Author: Gulf News Week
For the first time in nearly 60 years, a Syrian leader speaks at the United Nations. It was a symbolic moment for a nation long-isolated from the international stage. President Ahmed al-Sharaa says he can rebuild Syria through private investment and a deal with Israel. But how much can he concede in the name of progress, without losing Syrian public support?In this episode:Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2The Take: Inside the TikTok deal – the politics of the algorithmlist 2 of 2The Take: Why Eswatini said yes to US deporteesend of list Ali Harb (@Harbpeace), media Senior…
Donald Trump ruling out Israel’s annexation of the occupied West Bank likely to have major repercussions on Israeli PM Netanyahu.United States President Donald Trump has said that Israel cannot annex the occupied West Bank, a statement that puts him firmly at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his ultranationalist government who have been pressing for annexation of the Palestinian territory.Trump made his surprise remarks while speaking to reporters on Thursday, ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s arrival in the US to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist…
At the UN General Assembly, Jordan, Brazil and Spain highlight the ‘vital’ role played by the agency for Palestinian refugees.The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) is “irreplaceable” and “indispensable” – not just for Gaza and the occupied West Bank but for the entire region.That was the message several top diplomats stressed on Thursday at the UN General Assembly as they pleaded for political and financial support for the agency.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Israel shot her son and took his body. She can’t bury him or mournlist 2 of 3Israeli attack kills at least 25…
Bangladesh crumble as Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf take three wickets each in Super Fours match in Dubai.Pakistan have set up a blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 final against archrivals India after defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in a thrilling Super Fours match in Dubai.Chasing 136 to win in a winners-take-all match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, Bangladesh’s batting collapsed dramatically in front of Pakistan’s pace bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Indian cricket’s Pakistan problem: Can you monetise patriotism?list 2 of 3Asia Cup: Is politically-charged India vs Pakistan…
Spanish and Italian decisions to send ships to assist Gaza flotilla sign of increased pro-Palestinian sentiment in Europe.Italy and Spain have decided this week to dispatch naval vessels to assist the Global Sumud Flotilla on its way to break Israel’s siege of Gaza.The unprecedented move to support a flotilla headed towards the Palestinian enclave comes after repeated attacks against the Sumud Flotilla, including a drone attack early on Wednesday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Dispatch from Sumud Flotilla: Sailing into ‘yellow zone’ en route to Gazalist 2 of 4Gaza aid flotilla hit by drone attacks and explosions, activists…
Global Sumud Flotilla braces for escalating dangers as it approaches Gaza amid drone attacks, Israeli threats.On board the Alma, Greek territorial waters – The activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla remain alert. Wednesday’s drone attack on the vessels – heading towards Gaza to break Israel’s siege on the Palestinian enclave – is not expected to be the last.As the flotilla, currently travelling in Greek territorial waters, nears Gaza, a larger Israeli attack is expected.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Gaza aid flotilla “undeterred” by Israel’s assaultlist 2 of 3Italy, Spain send navy ships to protect Gaza flotilla after…
Israel claims ‘powerful’ Sanaa strikes hit Houthi command sites, killing dozens.The Israeli military has launched air strikes on the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, Al Masirah TV reported, adding that plumes of smoke were seen rising over the city following the attacks.Thursday’s strikes were confirmed by an Israeli army spokesperson, who said forces used dozens of warplanes and air support units to target the alleged “command headquarters of the Houthi General Staff” and “compounds” of the group’s security and intelligence apparatus.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Is recognising the State of Palestine going to make a difference?list 2 of…
Genocide thrives when the world averts its eyes, and history is repeating before us.When we prevent or put an end to genocide, we honour the victims of past genocides and, in doing so, keep their memory alive. We draw a clear line between reasonable human behaviour and our capacity to inflict unimaginable violence on others. In doing so, we help ensure the suffering of the past is not repeated.This is why it is painful for survivors of genocide, and those who have inherited the trauma from their parents and grandparents, to witness the atrocities currently being committed by the State…
Sarkozy has been handed a five-year prison sentence after trial over finances from late Libyan leader Gaddafi.Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty on Thursday of criminal conspiracy following a trial in which he was accused of accepting millions of euros in illegal payments from the late Libyan ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, between 2005 and 2007.The Paris Criminal Court sentenced him to five years in prison: it is the first time a former French president has received a prison sentence.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4France’s Sarkozy stripped of Legion of Honour, nation’s top awardlist 2 of 4Le…
Paris criminal court finds Nicolas Sarkozy partly guilty in trial related to alleged campaign funds from Libya.A court in France has found former President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy in his trial for the alleged illegal financing of his successful 2007 presidential campaign with funds from the government of then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.The Paris criminal court, however, acquitted the 70-year-old of all other charges, including illegal campaign financing and passive corruption, on Thursday.The court is expected to sentence Sarkozy later in the day.Sarkozy, who led France between 2007 and 2012 and retired from active politics in 2017, can appeal…