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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 ...

Oscars Nominees’ Lunch Cancelled, Industry Rallies Amid LA Wildfires

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday the cancellation of its glitzy nominees’ luncheon, as Los Angeles grapples with devastating wildfires. Nominations will now be revealed during a virtual event on January 23, marking a major adjustment to the traditional awards season. “We are all devastated by the impact of the ...

Los Angeles Grammys 2025 Set to Support Wildfire Relief

The Grammys, scheduled for February 2, will "proceed as planned" despite the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, the Recording Academy announced Monday. In a letter to Academy members, organizers confirmed that the 67th annual music awards gala will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles "in close coordination with ...

Trump as Buddha: Chinese Statues Spark Sensation

Serenity and calm are not typically the first words that come to mind when describing Donald Trump. Yet, in a Chinese artisan's workshop, the former U.S. president sits cross-legged in a divine meditation pose. This porcelain version of the Republican billionaire, transformed into a Buddha, is the work of designer and sculptor Hong Jinshi. These ...

'Den of Thieves 2' Leads the North American Box Office

Lionsgate's heist thriller Den of Thieves 2: Pantera opened at the top of the North American box office this weekend, earning an estimated $15.5 million, industry sources reported Sunday. "This is a good opening for the second episode in a crime thriller series," said analyst David A. Gross. "These movies are made for audiences, not ...

'Epic' and 'Sumptuous': The Count of Monte Cristo Charms American Critics

Released in France in June 2024, The Count of Monte Cristo, starring Pierre Niney in the title role, has now made its way to American theaters. This latest adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ iconic novel has received unanimous praise from US critics, who laud the film’s ability to modernize the story while staying faithful to its roots. In ...