News
UK officials meet new Syrian leader al-Sharaa in Damascus
British officials met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new Syrian leader and former head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on December 16.
Israel establishes “winter military positions” in Syrian territory
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has initiated a comprehensive operation to establish long-term military positions inside Syrian territory.
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Russia to ban discounted alcohol in bid to crack down on problem drinking
The Russian government is planning to prohibit discounts on alcoholic beverages and restrict their placement near checkout counters as part of a broader initiative to reduce alcohol consumption nationwide by 2030.
Hungary and Slovakia block EU sanctions on Georgian Dream
EU foreign ministers consider sanctions on top Georgian Dream officials and limiting the visa-free regime for Georgians.
Rising demand pushes US dollar to new highs in Tehran
The dollar rose 1.2% to reach an all-time high of IRR762,500, according to market data, extending an upward trend that began two months ago.
Kosovo to set up its first ammunition factory with Turkish firm MKE
Kosovo is setting up a domestic arms industry amid heightened tensions with Serbia, which has been ramping up its defence procurement efforts.
Kosovo's PM Kurti misses special prosecution summons due to overseas visit
Kurti summoned to testify as a witness in an ongoing criminal investigation two months before February general election.
Assad breaks silence from Moscow
Disgraced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued his first public statement from Moscow on December 16, detailing the circumstances of his departure from Syria.
Iran is grinding to a halt due to weather and grid failure
Iranian authorities closed schools and offices in Tehran for a second consecutive day on December 16 due to "cold weather and energy consumption management.
Growing Islamic finance in Central Asia to unlock GCC investment
The Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group have joined forces to support the rapid development of Islamic finance in Central Asia.
UK government approves Křetínský’s takeover of Royal Mail
UK government will retain a “golden share” in the postal service, giving it special rights.
Moldova announces it has enough natural gas reserves for the entire winter
Moldovagaz says it has already purchased 747.9mn cubic metres of natural gas ahead of the expected cut-off of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine.
Slovak healthcare labour union accuses ministry of escalating health crisis
Slovakia's health system is facing a critical period this Christmas as doctors threaten to quit and parliament bans them from doing so.
Slovak finance ministry accuses Moody’s of political bias after rating lowered
Rating lowered to "A3", the lowest for 20 years.
Korean political upheaval: PPP leader steps down amid impeachment chaos
The leader of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP), Han Dong-hoon, announced his resignation on December 16, marking a dramatic turn in the country’s political landscape
US, Turkey tread carefully over tensions on future of Kurdish forces in Syria
Washington says it’s “imperative” that fight to ensure Islamic State “doesn’t rear its head again” goes on. But Ankara wants Kurd-led YPG militia at head of that effort dissolved.
Turkish carmaker Tofas axes 13% of workforce, Stellantis restructuring failures hit JV
Problems competing with imported Chinese vehicles also taking toll.
Iranian oil sales to China nosedive as fresh sanctions bite
Iran’s oil exports to China have dropped to a record low in two years, a senior analyst at consultancy HedgePoint said, an indication that recent US sanctions cracking down on Iranian crude have been delivering.
Iran to resume Damascus embassy operations soon, says ambassador
Iran plans to resume operations at its embassy in Damascus, exiled Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari said late on December 15.
First major oil spill by Russia's shadow fleet as major storm rips oil tanker apart in Kerch straits
A major storm ripped a Russian oil tanker apart, tearing off its nose on December 15. A total of two ships have reportedly sunk as a result of the storm and at least four crew members are thought to have lost their lives, TASS reports.