Virus surge makes US weak link in global economic recovery
Frankfurt (Germany): People in China are back to buying German luxury cars. Europe’s assembly lines are accelerating. Now the global economy is waiting for the United States to get its coronavirus outbreak under control and boost the recovery, but there’s little sign of that. The United States’ fumbling response to the pandemic is casting doubt […]
6 Gulf Arab countries back extending UN arms embargo on Iran
Dubai: A six-nation bloc of Gulf Arab nations torn apart by internal strife endorsed an extension of a United Nations arms embargo on Iran, just two months before it is set to expire. The Gulf Cooperation Council on Sunday sent a letter to the UN Security Council backing an extension of an arms embargo that’s […]
China sanctions 11 US politicians, heads of organizations
Beijing: China has announced unspecified sanctions against 11 US politicians and heads of organisations promoting democratic causes, including Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, who have already been singled out by Beijing. Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Monday said the 11 had “performed badly” on issues concerning Hong Kong, where China has cracked down […]
Gaza students back to school with few virus safety measures
Gaza City: Hundreds of thousands of students in the isolated Gaza Strip returned to schools after five months of closure, despite the ongoing pandemic that has seen school years postponed elsewhere across the globe. The rare scene of normalcy in the Palestinian enclave came as the territory has so far been spared a serious outbreak […]
Germany, France challenge US role in WHO reforms
Berlin: Germany and France have challenged Washington’s role in leading talks over reforming the World Health Organization, citing the US decision to quit the global body. Germany’s Health Ministry said the issue was discussed during a call of health ministers from the Group of Seven leading economies Thursday. In a statement Saturday, the ministry said […]
Iran asks UN to hold US accountable for plane interception
United Nations: Iran is urging the United Nations to hold the United States accountable for the interception of an Iranian passenger plane by two US fighter jets in the skies over Syria last month, which it called an “unlawful” and an “adventuristic act.” Iran’s UN ambassador, Majid Takht Ravanchi, said in identical letters to UN […]
Kabul opens traditional council on release of 400 Taliban
Kabul: A traditional council met on Friday in Afghanistan’s capital to decide whether to release a final 400 Taliban prisoners, the last hurdle to starting negotiations between Kabul’s political leadership and the Taliban under a peace deal with the US. The negotiations are a critical step toward lasting peace in Afghanistan. The talks will decide […]
Virus upends Trump and Biden convention plans
Washington: At the last minute, President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, are searching for places to impressively yet safely accept their parties’ presidential nominations as the spread of the coronavirus adds fresh uncertainty to the campaign for the White House. Trump said Wednesday he’s considering giving his Aug. 27 acceptance speech on […]
Lebanon probes blast amid rising anger, calls for change
Beirut: Lebanese officials targeted in the investigation of the massive blast that tore through Beirut sought to shift blame for the presence of explosives at the city’s port, and the visiting French president warned Thursday that without serious reforms the country would “continue to sink.” The blast Tuesday, which appeared to have been caused by […]
Afghan council to decide whether Kabul releases 400 Taliban
Kabul: Afghanistan officials say a traditional consultative council will convene Friday to decide whether the last 400 Taliban prisoners will be released as part of a peace agreement, even as its Health Ministry says half of Kabul’s residents are infected with the coronavirus. The Taliban have rejected any changes to the deal they signed in […]
