Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Saudi Arabia Commits to Major Investments in Syria's Reconstruction Efforts

Saudi Arabia Commits to Major Investments in Syria's Reconstruction Efforts

Saudi Arabia has announced a series of strategic investment deals with Syria, focusing on sectors such as aviation, telecommunications, infrastructure, and real estate development. These agreements were formalized during a ceremony in Damascus, under the patronage of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Saudi economic delegation, led by Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih, includes high-level representatives from various Saudi ministries. The deals aim to support Syria's recovery from over a decade of conflict, with projects including the development of Aleppo International Airport, the establishment of a Syrian commercial airline, and the enhancement of Syria's communications infrastructure through new fiber optic networks and data centers.
AP News AP News
Iran sentences Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi to 7 more years in prison

Iran sentences Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi to 7 more years in prison

Iran has sentenced Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi to over seven more years in prison
AP News AP News
Iran's top diplomat strikes a hard line on US talks, saying Tehran's power comes from saying 'no'

Iran's top diplomat strikes a hard line on US talks, saying Tehran's power comes from saying 'no'

Iran's top diplomat says Tehran's strength comes from its ability to “say no to the great powers.”
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Saudi Arabia Strengthens Ties with Syria Through Major Investment Initiatives

Saudi Arabia Strengthens Ties with Syria Through Major Investment Initiatives

Saudi Arabia has announced a significant investment package in Syria, focusing on sectors such as energy, aviation, real estate, and telecommunications. This move positions Saudi Arabia as a key supporter of Syria's new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The investment includes a $2 billion commitment to develop airports in Aleppo and a joint venture to establish a new airline, 'flynas Syria.' Additionally, Saudi telecom giant STC plans to invest in enhancing Syria's telecommunications infrastructure. These investments follow the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria, which had previously hindered economic recovery efforts.
Reuters Reuters
Arab states criticise Israel as it expands powers in occupied West Bank

Arab states criticise Israel as it expands powers in occupied West Bank

By Ali Sawafta and Emily Rose RAMALLAH/JERUSALEM, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates led regional states on Monday in condemning Israel's move to ease settlement expansion and widen its powers in the West Bank, a step critics said went in the direction of annexing
Rapid Read Rapid Read
President Trump to Host Inaugural Board of Peace Meeting in Washington

President Trump to Host Inaugural Board of Peace Meeting in Washington

President Trump is set to host the first meeting of the newly established Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., later this month. The Board, initially part of Trump's 20-point peace plan to resolve the Gaza conflict, has expanded its mandate to address global conflicts. Invitations to the meeting were sent out, with the venue reportedly at the U.S. Institute of Peace. The Board's membership includes around 25 countries, although many European allies have declined to join, viewing it as a potential challenger to the United Nations. The Board aims to work in conjunction with the UN, despite Trump's previous criticisms of the organization. The meeting will include world leaders and members of the Gaza executive committee, focusing on demilitarization and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
President Trump to Chair Inaugural Meeting of Board of Peace in Washington

President Trump to Chair Inaugural Meeting of Board of Peace in Washington

President Donald Trump is set to chair the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., on February 19. The meeting, described as a fundraising conference, aims to gather international leaders to discuss the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and broader global conflicts. The Board of Peace, launched by Trump in late January, has expanded its mission beyond Gaza to address global issues. The meeting's agenda and participation remain tentative, with the U.S. Institute of Peace, now known as the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace, as the planned venue. The initiative has received mixed reactions, with some Middle Eastern countries accepting invitations, while many Western allies remain skeptical. The initiative's relationship with established multilateral institutions like the United Nations is under scrutiny.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Saudi Arabia Announces Major Investment in Syria's Infrastructure and Telecommunications

Saudi Arabia Announces Major Investment in Syria's Infrastructure and Telecommunications

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a significant investment package in Syria, focusing on sectors such as energy, aviation, real estate, and telecommunications. This initiative marks the largest investment announcement since the U.S. lifted sanctions on Syria in December. The investment includes a $2 billion commitment to develop two airports in Aleppo, facilitated by the Elaf Fund, which aims to finance large-scale projects with Saudi private-sector participation. Additionally, a new airline, 'flynas Syria,' will be established through a joint venture between Saudi budget carrier flynas and the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority. Saudi Arabia's largest telecom operator, STC, plans to invest over $799 million to enhance Syria's telecommunications infrastructure with a fiber-optic network extending over 4,500 kilometers. These developments come as Saudi Arabia supports President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power in 2024 after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Netanyahu Urgently Meets President Trump Amid Concerns Over Iran's Missile Program

Netanyahu Urgently Meets President Trump Amid Concerns Over Iran's Missile Program

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expedited his visit to Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, amid ongoing U.S.-Iran talks in Oman. Netanyahu's primary concern is that Iran's ballistic missile program is not being adequately addressed in these discussions. The meeting aims to ensure that the issue remains a priority for the U.S. administration. Netanyahu believes his personal rapport with President Trump will help reinforce Israel's security needs, particularly regarding the existential threat posed by Iran's missile capabilities. The visit also serves as a counterbalance to pressures from Qatar, Turkey, and Iran, as well as factions within the U.S. that oppose further military involvement in the region.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Uncertainty Surrounds Potential U.S. Military Action Against Iran

Uncertainty Surrounds Potential U.S. Military Action Against Iran

The possibility of a U.S. military strike on Iran remains uncertain as President Trump has repeatedly signaled intentions to attack but has not followed through. Since late December, there have been several instances where an attack seemed imminent, particularly with the arrival of the U.S. Lincoln aircraft carrier group. However, negotiations with Iran have resumed, and the situation remains fluid. The Trump administration's decision-making process has been influenced by various factors, including media coverage and diplomatic considerations. Despite the presence of U.S. military assets in the region, the focus has shifted towards negotiating a new nuclear deal with Iran.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Canada and France Establish Consulates in Greenland Amid U.S. Territorial Interests

Canada and France Establish Consulates in Greenland Amid U.S. Territorial Interests

Canada and France have opened consulates in Nuuk, Greenland, signaling support for Denmark and Greenland amidst U.S. efforts to exert control over the region. Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand emphasized the importance of collaboration on defense, security, and climate change. France's consulate, led by Jean-Noël Poirier, aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties. This move follows President Trump's recent tariff threats against Denmark and other European countries opposing his territorial ambitions. The U.S., Denmark, and Greenland are engaged in talks for an Arctic security deal.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
President Trump Launches TrumpRx to Address Prescription Drug Costs Amid Criticism

President Trump Launches TrumpRx to Address Prescription Drug Costs Amid Criticism

President Trump has launched TrumpRx, a new platform aimed at reducing prescription drug costs for uninsured Americans. The platform, which went live recently, promises to offer high-cost, brand-name prescriptions at discounted prices. TrumpRx operates by allowing consumers to browse a list of discounted medicines and either receive a coupon for use at certain pharmacies or be directed to a drug manufacturer's website for purchase. The initiative is part of a broader healthcare plan by the Trump administration, which includes negotiating 'most favored nation' agreements with major drugmakers to ensure U.S. drug prices do not exceed those in other wealthy nations. However, the platform has faced criticism from Senate Democrats, who label it a 'vanity project' and question potential conflicts of interest involving the Trump family and the pharmaceutical industry.