246 corruption cases in 2025
Damascus, Dec. 25(SANA) The Central Organization of Financial Control maintained an accelerated pace of work throughout 2025, prioritizing the recovery of state and citizens’ rights, uncovering corruption cases and protecting public funds from waste, within a previously announced institutional fram»»»
Mohammad Bakri, renowned and controversial Palestinian actor and filmmaker, dies at 72
Tel Aviv: Mohammad Bakri, a Palestinian director and actor who sought to share the complexities of Palestinian identity and culture through a variety of works in both Arabic and Hebrew, has died, his family announced. He was 72. Bakri was best known for “Jenin, Jenin,” a 2003 documentary he directe»»»
Mohammad Bakri, Renowned and Controversial Palestinian Actor and Filmmaker, Dies at 72
Mohammad Bakri, a Palestinian director and actor who sought to share the complexities of Palestinian identity and culture through a variety of works in both Arabic and Hebrew, has died, his family announced. He was 72. Bakri was best known for “Jenin, Jenin,” a 2003 documentary he directed about an»»»
AFCON organisers allowing fans in for free to fill empty stands: source
Rabat: Organisers at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco are allowing supporters in for free after kick-off in matches where stadiums are not full, a Confederation of African Football source told AFP. The Group F game between Cameroon and Gabon on Wednesday in Agadir kicked off in front of almost »»»
See the Wolf Supermoon and Quadrantids meteor shower light up Dubai in January 2026
Dubai: The night sky over the UAE is preparing to kick off 2026 with a spectacular cosmic display. On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the Al Qudra Desert will become the ultimate theater for a rare meeting between the January Wolf Supermoon and the Quadrantids Meteor Shower. While the bright glow of a S»»»
The 20 Most Promising Egyptian Start-ups
1- Instabug: It was founded by Moataz Soliman and Omar Gabr in 2013. Instabug gives app developers a tool to help them detect software glitches. Its customers include Yahoo, PayPal, Soundcloud, and Souq. In June 2016, Instabug founders raised $1.7 million in seed funding from Palo Alto, California-»»»
Last-minute UAE Xmas, New Year travel still possible with these hacks
Dubai: A Christmas or New Year getaway may still be within reach for UAE residents — even at the last minute — provided travellers are willing to be flexible on routes, airlines and departure points, travel agents say. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Planning a last-mi»»»
Iraqi PM: Normalization Is Not in Iraq’s Dictionary
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani said the country does not need normalization, stressing that the term “is not in Iraq’s dictionary.” Speaking during Christmas celebrations at St. Joseph’s Church in Baghdad on Wednesday, Al-Sudani said Iraq’s position on what he described as “issues of »»»
Awqaf Ministry provides integrated service for responding to public inquiries on zakat
Doha, Qatar: The Zakat Affairs Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced the continued provision of its dedicated service for responding to public inquiries related to zakat rulings, as part of its advanced service framework aimed at enhancing zakat awareness and facilit»»»
Industrial sector maintains solid growth trajectory
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has unveiled several key initiatives in the industrial sector in this year that aim at diversifying the economy, promoting sustainability, and fostering growth, in line with the National Vision 2030. In a post on its X platform, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) highli»»»
UAE: Warning for winter campers, park visitors on food safety risk
Abu Dhabi: With winter camping and outdoor gatherings surging across the country, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has launched a targeted awareness campaign warning desert-goers and park visitors against food safety lapses that could put public health at risk. Timed wit»»»
On This Day, Dec. 25: Suicide bomb in RV detonates in downtown Nashville - UPI.com
On Dec. 25, 2020, an RV exploded in downtown Nashville, killing the driver of the vehicle and injuring eight people. 1 of 3 | On December 25, 2020, an RV exploded in downtown Nashville, killing the driver of the vehicle and injuring eight people. File Photo courtesy Nashville Fire Department | Lice»»»
Qatar Cancer Society signs awareness partnership with Fine Hygienic Holding
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), in collaboration with Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH)—the leading wellness group in the Middle East and North Africa—has announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement to support the Society’s awareness campaigns held last November, dedicated to rais»»»
Awqaf’s Women Section showcases Prophetic Sunnah Campaign murals
Doha, Qatar: As part of the efforts of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs to promote Islamic values and firmly establish Prophetic guidance in everyday life, the Women Section of the Da‘wah and Religious Guidance Department organised an exhibition of the Prophetic Sunnah Campaign murals for »»»
How a real photo of Donald Trump linked to Jeffrey Epstein was doctored using AI
One of the photos released from the files of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein shows US President Donald Trump with six women whose faces have been censored to protect their anonymity. Recently, however, online users shared an image that shows the women’s faces, claiming that it was the uncens»»»
Algerian parliament brands French colonisation a crime, demands apology and reparations
Algeria’s parliament voted unanimously on Wednesday to declare France’s 130-year colonisation of the country a crime, calling for a formal apology and reparations from Paris. The largely symbolic move comes amid a widening diplomatic rift between the two countries and underscores the enduring sensi»»»
COMMENT: The EU’s Reparation Loan vote needs to fail
The EU’s vote on the Reparation Loan needs to fail. If it passes it will kill off any chance of a peace deal being signed. The US version of the plan is well advanced and special envoy to Ukraine retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg said last week that only points remain to be agreed. The EU ve»»»
Pakistan targets April for handover of PIA to new private owners
Dubai: Pakistan expects private management to take charge of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) by April 2026 after a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation won a 75% stake in a competitive auction, advancing efforts to reduce losses at state-owned firms. Sign up for our daily business newslet»»»
MOSCOW BLOG: Reparation Loan voting mess
This is going to get very messy. This morning Fitch announced it was putting Euroclear, which holds most of Russia’s frozen money, on “ratings watch with negative outlook.” That is a polite way of saying the proverbial is about to hit the fan. »»»
MOSCOW BLOG: Reparation Loan voting mess
This is going to get very messy. This morning Fitch announced it was putting Euroclear, which holds most of Russia’s frozen money, on “ratings watch with negative outlook.” That is a polite way of saying the proverbial is about to hit the fan. »»»