MIDDLE EAST

Afghan peace talks with Taliban has resumed: Trump

Afghan govt praises ‘sincere efforts’ as Trump calls off Taliban talks

7:01 pm September 8, 2019

Kabul: Afghanistan praised the “sincere efforts of its allies” Sunday after US President Donald Trump said he had called off negotiations with the Taliban, apparently ending a year-long diplomatic push to exit America’s longest war. “The Afghan government, in relation to the peace, appreciates the sincere efforts of its allies and is committed to working […]

Afghan officials: 24 civilians killed in anti-Taliban raid

Taliban attack third Afghan provincial capital in a week

3:08 pm September 6, 2019

Kabul: An Afghan official says the Taliban have attacked a third provincial capital in less than a week, with an overnight assault on the western city of Farah. Provincial Governor Mohammad Shoaib Sabet says there’s no immediate word of casualties early Friday and that airstrikes have been carried out against the militant group. The growing […]

Cracks in Saudi-UAE coalition risk new war in Yemen

3:03 pm September 6, 2019

Aden (Yemen): Fighting between their allies in southern Yemen has opened a gaping wound in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates’ coalition against the country’s rebels. If they can’t fix it, it threatens to tear the country apart into even smaller warring pieces. Last week saw a stunning escalation in the turmoil in the […]

COVID surge, vaccine shortages spread beyond India’s borders

Iraq suspends US-funded TV station for 3 months over programme

1:18 am September 3, 2019

Baghdad: Iraqi authorities have suspended the license of a US-funded TV station for three months after airing a programme on alleged corruption within Iraq’s Sunni and Shiite religious establishments. The investigative report that was aired last week on Alhurra reported that senior religious figures are benefiting from businesses as a result of their connections with […]

Afghan foreign minister likely to visit India this month

Apparent attack ongoing in central Kabul

12:58 am September 3, 2019

Kabul: A massive explosion followed by the sound of small-arms fire rocked central Kabul late Monday in an apparent attack near an area that is home to several international groups. According to interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi, the blast occurred near Green Village, a large compound that houses aid agencies and international organisations. No group […]