US charges Cuba's Raúl Castro with murder over 1996 downing of two planes
US charges Cuba's Raúl Castro with murder over 1996 downing of two planes 23 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleKayla Epstein, Cecilia Barría & Pascal FletcherBBC News, BBC Mundo & BBC Monitoring Reuters The US has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy to kill US nation»»»
How Jordan, Syria are closing in on multibillion-dollar Captagon network
LONDON: More than a year after Syrian rebels swept longtime ruler Bashar Assad from power, the Captagon empire that underpinned his regime has survived his fall. It has mutated into trafficking networks that stretch across a landscape of porous borders and fragmented authority. Determined to disman»»»
Qatar strengthens its priorities in emergency preparedness, investment in primary health care, embracing innovation: Minister
GENEVA: Minister of Public Health HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud has said that Qatar is addressing global health challenges through three priorities: strengthening emergency preparedness and fully implementing the International Health Regulations; investing in primary health care as the foundati»»»
US and Iran edge toward deal as threats and diplomacy continue
Iran said on Wednesday it was examining the latest US proposal received from mediator Pakistan in talks to end the Middle East war, despite the two sides trading threats over resuming attacks. It came after US President Donald Trump told reporters that Washington was in the "final stages" of negoti»»»
Residents turn to community patrols as illegal gold mining grows in Ghana
JEMA: As day broke in a remote part of western Ghana, a priest, farmers and other residents combed through the forests, looking for signs of illegal gold mining.They have done this for the past year as part of a grassroots task force created to combat the mining that has poisoned rivers in one of t»»»
Turkiye’s Erdogan tells Trump issues with Iran can be resolved, Ankara says
ANKARA: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told US President Donald Trump in a call on Wednesday he welcomed the extension of a ceasefire between the US and Iran, adding he believed contested issues between the sides could be resolved, according to the Turkish presidency. NATO member Turkiye, which n»»»
UN aid chief hails talks with Sudan army leader
PORT SUDAN: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher held Tuesday what he called “constructive” talks with Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan to ensure life-saving aid reaches all corners of the war-ravaged country.Since April 2023, the war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support F»»»
Saudi Arabia through the royal lens
JEDDAH: “For 35 years, I’ve been photographing in black and white analog. And this is my whole career.” With these words, Princess Reem Al-Faisal reflects on a lifetime devoted to the art of image-making, a journey that has evolved from shadow and light to a profound exploration of color, identity »»»
FX black-market has existed for years and decades, and eliminating it in a short period is impossible: CBL Governor Issa
Speaking during a press conference after his meeting with the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) Governor Naji Issa last Monday (18 May), Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi said that the two parties had agreed on an implementable plan to support the CBL’s aim to reduce the black-market exchange rate of the L»»»
Iraq rejects use of its territory for attacks on UAE and Saudi Arabia
Dubai: Iraq has reiterated its rejection of any use of its territory or airspace to launch attacks against neighbouring countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and pledged firm action against those responsible. According to a statement posted on the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Of»»»
Trump tightens grip on Republican Party after Thomas Massie primary defeat
US President Donald Trump tightened his grip on the Republican Party on Tuesday after Kentucky voters ousted Congressman Thomas Massie, one of the few conservatives willing to openly challenge him. The defeat, projected by NBC and CNN, followed setbacks for other Republican dissenters, including In»»»
Bolivia expresses fears for coup attempt amid unrest; U.S. concerned - UPI.com
Members of unions that represent merchants, transport workers, local producers and neighborhood associations march Tuesday in Cochabamba, in central Bolivia, "in defense of democracy" and to demand an end to the roadblocks set up by farmers from the Altiplano who are calling for the resignation of »»»
Iran Chief Negotiator Ghalibaf Says US ‘Seeks to Start New War’
Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Wednesday said the United States was seeking to restart the war and hoping Tehran would surrender. "The enemy's movements, both overt and clandestine, show that despite economic and political pressure, it has not abandoned its military objectives »»»
Trump Says Negotiations with Iran in Final Stages, Warns of Attacks if Deal Fails
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that negotiations with Iran were in the final stages, while warning of further attacks unless Iran agrees to a deal. Six weeks since Trump paused Operation Epic Fury for a ceasefire, talks to end the war have shown little progress so far. Trump has said t»»»
Israel Army Chief Says Military on ‘Highest Alert’ as Threats Over Iran War Escalate
Israel's army chief Lieutenant Colonel Eyal Zamir on Wednesday said the military was at its highest alert level, as Tehran and Washington traded threats of war. "At this moment, the military is on the highest level of alert and prepared for any development," Zamir said at a meeting of all division »»»
Risk of Ebola spread is high regionally but low globally, WHO says
Bunia: The World Health Organisation said on Wednesday the risk of spread of the Ebola virus in Congo and Uganda is high at national and regional levels, but low at the global level. The risk assessment came as the leader of the WHO team in Congo said the outbreak, which has led to over 130 suspect»»»
Pentagon refuses to admit responsibility for deadly Iran school strike
The Pentagon has once again refused to admit responsibility for a strike on an Iranian school that killed more than 170 people, most of them children, despite pressure from US lawmakers. The Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in southern Iran was hit on February 28, the first day of the US-Israeli»»»
Vucic speaks with Zelenskyy by phone
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, and noted that they had had a good and open discussion on bilateral relations, the European path of Serbia and Ukraine and advancement of economic cooperation. "An open and good d»»»
Hezbollah Fighters to Sheik Qassem: Your Brave Leadership of Military Ops Has Exhausted Israeli Enemy, We Have More
The Islamic Resistance fighters sent on Wednesday a letter to Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem in response to His Eminence’s earlier message that hailed their resilience in the battlefield. Hezbollah fighters affirmed that the courageous leadership of the Secretary General has opened »»»
Foreign Investors Consolidate their Bets on Saudi Arabia as Economic Reforms Gather Pace
Saudi Arabia is no longer just an oil-price bet for global investors. It is becoming a core emerging-market play. That is the view of Emmanuel Laurina, head of Middle East, Africa, and official institutions at State Street, one of the world’s major financial services and asset management firms. Spe»»»
Japan's read on the Trump–Xi summit
Japan watched closely as US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing last week. For Tokyo, several discussion points have a direct bearing on Japan’s economy and security. The importance was underlined by the fact that Trump called Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi»»»
Kenya lists first infrastructure fund on Nairobi bourse with UK support
The UK government and CPF Financial Services have supported the listing of the Spearhead Africa Infrastructure Fund (SAIF) on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), marking the first infrastructure-focused fund to list on Kenya’s bourse amid growing efforts to mobilise domestic capital for long-ter»»»
Congressional approval, oversight key steps for Trump's ballroom - UPI.com
1 of 6 | President Donald Trump speaks to the press about the new East Wing next to the construction site at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo May 20 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's plan to build a new White House ballroom remains in the ai»»»
Saudi FM praises Trump for giving ‘diplomacy a chance’ to end Iran war
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia highly appreciates US President Donald Trump’s decision to give diplomacy a chance to reach an acceptable agreement to end the war on Iran, the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister said on Wednesday. In a post on X, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia highly appre»»»
Entre Nous - 'Liquid on lips': Noughty producing premium alcohol-free wine
In this edition of Entre Nous, we explore the rapidly expanding market of non-alcoholic wine. Amanda Thomson, founder and CEO of Noughty, speaks to FRANCE 24 about the factors driving the sector’s success and explains why alcohol-free wine is creating excitement among consumers. Thomson, a for»»»
EU takes steps to ratify the Turnberry Agreement on trade with U.S. - UPI.com
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a keynote address at the European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 12. Von der Leyen and President Donald Trump made a trade agreement in July at Turnberry, Scotland, and the EU on Tuesday began th»»»
UAE's Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 dispatches urgent humanitarian aid aircraft carrying 100 tonnes to Gaza
Dubai: A new UAE humanitarian aid aircraft departed this morning from Al Maktoum International Airport bound for Al Arish city in the Arab Republic of Egypt, in preparation for the delivery of its cargo into the Gaza Strip. The mission forms part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 and comes within th»»»
REVIEW: ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ has lots to offer on the big screen, but still feels hollow
DUBAI: With “Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu,” director Jon Favreau delivers a film that is undeniably charming on the surface. It is packed with adorable Grogu reaction shots, new creatures to enjoy, familiar and new planets, and just enough nostalgia to remind audiences why the galaxy far, far»»»
Tunisia lifts ban on prominent rights group
TUNIS: Tunisian authorities have lifted a ban on the local branch of prominent international NGO Avocats Sans Frontieres, the branch said on Wednesday without providing further details on the measure. ASF said in a statement it was “resuming activities starting May 20” after the ban, imposed on May»»»
Iran ‘prefers diplomacy’ but if there’s a war, Tehran says it’s ready
Iran and the US traded threats as President Donald Trump warned of renewed strikes a day after he said he held off a major assault in hopes of a peace deal. Reporting from Tehran, FRANCE 24’s Reza Sayah says Iranian officials have maintained their position that “they prefer diplomacy. They don't se»»»
BIRD.bg: Liechtenstein Files Allegedly Expose Peevski Financial NetworkOpinions
Investigative outlet BIRD.bg has published what it says are previously unseen official documents from the Financial Intelligence Unit of Liechtenstein, outlining an alleged complex financial structure involving concealed ownership and cross-border transactions. The reports reportedly place Bulgaria»»»
Qatar and Italy discuss regional security and efforts to reduce escalation
ROME: The State of Qatar and the Italian Republic have held high-level talks focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional security, including efforts to maintain the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and reduce tensions across the Middle East. Minister of State at the Ministry of Forei»»»
Qatar and Italy discuss regional security and efforts to reduce escalation
Rome: The State of Qatar and the Italian Republic have held high-level talks focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional security, including efforts to maintain the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and reduce tensions across the Middle East. Minister of State at the Ministry of Forei»»»
Colliers report highlights steady growth across UAE real estate sector
A report issued by Colliers, the diversified professional services and investment management company, on the performance of the UAE real estate market during the first quarter of 2026, revealed that the sector has entered a new phase of balanced and sustainable growth following the exceptional mome»»»
India's first disease-modifying Alzheimer's treatment drug costs almost one lakh per dose: Does it work?
Dubai: For decades, treating Alzheimer's has largely meant managing symptoms. A new drug launched in India this month is trying to change that, though the reality is more nuanced than the headlines suggest. US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, one of the world's largest drugmakers, has launched donan»»»
Taiwan author wins International Booker for ‘slyly sophisticated’ novel
London: Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-zi and translator Lin King won the International Booker Prize on Tuesday for “Taiwan Travelogue”, a playful postcolonial novel with a culinary bent. The prestigious award, which was handed out in a ceremony at London’s Tate Modern gallery, recognises works of fi»»»
In Tehran, weapons parades show defiance as threat of war remains
Iranian Revolutionary Guard members now regularly show the public in Tehran how to handle Kalashnikov-style assault rifles. Parades through the capital feature military vehicles mounted with belt-fed Soviet-era machine guns. And at one mass wedding, a ballistic missile, like the one that rained dow»»»
Vucic meets with Chinese ambassador ahead of visit to Beijing
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received Chinese Ambassador to Belgrade Li Ming ahead of a trip to China, and noted that he looked forward to meeting with President Xi Jinping again and that the support and friendship demonstrated by the Chinese leader towards Serbia remained a lastin»»»
EGX rebounds as domestic buying lifts market after recent correction
Cairo — Egypt’s stock market rebounded on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, recovering part of the previous session’s losses as local buying returned to the market following several days of broad-based declines. The benchmark EGX30 rose 1.48% to 52,774.98 points, according to data from the Egyptian Exchange (E»»»
Minister inspects key healthcare facilities in Makkah
MAKKAH: Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel inspected several healthcare facilities at the holy sites operated by the private sector, reviewing the readiness of health services, operational efficiency, and overall preparedness for the Hajj season. The inspection aimed to ensure integrated, high-qual»»»
Vucic meets with Chinese ambassador ahead of visit to Beijing
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received Chinese Ambassador to Belgrade Li Ming ahead of a trip to China, and noted that he looked forward to meeting with President Xi Jinping again and that the support and friendship demonstrated by the Chinese leader towards Serbia remained a lastin»»»
Elite dive rescue team recovers bodies of final 2 Italians in Maldives - UPI.com
An elite interational dive rescue team begins a complex operation on Wednesday to recover the remains of the last two of four Italian divers from underwater caves more than 200 feet down off the Maldives' Vaavu Atoll. Photo courtesy Maldives President's Media Division/EPA May 20 (UPI) -- The final »»»
Why your insurance may get more expensive in the UAE
Dubai: Insurance premiums in the UAE could become more expensive as insurers face rising claims, higher technology costs and tougher regulatory demands, according to a new Alpen Capital report released Wednesday, May 20. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The warning come»»»
Stop hostile acts, UAE tells Iraq after Barakah strike
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the terrorist drone attack launched from Iraqi territory targeting the peaceful Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, after one of the drones struck an electricity generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter on Sunday. In a statement, the ministry sa»»»
Beverage market in Kyrgyzstan: Factories increase output by 23.5 percent - | 24.KG
From January to April 2026, food industry enterprises in Kyrgyzstan produced goods worth 35,512.1 billion soms. The National Statistical Committee recorded a 17 percent growth in the sector. The main drivers were beverage production and bakery products. The bulk of food production remains concentra»»»
What’s making Schengen visa appointments harder to get for UAE travellers?
Dubai: Travellers in the UAE trying to secure Schengen visa appointments for Europe this summer are increasingly facing a new problem: AI bots and unofficial agents snapping up free appointment slots and reselling them at inflated prices. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balance»»»
Putin, Xi hail 'unyielding' ties in talks after Trump visit
Beijing: President Xi Jinping hailed China and Russia's "unyielding" ties in talks with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, as the pair met to underscore their alliance days after Donald Trump's own visit to Beijing. The two countries' ties have deepened since Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as Russia »»»
Cabinet extends best wishes to Amir on Eid Al Adha, approves draft law regulating social work professions
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani chaired the regular Cabinet meeting at its headquarters in the Amiri Diwan. Following the meeting, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs HEIbrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi»»»
China training Russian troops for Ukraine combat: German newspaper
BERLIN: European intelligence agencies believe the Chinese military has trained hundreds of Russian soldiers for fighting in Ukraine, according to Germany’s Die Welt newspaper which cited secret documents it had seen. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly hosted covert training for »»»
FIFA’s 2026 World Cup faces a question it can no longer avoid
In 2018, on the day the 2026 FIFA World Cup was awarded to the US, Canada, and Mexico, I vowed that under no circumstances would I work at it in any capacity, from commentator to host, journalist to presenter. The reason was simple: five years of non-stop lawfare against the sport’s global governin»»»