Author: Gulf News Week
Martyrs’ Square became the symbolic backdrop for interfaith solidarity amid the country’s political paralysis.Pope Leo has called for “coexistence” during the second day of his visit to Lebanon, gathering clerics from across the religious spectrum on both sides of a former civil war dividing line, and appealing for unity in a region fractured by violence.Standing in Martyrs’ Square on Monday, a site that once marked the “green line” dividing Muslim west and Christian east Beirut during the 1975–90 civil war, Leo said Lebanon showed that “fear, distrust and prejudice do not have the final word”.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist…
When peacemaking ignores truth, it risks turning war crimes into opinion and genocide into a story with two sides.In her latest book titled Girlhood at War, political science scholar Vjosa Musliu tells the story of the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo, through the eyes of her 12-year-old self. Musliu explains how following the end of the war, international organisations were quick to offer workshops on reconciliation and peacebuilding for Serbs and Albanians who lived in Kosovo.In the final chapter, “Little Red Riding Hood”, she describes one such session she attended as a teenager in 2002. Led by facilitators from Belgium and…
US President Trump warns against actions that could ‘interfere with Syria’s evolution’ amid new Israeli incursions and strikes.United States President Donald Trump has called on Israel to maintain “strong and true” dialogue with Syria, adding it is very important “that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous state”.The statement on Truth Social on Monday came days after Israel launched its latest incursion and strikes on Syria, killing 13 people in the countryside outside of Damascus in what the fledgling government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa decried as a “war crime”.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1…
Samar and Abdulrahman had everything ready for their new baby. But rains have ruined their plans as they try to survive in Gaza.Deir el-Balah, Gaza Strip – The first heavy rain of the winter season arrived not as a blessing, but as a new catastrophe for Samar al-Salmi and her family.Early in the morning, torrents of water crashed through their worn-out tent in a displacement camp, jolting them awake as the ground beneath them turned into a muddy pool.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3What does Netanyahu want to be pardoned for and is it possible?list 2 of…
Rift between leaders was laid bare at inaugural conference for party cofounded by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.The United Kingdom’s new left-wing political party, Your Party, cofounded by former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, has become mired in a bitter divide between its leaders.On Saturday, Your Party cofounder Zarah Sultana said she would skip the first day of the newly formed group’s inaugural two-day conference following a serious disagreement over who could attend.What is Your Party?After the UK’s last general election in 2024, which the Labour Party won in a landslide following 14 years of Conservative Party rule, Corbyn and…
The Israeli prime minister is facing corruption charges that could see him sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday asked President Isaac Herzog to pardon him for bribery and fraud charges to end his five-year corruption trial.Netanyahu is facing three separate corruption cases filed in 2019: Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000, which involve allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.Here is what we know:What is Netanyahu’s argument?Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and claims the corruption trial is a “deep state” conspiracy, a politically orchestrated “witch-hunt” by rivals and the media.He has also…
From Israel to Elon Musk’s SpaceX and other giant companies in the US and Europe, arms producers had a profitable 2024.Revenues from sales of weapons and military services by the 100 largest global arms-producing companies reached a record $679bn in 2024, according to new data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).The Gaza and Ukraine wars, as well as global and regional geopolitical tensions and ever-higher military expenditures, increased revenues generated by the companies from sales of military goods and services to customers domestic and abroad by 5.9 percent compared to the year before, the organisation said in…
Reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen closed to within 12 points of leader Lando Norris heading into final round in UAE next weekend.Four-time Formula One (F1) world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing kept the three-way 2025 drivers’ championship battle alive with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after securing victory in the penultimate race of the season at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday.Verstappen closed to within 12 points of McLaren’s Norris, who finished fourth at Lusail Circuit, heading into the 24th and final round in Abu Dhabi next weekend.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Messi, Inter Miami…
The pontiff is set to meet Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and deliver a speech to authorities and diplomats later today.Pope Leo XIV has reiterated the Vatican’s insistence on a two-state resolution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying it’s the “only solution” that can guarantee justice for both sides.Leo made the comments as he flew from Turkiye to Lebanon on Sunday for the second and final leg of his maiden international voyage as pope.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Israel attacks on Syria: What happened, who did Israel claim it was after?list 2 of 4Pope Leo warns ‘future of humanity…
Israel killed 13 people, including two children, in strikes on Syria on Friday after locals resisted an incursion by the Israeli army.On Friday, Israel killed at least 13 people, including two children, in the Damascus countryside town of Beit Jinn.The latest air raids came after locals tried to repel an Israeli military incursion into Beit Jinn, leading to clashes.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Tens of thousands rally in Europe, demanding justice over Israel’s Gaza warlist 2 of 3Netanyahu writes to Israeli president requesting pardon in corruption caseslist 3 of 3“Lack of resources” in Gaza leaves mothers strugglingend…