News
Georgian Dream parliament annuls mandates of 49 opposition MPs
Opposition parties declared the October 2024 general election fraudulent and refused to take their seats in parliament.
Argentina to exit WHO in latest break with international bodies
Argentina will pull out of the World Health Organisation, marking President Javier Milei's latest move to distance the country from international institutions that his administration views as ideologically opposed to its agenda.
The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili, passes away at 88
Billionaire philanthropist invested his fortune in lifting up communities around the world, particularly the Pamiri peoples of Tajikistan.
Trump reveals his plan to take over Gaza following meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump announces plans for American control and redevelopment of the Gaza Strip following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signalling a major shift in US policy towards the region.
Iran prepared for Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign
US President Donald Trump on February 4 signed a memo to reinstate his “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran to drive the country’s oil exports down to zero and choke its revenue among others.
Azerbaijan claims possession of Russian missile fragment extracted from doomed AZAL Flight 8243
Cautiously worded Kazakh government report on tragedy, meanwhile, stops short of identifying “foreign metal objects”.
Fidesz in panic mode ahead of release of explosive documentary on Orban family’s wealth
Investigative outlet Direkt36 has released a trailer for its upcoming documentary on the Orban family’s business empire, sparking accusations from the government that the film is part of a foreign smear campaign.
Zelenskiy said he is open to face-to-face negotiations with Putin
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he was open to face-to-face negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reversing his earlier stance of refusing to meet with the Russian leader.
Russia’s Mir cards remain an open question in India
Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar has expressed optimism about Indian financial institutions adopting Moscow’s Mir payments system and Russian banks adopting New Delhi’s RuPay payments system
Hungary’s retail lending soars to record levels in 2024
The outstanding lending stock of Hungarian households surged by 9.4% to a record of HUF11.1 trillion (€27.3bn) by the end of 2024, according to data from the National Bank. Compared to 2017, the stock has doubled from HUF5.8 trillion.
EU helps Moldova overcome energy crisis with €310mn financial package
New package announced after Russian Gazprom’s decision to stop gas exports to Moldova sparked an energy crisis.
Turkey could set up airbases in Syria’s desert, brief Damascus sources
Speculation over Ankara’s intentions mounts as interim Syrian president al-Sharaa meets Turkish leader Erdogan.
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Trump warns Iran of ‘obliteration’ if assassination attempt succeeds
Trump openly threatens Iran with destruction in the event of his own assassination
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Inmates shot dead as Tajik prison guards battle “Islamic State” escape attempt
Prisoners launch attack wielding shanks and hand-made knives. Tajikistan again in spotlight as terrorist recruiting ground.
Qatar expands diplomatic and economic ties with Lebanon
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has affirmed that Qatar will continue to support Lebanon across various sectors.
British teen killed by Russian drone minutes into first Ukraine mission
An 18-year-old British volunteer fighting for Ukraine was killed by a Russian drone just minutes into his first frontline mission. James Wilton, from Huddersfield, had no prior military experience and travelled to Ukraine aged 17 to join the fight.
Serbia requests delay of sanctions on oil company NIS
Serbia has formally requested the US to delay sanctions on its Russian-owned oil company, Naftna Industrija Srbije, for a minimum of 90 days, citing concerns over the company’s critical role in regional energy stability.
Ecuador announces 27% tariff on Mexican imports, mirroring US threat
Ecuador has announced a 27% tariff on Mexican imports, imitating recent trade measures threatened by the United States.
Azerbaijan launches border security operation amid rising tensions with Russia
The timing of Azerbaijan's large-scale Border Shield operation raises geopolitical questions.
Iran demands France pay for dead illegal migrants as tensions grow between Tehran and Paris
Iran's deputy foreign minister Vahid Jalalzadeh has demanded France pay for two dead illegal migrants who died in a mass shooting in France's northern town of Dunkirk in December.