When it Comes to the War and Negotiations With the US, IRGC is in Charge and Here’s Why
After Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top leaders and commanders were killed on February 28, “it took Iran 10 minutes to retaliate” and start targeting US bases across the Gulf and in Israel, says veteran war correspondent Elijah Magnier. “Therefore, the IRGC is the one running the show,” Mag»»»
Jordan’s king and president of Finland attend military exercise in Amman
LONDON: King Abdullah of Jordan and the president of Finland, Alexander Stubb, attended a military tactical exercise in Amman on Monday. It took place at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center, which trains special operations units at the regional and international levels. King Abd»»»
Michigan attorney general denies Trump administration ballot access - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to collect election materials, including ballot information. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo April 20 (UPI) -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has rejected the Trump administration's atte»»»
Hormuz Crisis’ Spread to Bab al-Mandab, Strait of Malacca Would Wipe Out the World Economy
The three strategic chokepoints are “critical passageways where a lot of trade, a lot of energy flows take place,” and prolonged closure would have a “huge impact in terms of energy prices…GDP growth, employment,” and could trigger a global recession or depression, says financial analyst Syed Javed»»»
Iran says 'no decision' on joining new talks, with US delegation set to depart
Iran said it had yet to decide whether to attend a new round of peace negotiations with the United States, as Washington's delegation prepared to depart for Pakistan on Monday. The uncertainty over the talks on ending the war that engulfed the region and rattled global markets came as U.S. Presiden»»»
Poland second to Romania in terms of size of public finance deficit
Poland remains the second highest in the EU for public finance deficit, likely behind Romania. In 2025, Poland’s deficit reached 7.2 percent of GDP according to Statistics Poland data. The increase was driven by rising spending on defense, social programs, and debt servicing, despite solid economic»»»
Exhibition Dedicated to 150th Anniversary of April Uprising Opens at National Library
An exhibition “For the Freedom of a People”, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, opened at the National Library on Monday. President Iliana Iotova attended the event. She said the venue is symbolic and that it would be difficult to find a more suitable space for such an exhibi»»»
Vujic visits Mladic, speaks with IRMCT president
THE HAGUE - Serbian Justice Minister Nenad Vujic on Monday visited former Republika Srpska Army General Ratko Mladic and former Republika Srpska Minister Mico Stanisic, who are serving prison sentences in The Hague, and subsequently met with International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (»»»
Did the Pope change — or did the world finally listen?
Luanda: And in Africa, the lion roared. There is a case to be made that Pope Leo XIV, the careful, reserved, Midwestern Augustinian, found his voice on his epic trip through Africa, blasting the “handful of tyrants” and “chains of corruption” that have held the continent hostage for centuries. But »»»
Hungary’s Magyar Says Would Carry Out ICC Warrant Against Netanyahu
Hungary's incoming prime minister Peter Magyar said Monday the country will execute International Criminal Court warrants against anyone, after he invited Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu -- wanted under just such a warrant -- to Budapest later this year. In 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant »»»
EU to Gauge Member States’ Willingness to Punish Israel
The EU's top diplomat said Monday the bloc will gauge the willingness of member states to take measures against Israel, after Spain re-upped demands to suspend a cooperation deal. Foreign ministers from the 27-nation bloc are expected to discuss the matter at a meeting in Luxembourg Tuesday after a»»»
Real Talks Need Honored Pledges, Not US Pressure – Iranian President
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that honoring commitments is essential for dialogue, while condemning U.S. demands for Iran’s surrender. "Honoring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue. Deep historical mistrust in Iran toward US gov conduct remains, while unconstructive & con»»»
Kosovo deadly attack trial nears end, defence rejects charges
Pristina: The trial in Pristina over an alleged secession attempt in northern Kosovo entered its final phase Monday, April 20, 2026, with the defence rejecting charges against three Serbs accused of "terrorist acts". In September 2023, a group of dozens of heavily armed men led by Serb Milan Radoic»»»
UAE threatens to ditch petrodollar for yuan in currency swap talks – WSJ
The United Arab Emirates has warned the US Treasury that it could be “forced to use Chinese yuan” in oil trade, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama delivered what the newspaper described as an “implicit threat” against the dollar’s dominant po»»»
20 startups launched through university accelerator program
RIYADH: Some 20 startups launched into the Saudi market at the conclusion of the University Startup Accelerator Program, organized by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, also known as Monshaat. A special event was held at the University of Business and Technology in Jeddah, mark»»»
Is Israel replicating Gaza's 'Yellow Line' in south Lebanon?
Israel says it has established a "Yellow Line" in south Lebanon near the border, where its forces are operating despite a 10-day ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah. What is the so-called "Yellow Line", how does it resemble an Israeli military demarcation in the Gaza Strip and where does it leave »»»
How Global Village is keeping you safe
After a month-long closure triggered by the Iran–Israel–US conflict, Global Village has reopened with renewed energy, and a sharpened focus on safety. As we are told by security, the priority is clear: Keep calm, stay alert, and protect every visitor who walks through the gates. We have to be calm.»»»
Iran Says 'No Decision' Yet on Joining New Round of US Peace Talks
Iran said it had yet to decide whether to attend a new round of peace negotiations with the United States on Monday, casting uncertainty on a push to stop the Middle East war from resuming. US President Donald Trump said he was sending negotiators to Pakistan for talks on ending the war that engulf»»»
Residents return to ravaged homes months after Hong Kong fire
Hong Kong: Hong Kong residents who lost their homes in a massive fire at an apartment complex last year began returning on Monday for the first time to collect what is left of their belongings. The city's deadliest fire in decades killed 168 people when it ripped through seven of the eight apartmen»»»
New programme to turn 1,000 UAE families into entrepreneurs over 5 years
Dubai: The UAE is aiming to turn 1,000 Emirati families into entrepreneurs over the next five years, as part of a wider push to reduce reliance on state support and build a more self-sufficient economy. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Announced under the national campa»»»
How the US-Israel-Iran conflict may impact the Global South’s harvest season
LONDON: For much of the Global South, the US-Israel-Iran war is no longer a distant geopolitical crisis. It is showing up in farm budgets, fuel queues and food markets, as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz drives up costs and strains already fragile economies. Iran’s blockade of Hormuz has rattled»»»
How Bahrain is supporting private-sector workers as Gulf businesses feel Iran war strain
LONDON: Reverberations of the conflict in the Middle East are being felt across the region both physically and metaphorically. The booms and jolts of missile interceptions over Gulf cities and industrial sites may have halted since President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8, b»»»
Oman private sector grows in Q4 2025 as value added, jobs rise
JEDDAH: Oman’s private sector recorded steady growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the number of active private enterprises rising by 0.2 percent to 268,286, compared to 267,734 in the same period of 2024, according to official data. Medium-sized enterprises posted the strongest growth in the»»»
Modern agriculture raises some Saudi farmers’ yields by $0.08 per kilogram
RIYADH: Investing in the restoration of arid and degraded lands is a highly profitable economic investment. Every dollar spent yields direct and indirect economic benefits ranging from $7 to $30. This highlights the significance of Saudi Arabia’s success in rehabilitating the first million hectares»»»
Slaveski and IMF’s Bo Li reaffirm central bank independence and need for caution amid global risks
Washington, 19 April 2026 (MIA) - Governor of the National Bank Trajko Slaveski, together with Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska and the delegation, held a meeting with IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings taking place in Washingt»»»
Western Policy Aimed at Deterring Russia, China Threatens International Peace - Moscow
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The policy of the West, which is aimed at deterring Russia and China, poses a threat to international peace and security, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeniy Ivanov said on Monday. "If we talk about the external perimeter, then the main threat to international peace and secur»»»
Weekend deals Qatar: A ‘two-list’ system to save money without wasting your weekend
Doha, Qatar: Weekends in Qatar move fast. You sit down to plan one or two purchases… then the “quick check” turns into endless scrolling through Qatar offers, screenshots, and half-remembered messages. By the time you decide, you’ve either overpaid or you’re too tired to buy anything at all. A smar»»»
5 ways to get more magnesium without taking a supplement
Magnesium supplements are among the most popular dietary supplements in America. Experts say that’s because magnesium plays an important role in our health. It helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It supports your immune system and muscle health. And it can help you get a good nigh»»»
Macron and Tusk meet in Poland to discuss European defence
Poland: French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk are meeting Monday in the north of Poland to strengthen defence cooperation in the face of Russian threats and weakening US commitment to Europe. The meeting is the first since the two countries signed a treaty of friend»»»
What to know as ceasefire in Iran war hangs in the balance
The ceasefire in the Iran war hangs in the balance as Pakistan's capital stands prepared for possible new talks between Tehran and Washington. As of right now, the two-week ceasefire will expire at 0000 GMT Wednesday (8 p.m. ET Tuesday.) But the truce between Iran, Israel and the United States star»»»
Sharjah warns drivers to follow rules as schools reopen
Sharjah :Sharjah Traffic Prosecution has urged motorists and pedestrians to strictly follow traffic laws and road protocol, describing compliance as the first line of defence in protecting lives and property, particularly as students return to school. Focus on school rush hoursDr Saeed Abdullah Al »»»
Dutch unlock 950 mn euros to ease fuel price pain
The Hague: The Dutch government said Monday that it would allocate over 950 million euros ($1.1 billion) to help compensate businesses and individuals for the surge in petrol prices since the outbreak of war between the US and Iran. “Energy prices are expected to remain high for the time being, eve»»»
Issa meets Aoun and Berri, Lebanese president may meet Trump soon
President Joseph Aoun met Monday with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon,l Michel Issa and discussed with him the general situation in light of the recent developments, as well as his talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Presidency said. "They also discussed the pe»»»
EFSD raises Kyrgyzstan’s economic growth forecast for 2026 - | 24.KG
Analysts at the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD) have revised upward their macroeconomic outlook for Kyrgyzstan. The country’s GDP is now expected to grow by 8.3 percent in 2026, reaching approximately 2,334.8 trillion soms. Economic growth and fiscal stimulus The main driver »»»
Edi Rama on Kathimerini: Plato, Fortunes and the Chimarra
Edi Rama is already in his 13th year as prime minister, but some of the open questions in the relations between the two countries remain the same and unchanged. A few days before his arrival in Greece for the 11th Delphi Economic Forum (April 22-25), Rama spoke to "K" about Greek-Albanian relations»»»
Multiple injured in clash at Paraguay football match
Asuncion, Paraguay: Paraguayan officials suspended a football match between Olimpia and Cerro Porteno on Sunday after several people were injured when Cerro Porteno fans clashed with police at a stadium in the capital. Witnesses said the violence was sparked by the detonation of high-powered firecr»»»
BR Analysis | Stagflation risk prompting investor caution in Romania
Stagflation is considered to be a growing risk for the Romanian economy this year, as the country has already entered a technical recession while facing additional challenges on the energy front, as prices could soar over the ongoing Middle East conflict. By Ovidiu Poșircă Iulian Lolea, chief econo»»»
ope Leo XIV downplays feud with Trump over Iran war remarks
Pope Leo has sought to downplay his public spat with US President Donald Trump, rejecting claims that he was trying to challenge the president with his criticism of the war in Iran and calls for peace. Speaking to reporters on a flight to Angola on Saturday, the US-born pontiff insisted that his re»»»
Trump says US team heading to Pakistan for Iran talks, warns of strikes if no deal
The US negotiating team is heading to Pakistan for the next round of Iran peace talks on Monday, President Donald Trump has announced, while renewing his threat to strike Iran’s infrastructure if no deal is reached.In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump accused Tehran of violating the temporary ce»»»
Britain can’t locate 95,000 reservists on recall list – George Robertson
The UK has effectively lost contact with tens of thousands of reservists who would be called up in a national emergency, George Robertson, a former NATO secretary general and a lead adviser for the Strategic Defense Review (SDR), has said. Amid the broader Western militarization over a perceived Ru»»»
UAE schools reopen: Safety plans, roles of schools, students, parents outlined
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai: The Ministry of Education and the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council have outlined a comprehensive safety framework, detailing the roles of schools, teachers and parents, as students across public and private schools in the UAE returned to in-person cla»»»
Iran MP plans for strategic management of Strait of Hormuz using the rial
The chair of Iran's parliamentary infrastructure commission has set out the detailed terms of a parliamentary proposal to manage transit through the Strait of Hormuz, including a complete ban on Israeli-linked shipping and tolls payable in rials. »»»
Iran MP plans for strategic management of Strait of Hormuz using the rial
The chair of Iran's parliamentary infrastructure commission has set out the detailed terms of a parliamentary proposal to manage transit through the Strait of Hormuz, including a complete ban on Israeli-linked shipping and tolls payable in rials. »»»
Iran MP plans for strategic management of Strait of Hormuz using the rial
The chair of Iran's parliamentary infrastructure commission has set out the detailed terms of a parliamentary proposal to manage transit through the Strait of Hormuz, including a complete ban on Israeli-linked shipping and tolls payable in rials. »»»
Iran MP plans for strategic management of Strait of Hormuz using the rial
The chair of Iran's parliamentary infrastructure commission has set out the detailed terms of a parliamentary proposal to manage transit through the Strait of Hormuz, including a complete ban on Israeli-linked shipping and tolls payable in rials. »»»
Bangladesh faces telecom shutdowns from Mideast fuel crisis
Dhaka: Bangladesh faces a widespread shutdown of mobile phones without rapid improvements in fuel shortages sparked by the Middle East war, operators said Monday. The South Asian nation of 170 million people imports 95 percent of its oil and gas, mostly from the Middle East, and shortages have hit »»»
EGX gains momentum after holiday break as investors eye petroleum listings
Egypt’s stock market ended the 12–16 April 2026 week firmly higher, extending the rebound seen earlier in April as investors returned after the Sunday–Monday Easter and Sham El Nessim break to a market increasingly driven by improving geopolitical headlines and renewed confidence in the local listi»»»
How China is reshaping the global chip industry
BusinessChinaHow China is reshaping the global chip industryNik MartinUS curbs on advanced chips pushed China to focus on its own semiconductor ecosystem. And while it trails at the very cutting edge, China's "good‑enough" technology is fast powering much of the global economy. https://p.dw.com/p/5»»»
IMF: War Darkens Global Economic Outlook and Reshapes Policy Priorities
The Middle East conflict halted growth momentum. The right policies and stronger global cooperation are needed to contain the damage. Despite major trade disruptions and policy uncertainty, last year ended on an upbe»»»
IMF: Middle East to see economic contractions in 2026 - Statista
Several Middle Eastern economies are expected to contract in 2026 in the wake of the war in Iran, which broke out in late February, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook, reports Statista. »»»