insert_link World Diplomat says 68 Indian pilgrims among hajj dead A diplomat in Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that 68 Indian nationals died during the hajj pilgrimage this year marked by searing heath, bringing the overall tally to more than 600. "We have confirmed around 68 dead... Some are because of natural causes and we had many old-age pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, that's what we assume," the diplomat, who spoke on […] todayJune 19, 2024 6
insert_link Africa Iran’s intervention in Sudan’s civil war advances its geopolitical goals − but not without risks Members of the Sudanese Armed Forces on Aug. 14, 2023. AFP via Getty Images By Eric Lob, Florida International University Iran’s role in funding and arming proxy groups in the Middle East has been well documented and has gotten extra attention since the Hamas-led attack in Israel in October 2023. Similarly, Tehran’s arms shipments to Russia are well known and have prompted complaints and sanctions from the West. But […] todayMay 29, 2024 20
insert_link World U.S Secretary of State Blinken urges Hamas accept ceasefire proposal U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken has discussed a possible ceasefire in Gaza with U.S allies in Saudi Arabia, urging Hamas to accept the proposal. Blinken has also warned Israel over its planned ground offensive in Rafah. Nick Harper reports from Washington. todayApril 30, 2024 21
insert_link World How Iran responds to Damascus attack could determine trajectory of conflict in the Middle East By Javed Ali, University of Michigan Reports that Iran is preparing reprisal attacks following the deadly bombing of a facility that Israel claims is linked to threats against its interests have provoked fears of conflict widening in the Middle East. U.S. President Joe Biden has vowed “ironclad” support for Israel, which is widely considered to be responsible for the April 1, 2024, attack, amid fiery rhetoric from Tehran […] todayApril 12, 2024 17
insert_link Business / Economics Saudi Arabia pledges support to Pakistan The Pakistan foreign office on Monday announced that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reiterated their dedication to accelerate an investment package worth $5 billion previously discussed. This reaffirmation came one day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Separately, the Diplomat reports that in the recent discussions, Riyadh might have encouraged Pakistan to regain financial stability by entering into an arrangement with the International […] todayApril 9, 2024 21
insert_link Opinion Pieces Israel-Egypt peace treaty has stood the test of time over 45 years: expert explains its significance By Ofir Winter, Tel Aviv University The peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, signed in 1979 to end hostilities and normalise relations between them, turns 45 on 26 March. The Conversation Africa asked Ofir Winter, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, who studies Egyptian politics and the Arab-Israeli conflict, for his insights on the peace deal and the key challenging moments since it […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 12
insert_link Lifestyle Big deal or small beer? Saudi debates first store for booze The news that Saudi Arabia will allow its first alcohol shop has citizens and foreigners alike mulling one question: is this a minor policy tweak, or a major upheaval? Sources familiar with preparations for the store disclosed details of the plan on Wednesday, as a document circulated indicating just how carefully leaders of the teetotalling Gulf kingdom will manage its operations. Located in the capital's Diplomatic Quarter, the store will […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 9
insert_link Opinion Pieces Give Peace a Chance in Yemen Despite Regional Violence A screen grab of a Houthi video capturing the militia’s seizure of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea, Nov. 19, 2023. The Houthis still control the ship. As violence between the rebels and certain Western countries rises, the author writes that the Omani-led peace deal for Yemen is still viable. EMILY SCHRADER/TWITTER By Arwa Mokdad via PassBlue The relentless bombardment in Gaza by Israel Defense Forces is […] todayJanuary 18, 2024 3
insert_link Sport Gamble pays off for Loeb with victory in marathon stage 6 of Dakar Rally Sebastien Loeb's decision to 'go slow' in stage five earlier in the week paid off on Friday as the Frenchman won the marathon two-day stage 6 at the Dakar Rally. Veteran Spaniard Carlos Sainz finished second 2min 01sec behind and took the overall lead while five-time winner Nasser Al-Attiyah saw his hopes of winning a sixth title disappear with a mechanical problem in the last 50 kilometres. Adrien van Beveren […] todayJanuary 12, 2024 2
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.
