CIA Director John Ratcliffe met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Sunday during a rare visit as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. Sisi’s office said the meeting also included Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad. The officials discussed conflicts involving Iran, Gaza and Sudan. They also discussed attacks targeting Gulf countries… Continue reading CIA Chief John Ratcliffe Meets Sisi in Cairo
Turkey Saudi defence pact commitments are coming under pressure as Ankara says it is ready to help meet Saudi Arabia’s military needs amid escalating Houthi attacks. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Saudi Arabia could require military assistance, particularly with technical issues. He added that Turkey was prepared to provide support under the new trilateral… Continue reading Turkey Saudi Defence Pact: Ankara Offers Military Support
North Korea launched what appeared to be a North Korea ballistic missile into waters off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast on Sunday, according to Japan’s Defence Ministry. South Korea’s military also detected an unidentified projectile launched by North Korea. Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported that the missile landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The launch… Continue reading North Korea Ballistic Missile Launch Raises Tensions
The United Nations General Assembly has voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address world leaders by video next week. The decision came after the United States again denied him a visa to travel to New York. The resolution passed on Thursday with 152 votes in favor and three against. Four countries abstained. It… Continue reading Mahmoud Abbas UN Address to Continue by Video
Iran leverage in talks may be shaping Tehran’s approach to negotiations, according to Stephen Zunes, a professor of politics and Middle Eastern studies at the University of San Francisco. Zunes said Iran’s largely unchanged conditions for ending the war suggest that Tehran believes it has gained leverage and therefore sees little reason to make major… Continue reading Iran Leverage in Talks: Tehran Sees Little Reason to Compromise
Pakistan Iran energy supplies were a key concern during a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday. The two ministers discussed the latest regional developments, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office. Dar stressed the need to keep energy supplies moving without interruption. He also… Continue reading Dar Stresses Safe Shipping and Energy Supplies in Iran Call
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has launched a pilot security plan that gives the federal government a larger role in fighting organized crime in Rio de Janeiro. The Lula Rio organized crime plan brings federal, state and municipal authorities together to share intelligence, coordinate policing and increase inspections across key parts of the… Continue reading Lula Rio Organized Crime Plan Expands Federal Role
Congo has begun vaccinating healthcare workers against Ebola in Bunia, the center of the country’s current outbreak. Authorities launched the campaign on Saturday as health workers face a high risk of exposure while treating patients and supporting the response. The vaccination drive covers the Bunia and Mongbwalu health zones in Ituri province. Both areas rank… Continue reading Congo Ebola Vaccinations Begin for Health Workers
The Grand Burstin Hotel fire in Folkestone is being treated as suspicious after about 280 people were evacuated from the seaside hotel early Saturday morning. Kent Fire and Rescue Service said 26 fire engines were sent to the hotel at about 01:05 BST. Meanwhile, Kent Police launched an investigation and appealed to witnesses for information… Continue reading Grand Burstin Hotel Fire: Police Treat Blaze as Suspicious
A The Hague far-right protest against immigration and asylum policies turned violent on Saturday as Dutch riot police moved in to disperse several hundred demonstrators. Around 500 people attended the “We Are The People” rally at Malieveld in central The Hague. Police said protesters threw fireworks and other objects at officers, while authorities later ended… Continue reading The Hague Far-Right Protest Turns Violent
