Yemen is back from the brink, but frenemies Saudi Arabia and UAE have much to negotiate
The UAE this week announced a withdrawal of its troops from southern Yemen, marking a de-escalation in year-end tensions with its ally Saudi Arabia. But 2026 offers little hope for a strategic patch-up between the two Gulf powerhouses. That could mean more trouble for Yemen, the region, and the int»»»
Swiss bar blaze: Authorities warn it may take weeks to ID victims - UPI.com
A woman leaves flowers Friday at a makeshift shrine near the scene of the New Year's Day blaze in a bar in Crans-Montana on in Switzerland's southern Valais region. Photo by Jean-Christophe Bott/EPA Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Rescuers in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana were continuing the search Friday »»»
South Koreans now free to read North's newspaper, once banned as seditious
Seoul: Packed with missile tests, propaganda hailing the great leaders and tirades against the United States, North Korea's top newspaper was long considered so incendiary that South Korea banned its citizens from reading it. But dovish President Lee Jae Myung is now seeking better ties with Pyongy»»»
Yemen separatists say Saudi-backed forces to deploy in seized territories
Separatists from Yemen's Southern Transitional Council said on Thursday that Saudi-aligned government forces would enter territories seized by the UAE-backed group, in a step that appeared unlikely to satisfy Riyadh after it repeatedly demanded their full withdrawal. A surprise offensive by the STC»»»
Bulgaria Switches to Euro: What Will Cost More, Less, and Stay the Same from January 1, 2026 (UPDATED)
As Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, replacing the leva (BGN) at a fixed exchange rate of 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR, the country faces a complex landscape of price adjustments across various sectors. This comprehensive analysis examines which prices are rising, which are falling, an»»»
Europe’s €90bn Ukraine Loan: Strategic Leverage or a Growing Burden?
Europe’s decision to mobilise a €90 billion EU-backed loan to keep Ukraine financially afloat marks one of the most consequential—and revealing—moments of the war. Beyond the complex night-long diplomacy that sealed the deal in Brussels, the key strategic question now confronting European capitals »»»
Point of no return: The Middle East entered a new era of conflict in 2025
Without a doubt, 2025 proved to be one of the most intense years for the Middle East in the past decades, marking a definitive shift from “managed crises” to a phase of multi-layered and poorly controlled escalation. Unlike previous years, when conflicts – primarily between Iran and Israel – unfold»»»
Bulgaria Switches to Euro: What Will Cost More, Less, and Stay the Same from January 1, 2026 (UPATED)
As Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, replacing the leva (BGN) at a fixed exchange rate of 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR, the country faces a complex landscape of price adjustments across various sectors. This comprehensive analysis examines which prices are rising, which are falling, an»»»
How India overtook Japan as world’s 4th-largest economy: What is the ‘Goldilocks’ phase
India has surged past Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy at $4.18 trillion, positioning itself to eclipse Germany for the third spot by 2030, according to a government release. Highlighting on-going reforms, New Delhi has cited India’s rapid, domestically-driven growth, strong consu»»»
The EU has everything to gain from peace. Why does it keep insisting on war?
Europe is no longer sleepwalking into disaster. It is marching toward it with wide-open eyes, clenched fists, and a disturbing sense of moral self-satisfaction. At the very moment when the United States, under Donald Trump’s leadership, is returning to diplomacy, restraint, and strategic realism, t»»»
Banks in Bulgaria Closed Until January 4: Experts Advise Using Cards to Avoid Cash Issues
As Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, consumers are being urged to prioritise card payments during the initial transitional period. Bogomil Nikolov, chairman of “Active Consumers,” told Bulgarian National Radio that the start of the year presents a unique challenge: banks will »»»
Will the Gaza ceasefire make it to phase two?
US President Donald Trump warmly greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida this week as the two leaders put on a public display of unity on multiple fronts—from Gaza to Iran to Netanyahu’s legal and political challenges at home. This meeting came after week»»»
How politics, rates and risk appetite reshaped markets in 2025
Dubai: Many investors are closing out 2025 with more money in their pockets, even after a year that repeatedly tested risk appetite. Global equities recovered from an April shock linked to fresh tariffs and still finished the year with strong gains, while three US rate cuts lowered borrowing costs »»»
Will the Gaza ceasefire make it to phase two?
US President Donald Trump warmly greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida this week as the two leaders put on a public display of unity on multiple fronts—from Gaza to Iran to Netanyahu’s legal and political challenges at home. This meeting came after week»»»
Russian politicians react to Ukrainian drone attack on Putin residence
Russian officials have denounced a Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s state residence as an act of “state terrorism,” saying it sought to sabotage ongoing peace efforts between Moscow and Washington. Moscow revealed late on Monday that the Ukrainian military had fired a barrage of»»»
Government to review 'information failures' in British-Egyptian activist case
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has launched a review into what she calls "serious information failures" in the case of British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El Fattah. In a letter to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Cooper said she, Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy "were al»»»
A world transformed: geopolitics in the first quarter of the 21st century
The first quarter of the 21st century is coming to an end, and global politics looks quite different to how it did when crowds gathered across the globe to welcome in the new millennium. For many, especially in the West, the year 2000 marked a high point in liberal-democratic optimism before it was»»»
UN report reveals Taliban security weakness on Afghan border with Tajikistan
Afghanistan’s Taliban regime has carried out deep cuts to the country’s security forces – a United Nations monitoring report that reveals the move is of particular concern given that at least five Chinese workers were recently killed by assailants said to have crossed into Tajikistan from Afghan bo»»»
UN report reveals Taliban security weakness on Afghan border with Tajikistan
Afghanistan’s Taliban regime has carried out deep cuts to the country’s security forces – a United Nations monitoring report that reveals the move is of particular concern given that at least five Chinese workers were recently killed by assailants said to have crossed into Tajikistan from Afghan bo»»»
UN report reveals Taliban security weakness on Afghan border with Tajikistan
Afghanistan’s Taliban regime has carried out deep cuts to the country’s security forces – a United Nations monitoring report that reveals the move is of particular concern given that at least five Chinese workers were recently killed by assailants said to have crossed into Tajikistan from Afghan bo»»»
UN report reveals Taliban security weakness on Afghan border with Tajikistan
Afghanistan’s Taliban regime has carried out deep cuts to the country’s security forces – a United Nations monitoring report that reveals the move is of particular concern given that at least five Chinese workers were recently killed by assailants said to have crossed into Tajikistan from Afghan bo»»»
UN report reveals Taliban security weakness on Afghan border with Tajikistan
Afghanistan’s Taliban regime has carried out deep cuts to the country’s security forces – a United Nations monitoring report that reveals the move is of particular concern given that at least five Chinese workers were recently killed by assailants said to have crossed into Tajikistan from Afghan bo»»»
Family first, ideology last: The real glue of Indian politics
Death by breath continued to haunt us in Delhi even as the civic elections in Mumbai served as a pointer to what politicians really care about — and it is certainly not ideology or the people in whose name they seek votes. As predicted for my beloved readers of SWAT ANALYSIS, the grand reunion of M»»»
Saudi Arabia Turns Potato Farming Challenge into Export Opportunity
In the deserts of Hail in northern Saudi Arabia, where rugged mountains border a climate that turns mild in summer and biting in winter, an unlikely agricultural success story has emerged. From sandy soil that appears unforgiving at first glance, uniform potatoes are harvested to meet the exacting »»»
Bahrain targets revenue boost with fuel hikes, tariffs and corporate tax plan
Dubai: Bahrain has announced a comprehensive package of fiscal reforms aimed at strengthening public finances, marking one of the most far-reaching adjustments under the kingdom’s ongoing financial reform programme. The measures include increases in fuel prices, electricity and water tariffs, highe»»»
US-Israeli Enemey Rift Over Gaza’s Future: Reconstruction Not Netanyahu’s Priority
A growing divergence between Washington and “Tel Aviv” has emerged over the future of Gaza, with Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly taking a dismissive stance toward the territory’s reconstruction, according to political analyst and White House correspondent Ariel Kahane of Israel»»»
Severe frost grips Greece as polar air mass brings New Year cold snap
Greece is experiencing a spell of cold weather, with severe frost recorded across central and northern mainland areas early Monday. The lowest temperature was minus 8.1 degrees Celsius in Nevrokopi, near the Bulgarian border, while other inland regions also reported subzero readings, according to t»»»
Trying to Improve Your Health and Wellness in 2026? Keep it Simple
The new year is a time when many try to start new good habits and commit to improving health and wellness. But resolutions, lofty as they may be, can turn daunting quickly with all the advice and sometimes contradicting information coming at you from news reports, advertisers, influencers, friends »»»
Poland must be ready to defend border with Germany – president
Poland must remain “ready to defend the western border” with Germany, President Karol Nawrocki has declared. The remarks drew pushback from Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who insisted that as long as Germany is an EU and NATO member, it poses no threat. Nawrocki delivered his warning on»»»
Kumtor generates over 124 billion soms in revenue in 2025 - | 24.KG
Kumtor’s revenue for 2025 exceeded 124,216 billion soms, and gold production will reach 12 tons by the end of the year. Daiyrbek Orunbekov, head of the Information Policy Service of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, reported. According to him, all revenues are transferred to t»»»
Trump Says Ukraine Deal Closer but No Talks Breakthrough
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that a deal was closer than ever to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine but reported no apparent breakthrough on the flashpoint issue of territory after new talks with the warring countries' leaders. Trump, who had promised a peace deal on day one of his nearly ye»»»
Spurs deliver big win for Frank as Calvert-Lewin denies Sunderland
London: Tottenham ground out a much-needed three points for the under-fire Thomas Frank with a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, while high-flying Sunderland were held 1-1 by Leeds yesterday. Archie Gray was Spurs’ unlikely match winner at Selhurst Park with his first senior goal as Frank’s men won for ju»»»
Trump and Zelensky appear more upbeat - but show little evidence that peace is near
The much-anticipated talks lasted two-and-a-half hours, and that's an achievement in itself. Presidents Trump and Zelensky had never before spent this long in one room, negotiating. Afterwards, optimism was much on display at Mar-a-Lago. It was a "terrific meeting", according to Donald Trump. Volod»»»
Spending New Year's Eve in Budapest? Brace yourself: the night is set to bring bitter cold and snow!
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7 viral meme trends that took over the internet in 2025
Doha, Qatar: From Labubus to 6-7 memes, internet has been abuzz with various viral trends and memes in 2025. The Peninsula lists a few of the memorable ones that defined 2025. The 6-7 mania Dictionary.com named "67" its Word of the Year - pronounced six-seven, not sixty seven. The two-digit number »»»
Bulgaria Switches to Euro: What Will Cost More, Less, and Stay the Same from January 1, 2026
As Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, replacing the leva (BGN) at a fixed exchange rate of 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR, the country faces a complex landscape of price adjustments across various sectors. This comprehensive analysis examines which prices are rising, which are falling, an»»»
Lebanon's cabinet approves draft law on financial crisis losses
BEIRUT, Lebanon — 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 from political and banking officials.The draft law is a key demand from the international commun»»»
War-torn Myanmar votes in widely criticised 'sham' election
Myanmar is going to the polls in an election widely dismissed as a sham, with major political parties dissolved, many of their leaders jailed and as much as half the country unlikely to vote because of an ongoing civil war. The military government is holding a phased ballot nearly five years after »»»
Almost 40% of Germans Say Merz Cabinet May Collapse Before Term Ends - Poll
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - In Germany, 37% of residents believe Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government is unlikely to serve its full term, set to end in early 2029, according to a YouGov poll for Welt am Sonntag published on Saturday. According to the poll, 37% of respondents see it as "very unlikely" that»»»
Fresh UK sanctions on Syria send a message
As Syrians were celebrating the full repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, the United Kingdom announced a new round of sanctions—an unmistakable reminder that Syria’s reckoning with punitive measures is far from over. By targeting not only figures linked to the former regime but also »»»
Paris lauds Lebanese govt.'s approval of financial gap bill
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 from political and banking officials. The draft law is a key demand from the international community, which has co»»»
From palaces to prison cells: Ex-heads of state behind bars in 2025 — detained, restricted, and what happens next
Once untouchable symbols of national power, a growing number of former heads of state are now behind bars or under detention — a striking reflection of how accountability, politics and justice are colliding across continents. Some cases are hailed by supporters as long-overdue justice; others are f»»»
Sharp cold snap to close the year in Hungary as arctic air sweeps in
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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»»»
Zelensky plans to meet Trump on Sunday for talks on ending Russian war
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will meet US President Donald Trump in Florida at the weekend, as talks continue on ending Russia's full-scale war. Zelensky said he expected the meeting to take place on Sunday and to focus on a US-brokered 20-point peace plan, as well as separate proposals»»»
Syria Kurds chief says 'all efforts' being made to salvage deal with Damascus
Syrian Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi said that "all efforts" were being made to prevent the collapse of talks on an agreement with Damascus to integrate his forces into the central government. The remarks came days after Aleppo saw deadly clashes between the two sides before their respective leaders »»»
Bulgaria 2025: Government Collapse, Street Protests and the Final Road to the Euro
The year 2025 entered Bulgaria’s political history as one marked by the collapse of a regular government under public pressure and by decisive steps toward eurozone membership, according to BTA. After a prolonged cycle of early parliamentary elections, a cabinet led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazk»»»
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»»»
Ruble world’s best-performing currency in 2025 despite sanctions and weak oil prices
The Russian ruble surged 44% against the dollar in 2025, becoming the world’s best performing currency, being only beaten by gold (72%) and silver (159%) prices amongst the major traded commodities, The Bell reported on December 24. »»»
Bulgaria's 2025 in Review: Mass Protests Take Down Government as Country Prepares for Eurozone Entry
Bulgaria’s political year 2025 will be remembered for the election of a regular government that resigned after 11 months in office amid mass protests, as well as for preparations for the country’s entry into the eurozone. Following a series of snap parliamentary elections, on January 16 the governm»»»