Her husband's kidnapping became Malaysia's biggest mystery. Then came a stunning confession
When Susanna Liew stepped in front of the TV cameras at Kuala Lumpur's High Court last month, she called the moment a "historic and emotional milestone". "Today... the High Court has delivered a judgment of what we have long believed: that Pastor Raymond Koh was a victim of a grave injustice," the »»»
Two killed in northern Israel by Palestinian stabbing, car ramming attack
At least two people died in a stabbing and car ramming attack in northern Israel on Friday, Israeli police said. Both victims died from their injuries and the alleged attacker, a resident of the occupied West Bank, was injured and hospitalised. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz quickly ordered m»»»
Southern Yemeni separatists accuse Saudi Arabia of air strikes in eastern provinces
Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out air strikes on their positions in the east of the country, a claim Riyadh has not acknowledged. While vowing they will not be deterred, the STC said it remains open to coordination with the kingdo»»»
Guterres notes Syria’s commitment to combating terrorism
New York,Dec. 27 (SANA) United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Homs, stressing the need to identify those responsible for attacks on civilians and places of worship and bring them to justice. In his statement today, Guter»»»
UAE strongly condemns the terrorist bombing in Homs
Abu Dhabi,Dec. 27 (SANA) The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that struck a mosque in the city of Homs Friday. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed, in a statement, its strong denunciation of such terrorist acts and its constant rejection of all forms of violen»»»
World Rapid, Blitz Chess Championships Qatar 2025 kicks off
DOHA: The competitions of the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships Qatar 2025 officially got underway at Qatar University's Sports and Events Complex, where the tournament will continue until December 30. The championship brings together the world's elite chess players to compete for four titl»»»
Thousands of US flights disrupted as winter storm looms
Thousands of flights across the US have been cancelled or delayed as the North East braces for a severe winter storm during the peak holiday travel season. As of Friday afternoon, nearly 1,500 flights across the US had been cancelled and 5,400 had been delayed, according to flight tracking website »»»
Thailand’s military strikes Cambodian targets amid cease-fire talks - UPI.com
The Thai military moves armored vehicles on Thursday near the Thai-Cambodian border as cease-fire negotiations continue following military actions on Friday morning. Photo by Rungroj Yongrit/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- The Thai military advanced on Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey Province on Friday morning af»»»
Syria reaffirms its support for Yemen’s unity
Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA)The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Syria’s firm stance in support of Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, expressing full backing for the legitimate Yemeni government and for Saudi and Emirati efforts to contain tensions in several Yemeni pro»»»
Reports: Saudi Arabia fires on separatist holdings in Yemen - UPI.com
People wave South Yemen flags on Thursday during a rally in Aden, Yemen, calling for the region's independence that was organized by the Southern Transitional Council separatist group. Photo by Najeeb Mohamed/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia has reportedly fired on the eastern Hadramout province i»»»
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemns the terrorist bombing in Homs
Jeddah, Dec. 26 (SANA) The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs, stressing its categorical rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism.The General Secretariat explained, in its stateme»»»
Europe Rendezvous - Denmark: An open economy, but a closed immigration system (part 1)
FRANCE 24 heads north to the kingdom of Denmark. The Scandinavian country has been in the spotlight this year, holding the rotating presidency of the European Council from July to December and pushing forward its priorities such as migration and the energy transition – topics that we dive»»»
World Rapid, Blitz Chess Cup Qatar 2025 kicks off in Doha
Doha: The competitions of the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Cup Qatar 2025 officially got underway today at Qatar University's Sports and Events Complex, where the tournament will continue until December 30. The championship brings together the world's elite chess players to compete for four titles i»»»
Al-Azhar condemns the treacherous terrorist bombing in Homs
Cairo, Dec. 26 (SANA)Al-Azhar strongly condemned the treacherous terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Homs, stressing that this terrorist crime constitutes a blatant assault on the sanctity of human life and a flagrant violation of the sacredness of places of worship. Al-Azhar affirmed, in i»»»
Canada’s Ambassador to Syria strongly condemns the terrorist bombing in Homs
Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA) Canada’s Ambassador to Syria and Lebanon, Gregory Galligan, strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Homs.Ambassador Galligan stated on platform (X) on Friday: “Targeting civilians and places of worship is a reprehensible and unacceptable act,” exp»»»
UAE strongly condemns terrorist bombing at mosque in Homs, Syria
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist bombing at a mosque in the city of Homs in central Syria, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of innocent civilians. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reaffirmed the UAE's s»»»
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»»»
Hezbollah’s Sheikh Daamoush: Resistance Won’t Confront the Lebanese Army, Rejects Internal Discord
Head of Hezbollah Executive Council Sheikh Ali Daamoush affirmed that the resistance will not be drawn into confrontation with the Lebanese Army and will not permit internal discord, stressing that attempts to provoke division are doomed to fail. Speaking during Friday prayers at the Sayyeda Zainab»»»
Winterland Al Ain opens at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium
Al Ain: Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening of Winterland Al Ain, a winter games event being held at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium until January 15, 2026. The event is part of efforts to expand entertainment and sports options in the region. Winterland Al Ain adds a new at»»»
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 »»»
Israel recognises Somaliland as independent state, Netanyahu says
Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel intended to immediately expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology. Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed A»»»
Bukele hails Shakira sellout as singer adds two concerts in El Salvador - UPI.com
Shakira performs on stage during the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on June 7. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Shakira confirmed she will add two additional concerts in El Salvador, bringing the total number o»»»
Helicopter crash on Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro kills all on board - UPI.com
A medical evacuation helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro on Christmas Eve and killed all five on board. File Photo by Daniel Irungu/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- A medical evacuation helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro on Christmas Eve killing all five people aboard. Tanzanian officials said the Air»»»
NYE 2026: Dubai Frame to dazzle with drones and fireworks
Dubai: The iconic Dubai Frame will light up the sky this New Year’s Eve with drone shows for the first time, complementing its traditional fireworks display. The new addition promises a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. Speaking to Gulf News, Adel Al Marzouqi, Executive Director o»»»
Russia Fully Prepared to Resolve Ukrainian Conflict – Deputy FM Ryabkov
December 25 was a "turning point" in peace talks, he said. Russia is ready to reach a settlement of the Ukraine conflict, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said.However, he stressed that without addressing the root causes of the crisis, a final agreement is impossible. “The focus must be o»»»
Nearly 400 Would-be Migrants Rescued Off Greek Island
The Greek coastguard on Friday rescued nearly 400 would-be migrants from a fishing boat and another vessel off southern Crete, ANA news agency reported. In one operation about 35 nautical miles from the small island of Gavdos, off Crete, a coastguard vessel, a Danish freighter and a helicopter took»»»
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 »»»
Russians face economic strain as inflation fears and tax hikes dampen outlook for 2026
There is a classic Soviet expression that sums up how hard life was in the USSR: “Today is worse than yesterday, but at least it is better than tomorrow.” In the latest poll from the independent pollster, the Levada C»»»
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 »»»
Israel Becomes 1st Country to Recognize Somaliland as 'Sovereign State'
Israel on Friday formally recognized Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" and signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties, as the region's leader hailed its first-ever official recognition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "announced today the official recognition of the»»»
Arab League Secretary-General condemns the terrorist bombing in Homs
Cairo, Dec. 26 (SANA)Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs Friday afternoon.He extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and »»»
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»»»
Tuneps platform suspended on Friday for major system upgrade
Tunis, Dec 26 (TAP) - The public e-procurement platform "Tuneps" will be temporarily unavailable this Friday, December 26, 2025, from 03:00 to 08:00 p.m., to undergo a major system upgrade.The updated version will go live at 08:00 p.m., the High...»»»
Times Square to Feature Patriotic Crystal Ball for New Year's Eve, Kicking Off US's 250th Birthday
After the crystal ball drops on New Year’s Eve in New York City, it will rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue to usher in 2026 and kick off months of celebrations for the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. The patriotic touches at this year's Times Square gathering, including a second confet»»»
6 dead in mosque explosion in Homs, Syria - UPI.com
Damage pictured Friday after an explosion at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs, western Syria. Ambulances rushed victims during Friday prayers as security forces sealed off the area and began an investigation. Photo Provided by Ahmad Fallaha/EPA Dec. 26 (UP»»»
Draft Revisions Propose Appointment of Regional Coordinator of Health Mediators
The introduction of the position of "regional coordinator of health mediators" is proposed in a draft amendment to the Ordinance on the Requirements for the Activities of Health Mediators. The draft has been published for a one-month public discussion on the website of the Health Ministry. The purp»»»
Deadly Blast Hits Mosque in Syria’s Homs, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna Claims Responsibility
A bombing at a mosque in Syria during Friday prayers killed at least eight people and wounded 18 others, authorities said. Images released by Syria’s state-run Arab News Agency showed blood on the mosque’s carpets, holes in the walls, shattered windows and fire damage. The Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mo»»»
Moscow warns against travel to ‘lawless’ Germany
The Russian Foreign Ministry has advised the country’s citizens to refrain from traveling to Germany, warning that they could face persecution on national grounds there. During a briefing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova drew attention to repeated incidents in which Russian»»»
Sheikh Qassem to Address Memorial for Hezbollah’s Late Senior Commander - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Sheikh Qassem to Address Memorial for Hezbollah’s Late Senior Commander 26-12-2025 18:08 PM Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem »»»
Yemen’s Sayyed Al-Houthi: “Tyrant of the Age” Waging a Systematic War on Faith, Values, and Humanity
The leader of Ansarullah, Sayyed Abdulmalik Badreddine Al-Houthi, warned of what he described as “the Tyrant of the Age,” calling it the most dangerous and unjust force in human history. Speaking on the occasion of the Friday of Rajab, Sayyed A-Houthi said the Tyrant of the Age—embodied by global Z»»»
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»»»
Muslim World League condemns the terrorist bombing in Homs
Mecca , Dec. 26 (SANA)The Muslim World League condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the city of Homs, affirming its full solidarity with Syria in confronting all threats to its security and stability.“We denounce this terrorist crime, whose perpetrators »»»
Former Malaysian PM Najib Razak gets 15 years for money laundering, abuse of power - UPI.com
Former Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak was sentenced Friday to 15 years in prison for money laundering and abuse of power in the 1MDB scandal. File Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was found guilty Friday of abuse of pow»»»
Palestinian allegedly kills man, teen girl in Israel - UPI.com
Israeli police pictured in September secure the entrance to the King Hussein Bridge Border Crossing. On Friday, an assailant allegedly ran over a 68‑year‑old man in Beit Shean before driving to Ein Harod, where he fatally stabbed an 18‑year‑old woman and injured a teenager. File Photo by Debbie Hil»»»
Judge jails ex-Malaysian PM Najib for 15 more years after new graft conviction
Putrajaya, Malaysia: A Malaysian judge sentenced former prime minister Najib Razak to 15 more years in jail on Friday after convicting him of abuse of power and money laundering in a sovereign wealth fund graft scandal. Najib was also fined 11.4 billion ringgit ($2.8 billion) for his role in the pl»»»
CBS Governor: New currency to be exchanged via 66 companies, 1,000 outlets
Damascus, Dec. 26 (SANA) Syria’s Central Bank Governor, Abdelkader Husrieh, announced Thursday that the nationwide exchange of old banknotes for new ones will begin on January 1. The process will be carried out through 66 companies and 1,000 dedicated outlets across the country. Husrieh told the Sy»»»
Blast at Syrian mosque during Friday prayers leaves at least eight dead
An explosion has killed at least eight people and injured 18 others during Friday prayers inside a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs, the health ministry has said. Pictures from Syria's state-run news agency, Sana, show the inside of the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque with black, scorched walls, sma»»»
Qatar condemns explosion targeting mosque in Syria's Homs
DOHA: The State of Qatar expressed its condemnation and denunciation of the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the city of Homs in the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, which resulted in deaths and injuries. The State of Qatar also affirmed its full solidarity with the Syrian government in al»»»
Shinhan Card reports massive data breaches - UPI.com
Seoul government vows to triple fines for corporate data leaks. Shinhan Card headquarters in Seoul. The company has reported massive data leaks. Photo by Yonhap SEOUL, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Shinhan Card, one of the country's top credit card issuers, reported a massive data leak Tuesday. The Seoul-based »»»