US

Iran says 'Committed' to Cooperating with UN Nuclear Watchdog

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Monday that his country was "committed" to cooperating with the UN's nuclear agency after meeting with its chief, Rafael Grossi. Gharibabadi said in a post on X that the talks in Vienna with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had been "frank and ...

Desert X Brings Bold Art to California’s Vast Landscape

A striking array of artworks, including mysterious metallic mirrors, towering marble boulders, and a 3D-printed mud hut, emerged in the California desert this Saturday, marking the return of the biennial Desert X outdoor art festival. This free event, which drew 600,000 visitors during its last edition, invites contemporary art enthusiasts to ...

Roy Ayers, godfather of neo-soul, dead at 84

Roy Ayers, the trailblazer of jazz, funk and neo-soul whose "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" proved a hugely popular hip-hop sample, has died. He was 84 years old. The artist's family shared the news in a Facebook post, saying the vibraphonist, composer and producer died in New York on March 4 following a long illness. "He lived a beautiful 84 ...

Independent Arabiya Unveils US Congressional Bill Targeting Hezbollah and LAF

Independent Arabiya has published details of a draft bill introduced to the US Congress by Republican Representative Greg Steube, aimed at pressuring the Lebanese government and military to curb Hezbollah’s influence. The proposed legislation, titled  "Preventing Armed Groups from Engaging in Extremism Act," calls for stringent measures against ...

Back in the fold, Saudi becomes dealmaker for US, Russia

A pariah under the former US administration, Saudi Arabia has returned to the diplomatic fold, hosting breakthrough US-Russia talks and an Arab leaders' summit on Gaza in a complete reversal of fortunes for the monarchy. Top Russian and US officials are meeting on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia for discussions aimed at restoring relations and laying the ...

The Disco French Touch Revolution: A Legacy Revived

A close relative of soul and funk, disco was born in the United States, yet several French musicians and producers helped define its signature sound. One of its most recognizable names is Patrick Hernandez, who set dancefloors on fire in 1978 with Born to Be Alive. However, the true pioneer of this movement—now honored by the Philharmonie de ...

Google Renames the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America'

Google renamed on Monday the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” in its mapping service for users in the United States. The change follows an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump in tribute to the “greatness of America,” according to the US Board on Geographic Names. Google stated that the update aligns with its policy ...

The Pressing Challenges and Deadlines Facing Salam’s Government

Nawaf Salam’s cabinet is one of the fastest-formed governments in the past three decades. Just 26 days after Salam was tasked with forming a government—based on the criteria he set, chiefly excluding partisan ministers—and following his agreement with President Joseph Aoun, he successfully formed his cabinet, which includes competent ...

Syria Sanctions: EU's 'Carrot and Stick' Policy

The 27-member European Union agreed on Monday on a "roadmap" to gradually ease sanctions on key sectors of the Syrian economy that were imposed under the former regime of Bashar al-Assad. However, the EU has ruled out any unconditional lifting of these measures. The process will be gradual and subject to strict conditions. In other words, the bloc ...

US and EU to Provide $179 Million to Support the Lebanese Army

The United States and the European Union announced additional aid packages on Saturday to support Lebanon’s army and internal security forces at the conclusion of an international donor meeting. The US State Department allocated $117 million following a virtual donor meeting "with partners and allies to discuss the essential security ...

Ex-CIA Analyst Guilty of Leaking Documents on Israel Plans to Strike Iran

A former CIA official pleaded guilty Friday to leaking top secret US intelligence documents about Israeli military plans for a retaliatory strike on Iran. Asif Rahman, 34, who worked for the Central Intelligence Agency since 2016 and held a top secret security clearance, was arrested by the FBI in Cambodia in November. Rahman faces up to 20 ...