Philippine Airlines cancels Dubai, Doha flights until April 30: What affected passengers can do
Dubai: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has temporarily suspended its flights between Manila and major Middle East destinations, such as Dubai and Doha, until April 30 amid the ongoing tensions in the region. In its latest advisory, PAL has noted that the suspension is a “precautionary measur»»»
Arab Nations Condemn Israeli Strikes on Syria
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned on Saturday Israel's strikes on Syrian army camps as "aggression", joining other Arab nations and Türkiye in calling on the international community to intervene. Israel's military said on Friday it had struck southern Syria in response to what it called att»»»
Jury finds Elon Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase
San Francisco: A jury has found Elon Musk liable for defrauding investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company for $44 billion. But it absolved him of some fraud allegations, finding that he did no»»»
Trump Hints at Wind-Down of War as US Sends More Troops and Iran Threatens Tourism Sites
US President Donald Trump said he was considering “winding down” military operations in the Middle East even as the United States is sending three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the region. Trump’s post Friday on social media followed an Iranian threat to atta»»»
US public opinion is decisively shifting against Israel
For decades, American support for Israel was one of the most durable constants in US foreign policy, to such an extent that successive administrations, whether Democratic or Republican, hardly needed to debate it. That truism no longer holds. A Gallup poll conducted between 2-16 February confirmed »»»
Chuck Norris, US action movie star whose toughness inspired endless memes, dies at 86
From one studio to another, Chuck Norris turned discipline into legend – a martial arts champion who became the iron-jawed face of "Walker, Texas Ranger" and a larger-than-life cultural myth. He died Thursday at 86. Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in “Wal»»»
No, Iran didn't publish a 'list' of 11 American cities to target
A video claiming that Iran published a list of 11 American cities it plans to target has gone viral since it was first posted on Instagram on March 3. We found the origin of this list, and it turns out that it has nothing to do with Iran. Instagram user truecrimewithbella posted a video on Ma»»»
Despite decapitation, Iran’s regime endures: Does Hormuz blockade give Tehran the upper hand?
William Hilderbrandt is pleased to welcome Paul Taylor, Senior Visiting Fellow in the Europe in the World Programme and a member of the Defence/Security EUrope project. He is also a freelance columnist for The Guardian. Amid the Strait of Hormuz blockade, Mr. Taylor argues that even overwhelming fo»»»
Tête à tête - 'Trump could be ready to stop the war at almost any moment,' ex-adviser John Bolton says
In an interview with FRANCE 24, former US national security adviser John Bolton said US President Donald Trump "could be ready to stop the war at almost any moment". Bolton also said he remains mystified by Trump's reversal on regime change in Iran and warned that the Iranian opposition is not rece»»»
Mojtaba Khamenei says Iran dealt its enemies a 'dizzying blow' in written message
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Friday said Iran had struck a “dizzying blow” in its war with Israel and the United States in a written message marking Nowruz, the Persian New Year, even as blasts rocked the capital Tehran. Israel accused the Islamic republic of targeting Jerusalem’s holiest sit»»»
Spotlight - Hungary's Orbán blocks €90 billion loan, threatening vital EU support for Ukraine
Mark Owen is pleased to welcome Dr Hanna Shelest, Director of Security Studies and Global Outreach Programmes at Ukrainian Prism and editor-in-chief at UA: Ukraine Analytica. According to Dr Shelest, Ukrainian forces demonstrate that with adaptive strategy, technological innovation and ti»»»
Georgians continue fight for democracy after almost 500 days of protest
It's Saturday night in Tbilisi. A crowd is gathering outside the city's State Concert Hall, chatting among themselves. For some, the gathering offers a brief respite from the exhaustion of prolonged demonstration. For others, it is an act of defiance against a government that opposition figures, We»»»
Kyrgyzstan: Ousted security services chief now facing corruption allegations
Ousted former Kyrgyz security services boss Kamchybek Tashiyev, a former boxer who until last month was President Sadyr Japarov’s right-hand man, is on the ropes. A little more than a month after Japarov uncere»»»
EU Council meeting achieves little
EU leaders had a heavy agenda at a summit in Brussels on March 19. They had to deal with a mushrooming energy crisis, a Ukraine funding fiasco and the stalled passage of twentieth sanctions on Russia. Little progress was made on solving any of these issues. »»»
EU Council meeting achieves little
EU leaders had a heavy agenda at a summit in Brussels on March 19. They had to deal with a mushrooming energy crisis, a Ukraine funding fiasco and the stalled passage of twentieth sanctions on Russia. Little progress was made on solving any of these issues. »»»
Belarus frees another 250 political prisoners as US eases sanctions
Belarus has released another 250 political prisoners, the largest single release to date, after cutting a new sanctions relief deal with the US, Associated Press reported on March 19. President Alexander Lukashenko ordered»»»
Middle East tensions rise: Iran targets tourist spots as US deploys more marines - here's what to know
Three weeks into escalating Middle East tensions, Iran warned it could expand attacks to recreational and tourist sites worldwide. The threat came as Gulf nations intercepted multiple drones near oil installations, and Israel reported continued missile fire from Iran. Stay updated: Get the latest f»»»
US Issues License for Sale of Iranian Oil Loaded On Vessels As of March 20
The US Treasury Department has issued a license for delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products loaded onto vessels as of March 20. "Except as provided in paragraph (b), all transactions prohibited by the above-listed authorities that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the s»»»
Nebius raises $4bn in convertible bonds
Nebius Group, led by founder and ex-CEO of Russian internet major Yandex Arkady Volozh, raised $4bn through a placement of convertible bonds, according to RBC business portal citing company disclosures. Nebius Group is led»»»
Ukraine risks aid shortfall as reform delays and EU divisions test financial lifeline
Ukraine faces a growing risk of losing critical international support in 2026-2027 as reform delays at home coincide with mounting political divisions within the EU over future financing for Kyiv, reported Ukraine Business News. »»»
US‑Israel war with Iran, Day 22: What you need to know
Airspace disruptions and rising regional tensions are impacting travel and security across the UAE, with flights delayed and routes altered. Authorities confirmed the situation remains stable after intercepting missiles and drones, while travellers face uncertainty over schedules and rights. Meanwh»»»
From storming WWII beaches to Iraq’s streets: How Marines fought America’s toughest battles
Dubai: From storming World War II beaches to spearheading urban combat in Iraq, the US Marines have long served as America’s first force into battle, built for speed, adaptability and frontline fighting. That role is back in focus as the United States moves additional Marine forces into position am»»»
Trump says he is considering 'winding down' Iran war
President Donald Trump has said he is considering "winding down" the war in Iran because the US was "getting very close" to meeting its military objectives. He also said the Strait of Hormuz would have to be guarded by other nations who use it, stating that the US wasn't one of them. Energy prices »»»
Trump says considering 'winding down' Iran war, US eases oil sanctions; Khamenei claims to have dealt a 'dizzying blow' to country's enemies
President Donald Trump said Friday that he was considering "winding down" military operations against Iran, as the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil shipments to stem a global supply crisis. Iran launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and Israel mean»»»
Dubai on first day of Eid Al-Fitr: vibrant scenes reflect city’s dynamism
DUBAI: Dubai’s world-class attractions, entertainment venues, and shopping centres saw a surge of activity on the first day of Eid Al-Fitr. A diverse array of events and seasonal promotions drew residents and visitors alike to the heart of the city's festive celebrations. Major landmarks, including»»»
Russia's school propaganda was highlighted by Oscar-winning film - but does it work?
When her seven-year-old daughter was told to learn a poem about Russia's "glorious army" for a school event, Nina from Moscow thought it was too much. She has struggled to shield her daughter from an ever-increasing number of "patriotic" activities and lessons. That ramping up of war propaganda dir»»»
Nepal’s reset moment: Can Balen deliver real reform?
In a political earthquake that has stunned South Asia, 35-year-old former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah — popularly known as “Balen” — has led the insurgent Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to an overwhelming parliamentary victory in Nepal. The election followed months of political turmoil and youth-»»»
Iranian strikes on bases used by US caused $800m in damage, new analysis shows
Iranian strikes on military bases used by the US in the Middle East caused about $800m (£600m) in damage in the first two weeks of the war, a new analysis shows. Much of the damage was caused in initial retaliatory strikes by Iran in the week after the US and Israel launched the war, according to a»»»
The attack on Iran’s South Pars, world’s largest gas field, and Tehran’s retaliation threatens energy supply
Israel’s recent strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and Tehran’s retaliation on key energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries is more than just another escalation of the war roiling the Middle East. What began as a campaign of decapitation strikes and base‑to‑base missile exchanges has esca»»»
Flight cancelled or delayed in UAE? 10 things you’re entitled to right now
Dubai: Flight disruptions linked to Middle East airspace closures have left thousands of UAE travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. For many, the key question is simple: what can you actually claim when your flight falls apart? Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balan»»»
Trump rules out Iran truce as more Marines head to Middle East
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday ruled out reaching a ceasefire agreement with Iran, as more Marines headed to the Middle East in a possible sign of a coming ground operation. Trump insisted Washington had the upper hand in the three-week-old war, despite Iran effectively blockading the Strait»»»
Monarch population up in Mexico; California falls near record lows - UPI.com
In coastal California, where western monarchs spend the winter, numbers remain dangerously low. File Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo A key monarch butterfly population is showing signs of improvement this year, but scientists warn the species remains in long-term decline -- especiall»»»
Ukraine-Hungary oil pipeline row threatens EU loan
A bitter dispute pitting Hungary and Slovakia against Ukraine is holding up a crucial €90bn (£77.95bn) EU loan to Ukraine. No oil has flowed through the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline, from Russia to Hungary and Slovakia across Ukraine, since the major oil hub at Brody, in western Ukraine, was damag»»»
DOJ files suit against Harvard for failing to protect Jewish students - UPI.com
The President Donald Trump administration has filed suit against Harvard University, claiming it didn't protect Jewish Students during protests against Israel starving Palestinians. File Photo CJ Gunther/EPA March 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Justice Department sued Harvard University on Friday, accusing t»»»
White House releases AI laws framework to prevent state laws - UPI.com
The White House Friday released a legislative framework for artificial intelligence. File Photo by Fazry Ismail/EPA March 20 (UPI) -- The White House released a new legislative framework for artificial intelligence creating a federal policy to prevent states from making their own laws about it. "Th»»»
‘Ending Soon’: Netanyahu Shifts Iran War Goals
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is gradually scaling back his sweeping ambition to end the war with Iran by toppling its regime, bringing his rhetoric closer to that of US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu now speaks of “achieving tremendous gains” through three objectives: curbing Iran’s»»»
Israeli Army Advances into Lebanon on Four Axes
Israeli troops advanced from four directions on Friday into Lebanese territory, as attacks resumed along the Khiam and Taybeh axes, operations restarted on the Maroun al-Ras front, and a new axis was opened in the western sector toward the town of Naqoura. The push appears aimed at dispersing defen»»»
CBS News shuts down radio service after nearly 100 years
CBS News has said it is shutting down its radio service after nearly 100 years in May, in a fresh round of layoffs. The service is expected to end on 22 May, affecting more than 700 affiliate stations, the editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, and president Tom Cibrowski announced on Friday. Employees will »»»
Socialist Party Leader Addresses Supporters in Pernik in First Campaign Event
Bulgarian Socialist Party leader Krum Zarkov addressed supporters in the western city of Pernik during what was the first campaign event of his party. "We need competent governance with a clear left-wing philosophy," he said. According to Zarkov, Bulgaria must break out of a vicious cycle of freque»»»
Issa says Lebanon must talk to Israel even if it doesn't cease fire
After visiting Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi in Bkirki, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa affirmed that "the United States is concerned with peace prevailing in Lebanon and for it to be independent and free from war." "I personally am doing everything I can to achieve this goal. I share a»»»
Norway's Mette-Marit says Jeffrey Epstein 'manipulated and deceived' her - UPI.com
Magnus Haakon, the crown prince of Norway, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway attend the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize presentation ceremony at Oslo City Hall. Mette-Marit gave her first interview about her friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. File Photo by Paul Treadway/UPI | License Photo March 20 (UP»»»
Hottest March temperature in US history recorded in Arizona
A desert community in Arizona has broken the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in March in the US. Temperatures reached 43C (110F) in the area, located just outside Martinez Lake in the Yuma Desert on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The record-breaking temp»»»
Sanctioned Russian tankers nearing Cuba test U.S. oil ban enforcement - UPI.com
The U.S. Treasury Department said this week that Cuba is prohibited from receiving Russian crude oil File Photo by Anatoly Maltsev/EPA March 20 (UPI) -- Two tankers carrying Russian oil and fuel are expected to arrive in Cuba in the coming days, testing new U.S. restrictions and raising uncertainty»»»
On First Day of Election Campaign, GERB Leader Visits New State Hospital under Construction in Yambol
GERB leader Boyko Borisov visited the new building of the state hospital under construction in the southeastern town of Yambol on Friday, the first day of the election campaign. "What we committed to back in 2018 is now 98 percent complete. In a few months, everything will be ready, and people will»»»
Iran to boycott US but not FIFA World Cup, football chief says
Iran intends to take part in this summer’s FIFA World Cup but only if the team’s matches are moved from the US to Mexico, the head of the country’s football federation has said. The announcement comes as the US and Israel continue their military campaign against Iran, now in its fourth week. The 20»»»
Israel strikes Syria after Druze clashes
Israel says it has carried out air strikes on Syrian government infrastructure in the south of the country, in response to what it described as attacks on Druze civilians in Suweida province. In a statement, the Israeli military said it hit a command centre and weapons stored at army compounds over»»»
US Stocks Sink on Fears the War with Iran will Keep Interest Rates High
US stocks are sinking Friday as hopes wither on Wall Street for a possible cut to interest rates by the Federal Reserve this year because of the war with Iran. The S&P 500 fell 0.9% and was on track for a fourth straight losing week, its longest such streak in a year. The Dow Jones Industrial Avera»»»
NASA’s Artemis II rocket back to launch pad after wind delay - UPI.com
1 of 2 | NASA’s Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft are returning to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida following a wind delay on Friday. NASA plans to launch a crew of four in the Orion spacecraft on the Artemis II Mission to the moon no earlier than 01April. Photo by Joe Mar»»»
There’s a heretic in the heart of the EU and he wants to talk to Putin
Ideally, policy debates should serve to bring together the fullest information, the brightest minds, and the sharpest arguments in order to find solutions. That is, the optimum combination between what is best and what is feasible. In the real world, shaped by ordinary human fallibility and the ext»»»
Moscow warns EU of energy crisis amid Iran war and rejection of Russian supplies
An oil and gas price surge is about to hit Europe, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev has warned, calling the EU’s rejection of Russian energy, “stubborn stupidity.” The escalating conflict in the Middle East, triggered by the US-Israeli attack on Iran, has driven extreme volatility in global energy mar»»»