Author: Gulf News Week

The unprecedented convergence of internal and external pressures makes these protests distinct.Protests are nothing new in Iran. Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, the sanctions-hit country has been rocked by repeated waves of demonstrations.However, experts say the current deadly upheaval is unprecedented, due to a potent mix of rising domestic pressures and aggressive threats from the United States – leaving Iran’s leaders with fewer options on what to do next.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Greenland rejects US takeover under ‘any circumstance’list 2 of 3Iran says it is ready for war as US president discusses military optionslist 3 of…

After more than two years of a genocidal war, wounded and traumatised Palestinian children stare at an uncertain future.Jabalia, Gaza – Omar Halawa got up from his chair, like any 13-year-old child would. But he had forgotten a devastating detail about himself: he only had one leg.“He fell off the chair,” his mother Yasmin Halawa told media. “It is very sad for us all, seeing him like that.”Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Fourth Palestinian baby freezes to death in Gaza since Novemberlist 2 of 4Gaza children risk snipers to attend tent schoolslist 3 of 4A New Year for…

Foreign Minister Sugiono outlines position on proposed international stabilization mission, emphasizing transitional role ahead of political settlement. JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono asserted on Wednesday that any international stabilization force deployed to Gaza should only be a temporary measure, reaffirming that a two-state solution remains the definitive objective for lasting peace. In a statement from Jakarta, Sugiono clarified Indonesia’s stance amid growing international discussion over security arrangements for postwar Gaza. He emphasized that an external force must not become a permanent fixture and should instead pave the way for a sovereign Palestinian state. “The international stabilization force in Gaza is…

Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka head the men’s and women’s fields as seedings are set ahead of Thursday’s tournament draw. MELBOURNE – World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and reigning women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka have been named the top seeds for the 2024 Australian Open, which begins Sunday at Melbourne Park. The seedings, announced Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s official draw, see two-time defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner placed second. Alexander Zverev is seeded third, with ten-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic notably taking the fourth seed. In the women’s draw, Sabalenka is followed by world No. 2 Iga Świątek and…

Iconic Hamra district hotel that served as a lifeline for journalists during Lebanon’s civil war shuts its doors amid ongoing economic crisis. BEIRUT – The Commodore Hotel, whose bullet-scarred walls sheltered generations of foreign correspondents during Lebanon’s civil war and became synonymous with conflict journalism, has closed permanently, victims of Lebanon’s protracted economic collapse and regional instability. Located in Beirut’s once-bustling Hamra district, the nine-story hotel’s gates were locked this week, ending its 81-year history. Management declined to comment on the closure, which coincides with a severe downturn in Lebanon’s tourism and hospitality sectors despite a fragile economic recovery. For journalists…

Multi-year deal grants Google access to billions of Apple devices, reshaping the AI landscape and positioning OpenAI as a secondary player. In a move that consolidates the AI ambitions of two tech titans, Apple has entered a multi-year agreement to power its next-generation Siri and broader Apple Intelligence features with Google’s Gemini models. The landmark deal, announced Monday, marks a strategic triumph for Alphabet and significantly alters the competitive dynamics against rivals like OpenAI. The partnership grants Google’s Gemini its largest-ever consumer platform, integrating it into Apple’s ecosystem of over two billion active devices. While Gemini already underpins Samsung’s Galaxy…

As protests continue, Iran and the US seem to hint at readiness for war.Iran’s protests started with economic demands. Now, the Iranian government says it is ready for war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has told Iranian protesters that “help is on the way”, as Washington discusses military options. Could tension spread far beyond Iran?In this episode: Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4The Take: What Aleppo’s fighting reveals about Syria’s fragile peacelist 2 of 4The Take: Inside ICE’s deadly ‘surge’ in Minneapolislist 3 of 4The Take: Could Iran be the next Venezuela?list 4 of 4The Take: ‘Peace’ on…

In October 2024, Israel passed a law banning the agency for Palestinian refugees in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem.United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he could take his country to the International Court of Justice if it does not repeal laws targeting the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) and return its seized assets and property.In a January 8 letter to Netanyahu, Guterres said the UN cannot remain indifferent to “actions taken by Israel, which are in direct contravention of the obligations of Israel under international law. They must be reversed without delay.”Recommended Stories…

Trump declares ‘help is on the way’ for Iranian protesters, as calls for action against regime intensify.United States President Donald Trump says he has cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials and has told protesters to “take over your institutions” amid Tehran’s crackdown.In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump said that “help is on the way” without offering further details. Trump has openly contemplated ordering military attacks on Iran over the last several days.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Trump says any country doing business with Iran will face 25 percent tarifflist 2 of 3Iran, US at possible…

Somalia cuts UAE ties after Yemeni separatist’s illegal entry through Somaliland, exposing federal divisions.Somalia tore up its agreements with the United Arab Emirates after UAE-backed Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi illegally entered the Gulf Arab country through the breakaway region of Somaliland, a top minister has said.Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, told media that the entry of al-Zubaidi, leader of the now-defunct Southern Transitional Council (STC), into Somali territory on January 8 was “the last straw” that prompted Mogadishu to cancel all deals with Abu Dhabi.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2Somali minister says Israel…