Violence breaks out in Bangladesh after death of youth protest leader
Violence has erupted in Bangladesh following the death of a prominent leader of the youth movement that ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Sharif Osman Hadi was shot by masked attackers while leaving a mosque in Dhaka last week and died of his injuries on Thursday while being treated in Si»»»
Amir stresses FIFA Arab Cup embodied feelings of fraternity, respect
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani stressed that the FIFA Arab Cup embodied feelings of fraternity and respect, voicing his pride in the tournament's excellent organization and outstanding sporting performance. In a post on his official X account on Thursday, HH the Amir voice»»»
Media City Qatar dazzles packed stadium with ‘Qatar SoundBeat’ at FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 final on Qatar National Day
Doha: During the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 final at Lusail Stadium, Media City Qatar revealed the new song ‘Nabd Qatar’ as the centerpiece of this year’s ‘Qatar SoundBeat’ campaign, in the presence of national leadership, government officials, visiting dignitaries, and football fans. The premiere to»»»
Amir sends condolences to Amir of Kuwait
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of condolences to HH Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on the death of Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah.»»»
Amir attends FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 closing ceremony
Doha: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the closing ceremony of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 at Lusail Stadium on Thursday evening. The closing ceremony was attended by HH Personal Representative of HH the Amir, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-»»»
Amir stresses FIFA Arab Cup embodied feelings of fraternity, respect
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stressed that the FIFA Arab Cup embodied feelings of fraternity and respect, voicing his pride in the tournament's excellent organization and outstanding sporting performance. In a post on his official X account on Th»»»
Peru reaches agreement to acquire South Korean military technology - UPI.com
Hyundai Rotem has made a deal to sell T 54 K2 main battle tanks like the one shown and 141 K808 armored personnel carriers to Peru with an expected value that exceeds $1.4 billion, File Photo by Yonhap Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Peru signed a strategic agreement with South Korean defense firm Hyundai Rotem f»»»
Amir attends FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 closing ceremony
Doha His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the closing ceremony of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 at Lusail Stadium on Thursday evening. The closing ceremony was attended by HH Personal Representative of HH the Amir, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, HH »»»
Olabi: UNGA adopts resolution on Situation of Human Rights in Syria
New York, Dec.19 (SANA) Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations, Ibrahim al-Olabi, said on Thursday that in another achievement for Syrian diplomacy at international forums, the United Nations General Assembly today adopted the resolution entitled “The Situation o»»»
Finnish PM apologizes for racist posts by coalition MPs
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has apologized to people in Asia after several politicians, including members of his governing coalition, posted photos of themselves with slanted eyes. The scandal began in November, after 22-year-old beauty queen Sarah Dzafce was stripped of her Miss Finland ti»»»
Opposition Disrupts Parliament during Ombudsman's Swearing-in
Thursday’s plenary session in Albania’s parliament was marked by sharp confrontations and chaos after opposition lawmakers disrupted proceedings inside the chamber. Tensions escalated further during the swearing-in of Endrit Shabani as the country’s new Ombudsman. MPs from the Democratic Party reac»»»
BP names Meg O'Neill CEO - UPI.com
Meg O'Neill will be the new CEO of BP. Image courtesy of BP Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Meg O'Neill will take the reins as CEO of BP starting in April, as Murray Auchincloss steps down as CEO and board director effective Thursday. Carol Howle, executive vice president of supply, trading and shipping of BP, wi»»»
Democrats release latest batch of Epstein photos as justice department deadline looms
The House Oversight Committee has released a batch of around 70 photos from the estate of late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It's the third such release from a tranche of over 95,000 photos the committee has acquired from Epstein's estate. It includes images of quotes from the book Lolita»»»
7 men intercepted in Australia on tip about planned 'violent attack' - UPI.com
A Hanukkah menorah is projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House in memory of the victims of a shooting at Bondi Beach, in Sydney. On Thursday, police detained seven men believed to be part of a planned "violent attack." Photo by NSW Premier's Office/UPI | License Photo Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Syd»»»
The Oligarch Part 2: How one powerful man made Zelensky president, Ukraine his pocket state, and sent it to war
This is the second part of RT's special investigation on Igor Kolomoysky. You can find Part 1 here to read about Kolomoysky's rise to the status of godfather of Ukrainian corruption, his involvement in the Maidan revolution and the following years leading up to Vladimir Zelensky's election. Zelensk»»»
Complaint targets French president’s wife over ‘stupid b***hes’ remark
French first lady Brigitte Macron is facing a legal complaint after being filmed referring to feminist protesters as “stupid b***hes” at a Paris theatre earlier this month. A group of feminist associations filed a complaint against France’s first lady for public insult on Tuesday, “on behalf of 343»»»
Morocco edge Jordan in extra time thriller to claim FIFA Arab Cup title
Doha: Coach Tariq Sektioui sank to his knees, bowing in prostration, while jubilant players clung to one another in a mix of relief and euphoria as Morocco clinched the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 title with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan in a rollercoaster final. Hana Ramadan/The Peni»»»
Wiz Khalifa sentenced to nine months jail in Romania for smoking cannabis on stage
A Romanian court has sentenced Wiz Khalifa to nine months in prison for smoking cannabis on stage. The American rapper, real name Thomaz Cameron Jibril, admitted to smoking a joint during his performance at the Beach, Please! festival last year in Costinesti. A Romanian appeals court overturned an »»»
What the US wants from Canada on trade
With US-Canada trade talks still on hold, American officials have laid out their clearest demands yet for keeping free trade in place between the two countries. The list includes further opening the Canadian dairy market to US farmers, and overhauling an online streaming law that the US says "discr»»»
HR exec in viral Coldplay clip speaks of abuse, threats and trying to find a new job
An HR executive caught on the big screen at a Coldplay concert embracing her boss has described how "the harassment has never ended" following the viral moment. Kristin Cabot has spoken publicly for the first time about the video in which she was seen hugging Andy Byron, then-CEO of tech company As»»»
Police identify person of interest in Brown University shooting, sources say
Police have identified a person of interest in relation to a fatal mass shooting at Brown University that killed two people and injured nine others, sources familiar with the investigation told the BBC's US partner, CBS News. Authorities are now searching for the individual, the sources told CBS. N»»»
Police search French culture minister's home and offices in corruption probe
French police searched Culture Minister Rachida Dati's private home and offices on Thursday as part of a corruption investigation involving her European Parliament mandate, the French Financial Prosecutor has said. Dati, who is running for mayor of Paris in upcoming municipal electio»»»
United States sanctions ICC judges for ‘targeting Israel’ - UPI.com
The United States is sanctioning two more International Criminal Court judges for targeting Israel with politicized lawfare, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The State Department has sanctioned two more International Cri»»»
Iraklio court sentences man to 15 years and 18 months for manslaughter
An Iraklio court sentenced a 33-year-old man to 15 years and 18 months in prison for the death of his friend during the summer of 2024. The court found him guilty by a 6-1 majority of manslaughter with possible intent and recognized a mitigating factor of good behavior in prison by a narrow 4-3 maj»»»
Amendments to MPs’ Security Pass First Reading in Internal Security Committee amid Debate over MRF–New Beginning Leader’s Protection
The parliamentary Committee on Internal Security and Public Order Thursday unanimously approved at first reading, with 18 votes in favour, a bill amending and supplementing the National Service for Protection (NSP) Act concerning the provision of security for Members of Parliament. The bill was tab»»»
Worn Banknotes, Tobacco Taxes: How Hamas Pays Its Members
More than two months after a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in Gaza, the group has steadily reasserted some security control in areas under its authority. Yet for Gaza’s residents, daily economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions show little sign of easing. Hamas’»»»
Multiple fatalities in small plane crash in North Carolina - UPI.com
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A small plane crashed Thursday at a regional airport north of Charlotte, N.C., killing multiple people, local and federal authorities said. The Cessna C550, a light corporate jet, had six people on board when it crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County around 10:15»»»
Ras Al Khaimah Police: Sharing rumours on social media is a crime
Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Police have warned the public against spreading rumours and false information on social media and digital platforms, stressing that such acts carry strict legal penalties under UAE law. The police said that under Article 52 of Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Coun»»»
Fiona Papajorgji Elected Head of Constitutional Court
Judge Fiona Papajorgji has been elected as the chair of Constitutional Court for a three-year term. She replaces Holta Zaçaj, whose mandate as head of the court officially ended in March this year. Papajorgji was the sole candidate for the position, following the creation of the vacancy after Zaçaj»»»
British man who fought for Ukraine given 13 years by Russian court - UPI.com
A British man was sentenced to 13 years by a Russian court after he fought for Ukraine and was captured. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A British man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison in Russia after he fought for Ukraine and was captured. Hayden Davies, 3»»»
'She's a superhero': The acts of bravery as Bondi horror unfolded
When bullets began flying at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday, strangers Wayne and Jessica found themselves in the same nightmare scenario. They couldn't find their three-year-olds. In the chaos, separately, they desperately scanned the green. People who'd gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanuk»»»
EU pushing ‘Buy European’ rule for arming Ukraine – Bloomberg
The EU wants to retain proceeds from frozen Russian assets by introducing a “Buy European” boost for its own defense industry as it arms Ukraine, and is moving to lock in strict procurement rules for a potential loan for Kiev, Bloomberg has reported. EU members have long debated tapping Russian cen»»»
Hamed Allah has last word as Morocco clinch epic final
DOHA: The FIFA Arab Cupended on the highest of notes as Morocco fought back to defeat Jordan 3-2 in a thrilling final in front of a capacity crowd at Lusail Stadium. It was another spectacular decider at the venue which staged the epic FIFA World Cup 2022final. Oussama Tannane gave Morocco the lead»»»
Berisha Calls for Nationwide Protest at PD Anniversary Event in Kavajë
At a ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of the Democratic Party (PD) branch in Kavajë, the party’s leader, Sali Berisha, called on citizens to join a nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, 22 December. Speaking to supporters, Berisha praised the role played by Kavajë’s democrats in the overthr»»»
Burkina Faso releases 11 Nigerian military personnel - UPI.com
Nigerian Air Force officials said 11 military personnel detained in Burkina Faso following an emergency landing by an NAF cargo aircraft on Monday have been released. File Photo courtesy U.S. Africom Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Officials in Burkina Faso released 11 members of the Nigerian military after seizi»»»
US Prepares For Potential Putin’s Arrival at G20 Summit in Miami in 2026 – Russian Sherpa
WASHINGTON, December 18 (Sputnik) – The United States is preparing for a possible arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Miami in December 2026, the Russian G20 sherpa, Svetlana Lukash, told RIA Novosti. “[The presiding country] is preparing for Vladimir Putin's participat»»»
Focus - A decade on, Greek island of Lesbos remains symbol of Europe's migration crisis
For more than a decade, the Greek island of Lesbos has been a symbol of Europe's migration crisis. Located close to Turkey, the island was a major entry point to the European Union back in 2015. But since then, arrivals have sharply decreased as Europe has tightened its border controls and outsourc»»»
Catalina Cabral, Former DPWH undersecretary, dies after alleged fall in Benguet
Dubai: Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral has died after an alleged fall from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, authorities confirmed on Thursday night. Cabral was discovered unconscious and unresponsive near the banks of the Bued Ri»»»
Any Actions to Expropriate Russian Assets in West to Receive Response - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Any actions to expropriate Russian assets in the West will receive a response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "We have repeatedly stated that any actions related to the expropriation of our assets will be met with a response," Peskov told the Rossiya 1 broadcas»»»
Fujairah weather alert: Remote work for government staff amid storms
Fujairah: The Government of Fujairah has announced that all employees of local government entities will work remotely on Friday, December 19, in response to the ongoing unstable weather conditions affecting parts of the UAE. The decision applies to all government staff in the emirate, with the exce»»»
Egypt FM Banks on Trump for Implementation of Gaza Deal, Blames Israel for Impasse
After Egypt’s Foreign Ministry launched a white paper outlining the principle of strategic balance in Egyptian diplomacy, Asharq Al-Awsat spoke to Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on a broad range of regional crises in which Cairo is engaged as a mediator, partner and diplomatic actor. Abdelatty des»»»
No: 256, 18 December 2025, Regarding the Visit of H.E. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, to the USA
H.E. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, will participate in the meeting on Gaza to be held tomorrow (19 December) in Miami, with the attendance of officials from the USA, Egypt, and Qatar. On the occasion of the meeting, consultations addressing other regional issu»»»
Kennedy Center to be renamed Trump-Kennedy Center, White House says
The board of the Kennedy Center has voted to rename the performing arts centre after President Donald Trump and will be called the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to the White House. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on social media the board's vote was unanimous and due to "the unbelievable wo»»»
Either way the EU loses: Why ignoring the US on Russian assets will be the bloc’s undoing
It is crunch time for Ursula von der Leyen and her Brussels-based cabal who have attempted to bend and break EU law in order to force through a dubious legal claim for the use of sovereign Russian wealth to further fund Ukraine’s military. Kiev is long past broke, owes the EU some €45 billion and f»»»
Foreign Minister receives a copy of credentials of Japan’s new ambassador to Tunisia
Tunis, Dec. 18 (TAP) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, met on Thursday at the ministry’s headquarters with Jun Saito, who presented him with a copy of his credentials as the new Ambassador of Japan to...»»»
Hannah Dugan trial: Judges testify there was no court policy on ICE arrests - UPI.com
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Closing arguments began Thursday in the trial for Judge Hannah Dugan after the court heard testimony from fellow Milwaukee County judicial officials about a lack of court policy on immigration arrests in public areas. The testimony came on Day 4 of Dugan's trial. She pleaded not gu»»»
HHS: No Medicare, Medicaid to hospitals offering gender care to minors - UPI.com
The Department of Health and Human Services announced new rules that will ban Medicare and Medicaid coverage for hospitals that provide gender-affirming care for minors. File Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced new regu»»»
Kremlin Shares Details of Putin’s Year-End Presser Preparations
Questions about social support dominate the messages sent by Russians to Vladimir Putin’s year-end press conference, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media. More than two million questions have already been submitted. “Social welfare issues are at the top, along with concerns affec»»»