Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director, bringing new leadership to troubled agency
NEW YORK: The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, placing her in charge of a public health agency beleaguered by political meddling and low morale. Schwartz was confirmed in a 51-44 vote. The 54-year-old becomes the 22nd le»»»
Outrage in Libya over a video of a woman being publicly flogged for adultery
A rare video filmed on July 21 in Sabha, Libya shows a woman accused of adultery being sentenced to 100 lashes. Shared on social media, it has sparked outrage for various reasons: Some are appalled by the fact that the punishment was carried out in a public space, whilst others are shocke»»»
Germany, Finland leaders propose ‘Middle East Helsinki Act’ to build lasting regional peace
Ashraf Siddiqui DOHA As diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran continue to gather momentum, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Finnish President Alexander Stubb have called for the launch of a comprehensive regional security dialogue modeled on the historic»»»
Performance-driven interiors redefine Qatar’s luxury hospitality sector
Ashraf Siddiqui DOHA Qatar’s luxury hospitality industry is increasingly prioritising long-term performance alongside visual appeal, with developers, designers and hotel operators adopting high-performance interior solutions that enhance guest comfort, operational efficiency and asset longevity. As»»»
Yemeni Ballistic Missile Hits Saudi Oil Ship, Forces It to Back Off - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Yemeni Ballistic Missile Hits Saudi Oil Ship, Forces It to Back Off 05-08-2026 23:29 PM The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces General Y»»»
Israel resumes military strikes on southern Lebanon as Rome hosts peace talks
Israel again fired on southern Lebanon on Wednesday, blaming Hezbollah for violating a ceasefire, as US-backed negotiations in Rome sought to end months of cross-border hostilities. Lebanon said at least one person was killed in the attacks, while Israel issued its first evacuation alert in weeks f»»»
Pezeshkian: National Unity Makes Iran Invincible despite Economic and Security Challenges
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, expressing confidence that Iran would continue to overcome external pressure through public solidarity, improved governance, and continued investment in scientific and technological capabilities. Pezeshkia»»»
Could a US-Iran deal over Hormuz reshape global shipping and the rules of international trade?
LONDON: Negotiations are now underway between the US, Iran, and Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and while the agreement’s precise shape remains unknown, it seems at least one side will land responsibility for managing what has, until now, been an international waterway. From a legal and practi»»»
Footballer killed, nine injured after lightning strikes pitch in Thailand
Dubai: A footballer was killed and nine others were injured after lightning struck a football pitch during a match in southern Thailand on Wednesday, police and local media said. The incident occurred during the Golok Cup regional tournament at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province as players co»»»
Egypt, Greece call for comprehensive US-Iran agreement as Hormuz talks continue
Egypt and Greece on Wednesday called for a peaceful settlement and a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran, saying such a deal is essential to reduce tensions and prevent the regional conflict from widening as negotiations continue over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Th»»»
Russia adapting hybrid tactics to slow EU enlargement, European Parliament report warns
Russia is refining its use of hybrid interference to undermine European Union enlargement countries by combining disinformation, covert political financing, cyberattacks, economic pressure and proxy actors in ways tailored to local vulnerabilities, while the EU's response remains uneven despite a g»»»
Cameroon discusses ship-registry reform with US amid Russian shadow-fleet concerns
Cameroon has discussed an overhaul of its ship-registration system with the United States as it seeks to curb fraudulent use of its flag, including by tankers linked by European authorities to Russia’s sanctions-evading shadow fleet. Transport Minister Jean Ernest Masséna Ngalle Bibehe held talks w»»»
Opinion | Intelligence Services and Terrorist Organizations
A controversial report published by The Jerusalem Post claimed that Israel’s Mossad had recruited members of the Islamic State (ISIS) operating inside Iran to gather intelligence on the country’s nuclear and military facilities, providing detailed information about activities within these highly se»»»
Hungary's prime minister seeks political unity as energy crisis deepens
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar urged political parties, businesses and households to reduce energy consumption to avoid supply disruptions caused by the imminent shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant, likely within days, saying the most critical days are still ahead, state news agency MTI»»»
Russia adapting hybrid tactics to slow EU enlargement, European Parliament report warns
Russia is refining its use of hybrid interference to undermine European Union enlargement countries by combining disinformation, covert political financing, cyberattacks, economic pressure and proxy actors in ways tailored to local vulnerabilities, while the EU's response remains uneven despite a g»»»
Russia adapting hybrid tactics to slow EU enlargement, European Parliament report warns
Russia is refining its use of hybrid interference to undermine European Union enlargement countries by combining disinformation, covert political financing, cyberattacks, economic pressure and proxy actors in ways tailored to local vulnerabilities, while the EU's response remains uneven despite a g»»»
MENDEL: Before the Harsh Winter: Ukraine’s Quiet Exodus and the Regions Left in Shadow
As Ukraine goes through the fifth year of full-scale war, a quiet but unmistakable movement is underway. Families are packing what they can, often saying goodbye to aging parents and family dogs, and leaving for safer ground—whether to western Ukrainian cities or across borders into Europe. They ar»»»
US presses on with Ukraine Patriot missile talks, sources say, despite Trump's doubts
WASHINGTON: The US is pressing ahead with talks on allowing Ukraine to make Patriot interceptor missiles, which Kyiv urgently wants to defend against Russian attacks, even after President Donald Trump cast doubt on such a deal, four sources familiar with the discussions said. The discussions includ»»»
Jet Stream Helped Spare Bulgaria from Europe's Heatwaves, Says Climate Scientist
Bulgaria has escaped the extreme heat that has gripped much of Western Europe this summer because it has remained on the cooler side of the jet stream, according to Prof. Emil Gachev, head of the Hydrology Section at the Climate, Atmosphere and Water Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of S»»»
Bahrain tells Iran to halt ‘terrorist’ attacks on regional neighbors and to comply with UN resolutions
NEW YORK CITY: Bahrain’s permanent representative to the UN, Jamal Alrowaiei, on Wednesday called on Iran to halt what he described as “terrorist” attacks launched by Tehran and its proxies against other countries in the region. He said that Bahrain “renews the need for Iran to implement and fully »»»
How the Middle East war helped push Philippine households toward solar power
Manila: Edwin Salas watched as the first of 20 solar panels was installed on the roof of his home, joining a Philippine solar energy boom sent into overdrive by the Middle East war. The country's eye-watering electric bills -- the highest in the region -- were the primary driver of his decision, he»»»
Bulgaria Faces Fentanyl Crisis, Expert Warns Death Toll Could Rival Road AccidentsOpinions
Bulgaria is entering a dangerous new phase in the spread of synthetic drugs, with experts warning that fentanyl-related deaths could soon rival the country's annual road accident fatalities if stronger action is not taken. Dr. Olympiad Atmazhova, a toxicologist at the University Hospital "Dr. Georg»»»
Russia's mobile internet 'whitelist' mode has quietly become permanent
The “whitelist” mode - under which mobile internet access is restricted to services approved by Russia's Ministry of Digital Development - has shifted from an emergency measure to a permanent fact of life across central Russia. In July, only 30.5% of mobile-network user sessions in the Central Fede»»»
Cameroon discusses ship-registry reform with US amid Russian shadow-fleet concerns
Cameroon has discussed an overhaul of its ship-registration system with the United States as it seeks to curb fraudulent use of its flag, including by tankers linked by European authorities to Russia’s sanctions-evading shadow fleet. Transport Minister Jean Ernest Masséna Ngalle Bibehe held talks w»»»
France’s drone production shifts from policy ambition to factory floor
PARIS: France’s push to enlist its car industry to produce military drones is moving to industrial implementation, as partnerships between automakers, car-part suppliers and defense firms turn lessons from the war in Ukraine into working assembly lines. Since the start of the year, at least six def»»»
From 51.2°C Heat to Rain: Extreme Weather Hits the UAE's Al Dhafra Region
Dubai: The United Arab Emirates saw extreme weather conditions on Wednesday, August 5, with temperatures reaching a scorching 51.2°C in Budu Dafs (Al Dhafra region) at 12.45pm, the highest temperature recorded anywhere in the country today. Alongside the intense summer heat, active weather systems »»»
ADNOC Distribution awaits financial impact of Shell South Africa deal after H2 2027
RIYADH: ADNOC Distribution expects its acquisition of Shell Downstream South Africa’s portfolio to begin contributing to the company’s financial flows after the deal closes in the first half of 2027, according to CEO Bader Saeed Al-Lamki. Completion of the deal will proceed in line with procedures »»»
Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina to return from exile in December
NEW DELHI: Ousted former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Wednesday that she plans to return to her country from exile in India in December despite facing a death sentence in Bangladesh over a bloody crackdown on protesters in 2024. In an audio address to an event in New Delhi marking »»»
Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina to return from exile in December
NEW DELHI: Ousted former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Wednesday that she plans to return to her country from exile in India in December despite facing a death sentence in Bangladesh over a bloody crackdown on protesters in 2024. In an audio address to an event in New Delhi marking »»»
Ninova: Backing Radev Was My Biggest Political Mistake
Kornelia Ninova, leader of the "Nepokorna Bulgaria" party, has described the nomination of Rumen Radev for president in 2016 as the biggest political mistake of her career, accusing him of dismantling the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and failing to deliver on his promises. Speaking to Bulgaria O»»»
Bulgaria's Intelligence Services Rank Among Europe's Weakest
The French publication L’Express has published what it describes as the first comprehensive ranking of European intelligence services, placing Bulgaria among the weakest-performing countries while the United Kingdom's MI6 secured the top position. The assessment is based on interviews with around 1»»»
The Riyadh Economic Forum holds its 12th session next October
RIYADH: The 12th Riyadh Economic Forum will take place from Oct. 12-14 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The event will see the participation of a number of ministers, specialists from the public and private se»»»
Israel resumes Lebanon strikes as talks underway in Rome
Jerusalem: Israel's military resumed strikes on southern Lebanon on Wednesday despite ongoing talks, blaming a ceasefire violation by militant group Hezbollah as Beirut said at least one person was killed. The fresh strikes and a first evacuation warning in weeks came as Lebanon and Israel were hol»»»
Perez Hilton hospitalized after livestreaming 'acts of self-harm' - UPI.com
Perez Hilton, 48, was seen on TikTok harming himself with a knife and making cuts on his body. Police responded and transported him to a nearby hospital. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Police in Miami responded to the home of celebrity blogger Perez Hilton on Tuesday a»»»
How Europe Is Sleepwalking Into Economic & Political Irrelevance
Europe's fading economic and technological edge, coupled with waning geopolitical clout, is pushing the continent toward the global periphery. The economic data is stark:In 2008, the EU economy was 10% larger than America’sWhen the US banking system triggered a global financial meltdown in 2008, Eu»»»
Bank clients in Lebanon won't give up trying to recover lost savings - UPI.com
A man shouts slogans as he stands near a fire set in front of a bank in Beirut, Lebanon, on July 28 during a demonstration by depositors who remain unable to withdraw their foreign-currency savings. Several bank facades were vandalized. Photo by Abbas Salman/EPA BEIRUT, :Lebanon, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Ba»»»
Djedovic Handanovic, Tyurdenev discuss NIS operations
BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic met with NIS CEO Kirill Tyurdenev on Wednesday to discuss the oil company's operations and plans for oil derivatives production and processing in August. "The government's goal is that all petrol stations - large and smal»»»
Study finds TikTok amplifies organized crime content throughout Palestinian society in Israel
LONDON: In one corner of the internet, tucked between flashy dance challenges and viral recipes, a young TikTok user stops scrolling to watch a gang member preach hate. The idea that TikTok, like any major social platform, hosts violent and hateful content may not be new. But the message this boy s»»»
Saudi startup Rush Rooms bets on trust to unlock Kingdom’s sharing economy
RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia, where digital transformation is reshaping industries from banking to transportation, one entrepreneur believes the next frontier is not what people buy, but what they already own. From wedding dresses and power tools to parking spaces and professional services, Saudi startu»»»
Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah arrives in Istanbul ahead of Trabzonspor move
MANCHESTER: Mohamed Salah was greeted by cheering Trabzonspor fans in Istanbul on Wednesday as he closed in on a move to the Turkish club. The Liverpool icon wore the team’s blue and burgundy striped shirt after flying in on a private jet to complete the deal. Earlier he was filmed aboard the jet p»»»
Laura Loomer is fighting a losing war against reality itself
Laura Loomer’s recent condemnation of multipolarity marks one of the clearest attempts within the American Right to define the emerging new international order as an existential threat rather than an inevitable transformation. Her arguments deserve careful examination, not because they are unique, »»»
Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 10,887
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Wednesday, gaining 29.41 points, or 0.27 percent, to close at 10,887.55. The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.12 billion ($1.36 billion), as 120 of the listed stocks advanced, while 131 retreated. The MSCI Tadawul Index als»»»
US stock futures edge higher and oil resumes ascent
U.S. stock futures edged higher Wednesday morning, helped by strong corporate earnings reports and hopes for a deal setting the stage for talks that might eventually end the fighting in Iran. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose 0.3%, while S&P 500 futures added 0.4%. Nasdaq futures gained 0.2»»»
Pope Leo will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in his first Latin American trip as pontiff
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV will make his first trip to Latin America as pontiff in November, returning to a region where he spent much of his ministry, with visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, the Vatican announced Wednesday. The Nov. 6-17 trip will include stops in Montevideo, Paysandú and Flor»»»
WHO chief visits Congo to support Ebola efforts as some workers strike over pay
KINSHASA: The head of the World Health Organization arrived in Congo was in Congo on Wednesday as aid workers said the world’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is spreading at an “alarming” rate and some health workers are striking over lack of pay. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was»»»
Salik reports Dubai traffic recovery in Q2 2026, with June volumes nearing normal levels
Dubai: Traffic through Dubai’s Salik toll gates began recovering during the second quarter, with a gradual rebound in April and May followed by volumes returning to almost near-normal levels in June. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The recovery came after traffic slowe»»»
Defense and public works ministers inspect southern towns
Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny and Defense Minister Michel Menassa on Wednesday made a field visit to southern Lebanon, including the towns of Qaqaaiyet al-Jisr and Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, to assess the extent of damage inflicted by Israel’s attacks on infrastructure, roads and brid»»»
GERB-UDF's Georg Georgiev: Bansko Incident Raises Questions About Bulgaria's Reputation as Safe Country
The incident in Bansko is deeply concerning not only because of its shocking and repulsive antisemitic nature, and not only because it targeted children, but also because it raises yet another question about Bulgaria's international reputation as a reliable and safe country, GERB-UDF MP and former »»»
The Perfect Storm for Oil Bulls: Hormuz, Bab el-Mandab, and the Sea of Azov
The Perfect Storm for Oil Bulls: Hormuz, Bab el-Mandab, and the Sea of Azov - Institute of Energy for South-East Europe About UsMission and VisionBackgroundAnnual ReportArticles of AssociationBoard of GovernorsOrganizationExecutive CommitteeScientific CommitteesResearchInternational Advisory GroupC»»»
US says Iran Hormuz deal could come 'today or tomorrow' as oil prices plunge
A senior Trump administration official on Tuesday said an agreement to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could be reached as soon as "today or tomorrow", fuelling hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough despite Iran's public denials that it is negotiating with Washington. A top US official s»»»