What Remains of Hezbollah’s Military Arsenal?
The rockets that Hezbollah continues to fire, since its decision to join what it calls a support war for Iran, have surprised observers with their intensity and type, particularly in Israel. Israeli media have expressed astonishment that the group still retains such military capabilities, despite t»»»
QCB maintains current interest rates
Doha: The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) decided on Wednesday to maintain the current interest rates for QCB Deposit Rate (QCBDR), QCB Lending Rate (QCBLR), and QCB Repo Rate (QCBRR) following an assessment of Qatar's current monetary policy. In a statement published on its official X platform, the QCB c»»»
Five takeaways from Markwayne Mullin's Homeland Security confirmation hearing
Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin regretted calling Alex Pretti - a Minnesota resident killed by federal immigration officers in Minnesota earlier this year - a "deranged individual", he said on Wednesday. The senator's marks came as he was questioned by colleagues considering his nomination to lea»»»
Esmail Khatib, Iran Spy Chief, from Shadow War to Assassination
Within Iran’s ruling structure in Tehran, the post of intelligence minister is far from a routine cabinet role. The ministry, established after the 1979 revolution, is a central pillar of the security system, overseeing a wide network of intelligence operations at home and abroad. While the preside»»»
Qatar condemns and denounces Iran's brazen targeting of Ras Laffan Industrial City
DOHA: The State of Qatar has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the brazen Iranian targeting that struck Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing fires that resulted in serious damage to the facility, and considers this aggression a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of the»»»
Qatar condemns Iranian brutal attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the brutal Iranian attack targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City, which caused fires resulting in significant damage to the facility. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that this assault a seri»»»
Forum on Healthcare Held in Sofia
A forum on healthcare, organized by the Bulgarian Medical Union, was held in Sofia on Wednesday, bringing together representatives of medical institutions and community to discuss key challenges and future policies in the system. The participants in the forum included President Iliana Iotova, caret»»»
Constitutional reform in El Salvador would allow life imprisonment - UPI.com
El Salvador's security minister, Gustavo Villatoro, said the pending new penalties for major crimes aim to strengthen public safety. File Photo by Miguel Lemus/EPA March 18 (UPI) -- El Salvador's Legislative Assembly has approved a constitutional reform that allows life imprisonment for people conv»»»
Eid Al Fitr: Abu Dhabi issues guidelines for celebration over the long weekend
Celebrations and safety are the need of the hour, and Abu Dhabi Police and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority are at the front lines of making sure this is exactly what happens over the course of the Eid Al Fitr holiday. To ensure this, they have issued certain guidelines: Remain attentive and reduc»»»
Israel Army Chief Says West Bank Settler Attacks ‘Ethically Unacceptable’
Israel's military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir on Wednesday criticized a recent rise in settler attacks in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, calling the violence against troops and civilians "morally and ethically unacceptable". At least six Palestinians have been killed in attacks by Israeli »»»
Killing of Larijani Complicates Iran’s Decision-Making, Shrinks Its Options
The killing of Iran's most influential powerbroker, Ali Larijani, has pushed the country into a more uncertain phase, complicating decision-making in Tehran and narrowing its options as the war grinds on. The US-Israeli war on Iran began with the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei alongside a g»»»
Israel says hit Hezbollah-controlled gas stations in Lebanon
Israel's military said Wednesday it had struck gas stations in south Lebanon belonging to a company owned by Hezbollah. "Overnight, the (Israeli army) struck Al-Amana Fuel Company gas stations in southern Lebanon", the military said. A map shared with the statement showed the locations of five gas »»»
US signals tighter visa rules to curb overstays
Dubai: The US is expanding visa restrictions to cover 50 countries, adding 12 more to its existing list as part of efforts to curb overstays and tighten immigration controls, the State Department said. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In a post on social media platform »»»
Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs Adopts on Second Reading So-Called Lobbying Activities Act
The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs adopted at second reading a draft law on transparency and integrity in governance, the so-called Lobbying Activities Act, submitted by GERB-UDF MP Georgi Georgiev at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday. A proposal by Velichie MP Yuli»»»
UAE keeps key interest rate unchanged amid Iran war, mirroring US Fed move
Dubai: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced late Wednesday it has decided to maintain the Base Rate applicable to the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) at 3.65%. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.This CBUAE decision was taken following the US Federal Reserve's de»»»
Hungary veto on Ukraine and carbon market to hijack EU summit
Hungary’s veto on money for Ukraine is to hijack the spotlight at Thursday’s EU summit in Brussels (19 March), alongside disagreements over Europe’s carbon market, overshadowing what was meant to be a key debate on turning Europe into a truly economic powerhouse. In draft conclusions, seen by EUobs»»»
US Federal Reserve keeps key interest rate unchanged again amid Iran-US war
Dubai: The US Federal Reserve held rates steady on Wednesday, when they were expected to leave interest rates unchanged, as the US-Israel war on Iran sends shock waves through oil markets and supply chains, while economic data has begun to show weakness. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, C»»»
US holds interest rates as Iran war triggers oil shock
The US central bank has voted to hold interest rates steady again, as a spike in oil prices since the US-Israel war with Iran began raises economic uncertainty and threatens to drive up inflation. The decision, which was widely expected, left the Federal Reserve's key interest rate in the range of »»»
Iraq’s Gas Imports from Iran Halted Due to War
Iraq's gas imports from Iran were completely halted on Wednesday, authorities said, the latest blow to the country's battered economy reeling from the impact of the Middle East war. The country has been unwillingly drawn into the conflict triggered by the US-Israel attack on its neighbor Iran on Fe»»»
Awqaf issues guidelines for worshippers ahead of Eid Al-Fitr prayers
Doha: Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments) and Islamic Affairs issued on Wednesday a set of guidelines for worshippers attending Eid Al-Fitr prayers for the year 1447 AH, aimed at ensuring safety and smooth organisation at mosques. In a statement, the Ministry urged worshippers to arrive early at»»»
Healthcare System Fails to Deliver Health Outcomes, Says Health Committee Chair
After years of discussion, reforms and policy shifts, the healthcare system has completely lost its direction and is not delivering its most important outcome – health, Parliamentary Health Committee Chair Kostadin Angelov said on Wednesday. He was speaking at a forum on health from public attitude»»»
'Happened so fast': UK students panicked by meningitis outbreak
Canterbury, United Kingdom: Hundreds of masked-up students queued Wednesday to get vaccinated at the UK university campus at the heart of a deadly meningitis outbreak, as the number of cases rose to 20. "It's quite a concerning thing. It all happened so fast," said Jack Jordan, a 19-year-old studen»»»
UAE rolls out up to 50% tax credit for businesses
Dubai: The UAE has launched the first phase of its Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentives Programme, offering businesses tax credits to encourage investment in innovation and technology. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Under Phase 1, companies can claim a non-re»»»
Qatari Businessmen Association affirms investor confidence in Qatar’s economy
Doha, Qatar: The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) yesterday organized a roundtable meeting with heads of foreign chamber of commerce and international business councils operating in Qatar, in the presence of representatives from several affiliated companies. The meeting comes as part of QBA’s c»»»
Amir receives phone call from Sri Lanka's President
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a telephone call today from the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka HE Anura Kumara Dissanayake. At the beginning of the call, HE the President inquired about the situation in the State of Qatar, expressing hi»»»
Russian archaeologist can be sent to Ukraine for trial, Polish judge rules
A judge in Poland has ruled that Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin can be extradited to Ukraine, although his defence says he will appeal. Butyagin is being held in a Warsaw prison for allegedly conducting illegal excavations and plundering artefacts from the ancient city of Myrmekion in Cri»»»
Which countries will celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2026 on Friday?
Several countries have confirmed Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, following the completion of 30 days of Ramadan and the unsuccessful sighting of the Shawwal crescent. Countries confirming Eid on Friday include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, and Australia»»»
Albanian Opposition Figure Calls for Berisha’s Exit Ahead of Party Leadership Vote
Ervin Salianji has publicly called for the departure of Sali Berisha from the leadership of the Democratic Party of Albania, ahead of the party’s internal election scheduled for May 23. Speaking for the media, Salianji argued that the party has weakened in recent years, attributing its decline to t»»»
Trump administration temporarily waives Jones Act to ease pressure on gas prices - UPI.com
Gas prices were up in Walnut Creek, Calif., on March 10. To help ease the surge of gas prices in the United States, President Donald Trump temporarily waived the Jones Act, allowing more foreign shipments of oil to travel between U.S. ports. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo March 18 (UPI)»»»
'Very difficult to stop': BBC visits scene of Iran cluster bomb strike on Israel
It was late at night when an Iranian cluster bomb flew through the ceiling of an elderly couple's apartment in central Israel and exploded in their tiny living room, killing them both. The path of the bomb was still clearly mapped onto the ash-covered debris left behind. A large hole in the ceiling»»»
lbania Says Fuel Supply Unaffected by Hormuz Tensions, Plans 90-Day State Reserves
Minister Enea Karakaçi said Albania’s fuel supply has not been impacted by tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, despite concerns over global energy disruptions. Karakaçi outlined the government’s long-term strategy to strengthen energy security. He announced that a new law on strat»»»
Fed to make interest rate decision amid Iran war, poor inflation report - UPI.com
The Federal Reserve will announce its next move on interest rates, or if it will make a move at all, on Wednesday. File Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI | License Photo March 18 (UPI) -- The Federal Reserve will announce its next move on interest rates, or if it will make a move at all, on Wednesday. »»»
Eid Al Fitr: Park timings across Dubai
In the mood for some outdoorsy time with the kiddos over the Eid break? That’s perfect – there’s just about that lovely nip in the air that makes the shade perfect for some down time as you kid watch. Dubai Municipality has put out the timings of the parks and other recreational areas within those »»»
Phone scammers made €70,000 in five days
Two people who allegedly pulled off successful phone scams on vulnerable people, stealing about €70,000 in five days, have been arrested in northern Greece, police said Wednesday. A police statement said the men were detained Tuesday near the town of Drama on suspicion of having defrauded seven eld»»»
Report: Aoun won't cede negotiations file to Berri or Hezbollah
President Joseph Aoun will not accept that Hezbollah "seize control of the decision to make peace, dictating its form, conditions, and timing," after it had controlled the decision to wage war, informed official sources told the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper. "Baabda Palace is proceeding with contacts w»»»
Wholesale prices accelerated in February, up 0.7% - UPI.com
A 48.9% increase in prices for fresh and dry vegetables was a big factor in the rising index for foods in February, the U.S. Burea of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. File Phot by Gary C. Caskey/UPI | License Photo March 18 (UPI) -- The producer price index for final demand goods had its sharpe»»»
Geagea suggests Hezbollah ministers shouldn't stay in government
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has wondered whether Hezbollah's ministers "still represent the party in the government after the cabinet declared its military and security wings banned." He emphasized that "the government cannot contradict itself by having illegitimate elements within its stru»»»
Dubai’s top court clarifies compensation rights in non-Muslim divorces
Dubai: Dubai Court of Cassation has issued a landmark ruling clarifying how compensation claims should be handled in divorce cases involving non-Muslim couples, drawing a clear line between personal harm and damages directly arising from divorce. In its latest judgment, the court ruled that claims »»»
US watchdog slams lack of oversight in $26 bn Ukraine aid
The US sent Ukraine $26 billion in aid without adequate oversight of how the funds would be used, a government auditor has told lawmakers. The flaws in a program managed by the now-defunct US Agency for International Development (USAID) were highlighted by the office of the inspector general, which»»»
South Lebanon residents flee death and destruction
The line of cars stretched as far as the eye could see along the coast of southern Lebanon, as residents of areas bombarded in the Israel-Hezbollah war poured into the ancient city of Sidon in search of safety. At war with Iran-backed Hezbollah, Israel has called on everyone living south of the Zah»»»
Markwayne Mullin faces Senate hearing to replace Kristi Noem as DHS head - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla, is sworn in during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing on his nomination to be secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Ca»»»
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Which countries will sight the Shawwal crescent tomorrow?
While a number of countries are getting ready to sight the moon and declare the first day of Eid Al Fitr on Wednesday (Mar 18, 2026), some nations will hold their moon-sighting moments a day later, on Mar 19. In many countries, the 29th of Ramadan will fall tomorrow and so Eid will fall on Friday o»»»
AI 80 forced onto market: Corruption scheme in Kyrgyzstan’s oil sector exposed - | 24.KG
Details have emerged regarding the situation in Kyrgyzstan’s oil industry and the activities of the state-owned enterprise Kyrgyzneftegaz. Daiyrbek Orunbekov, head of the Information Policy Service of the Presidential Administration, reported. According to him, the enterprise was established in the»»»
Pawnshop owners detained in Osh over property fraud scheme - | 24.KG
Law enforcement officers in Osh detained individuals involved in pawnshop activities who are suspected of illegally re-registering real estate in their own names, the press service of the Internal Affairs Department of Osh city reported. According to investigators, a criminal case has been opened a»»»
Blue economy emerges as strategic driver for Syria’s development
Damascus, March 17 (SANA) – The “blue economy” is gaining increasing importance as a strategic pathway for sustainable growth in Syria, leveraging the country’s Mediterranean coastline and maritime resources to support economic recovery and long-term development. The concept refers to the sustainab»»»
Germany warns of Mideast crisis of 'gravest order'
Germany and France on Wednesday called for de-escalation of the Middle East war with Germany's top diplomat warning of a "crisis of the gravest order" if global supply chains continue to be disrupted. "We must try to find a point where the military objectives (the United States and Israel) have set»»»
Fire-hit USS Ford heads for repairs amid Iran war pressure
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier and a central pillar of US naval operations in the war against Iran, is expected to head for repairs after a major fire onboard. The nuclear-powered carrier, deployed for nearly nine months and involved in more than two weeks of strikes l»»»
Many in Egypt Struggle as the Costs of a Distant War Drive up Prices in Local Markets
Sayyed Ragheb was already struggling to keep his family afloat, earning less than $100 a month. Now he fears it will get even worse after Egypt hiked fuel prices because of the Iran war. The father of four school-age children works day-to-day in cafes and sometimes in construction. With prices of m»»»
New Dubai law transforms police training with AI and VR
Dubai has taken a major step in advancing police education with the issuance of Dubai Police Academy Law No. (7) of 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The new law reflects Dubai’s forward-looking vision to ele»»»
Arab Parliament reiterates strong condemnation of Iranian attacks on Arab countries
Cairo: The Arab Parliament reiterated its strong condemnation of the continued and repeated Iranian attacks targeting a number of Arab countries, stressing that the attacks disregard all rules of international law and the United Nations Charter, and constitute a serious and direct threat to peace a»»»