Middle East

Syrian Government Rejects Kurdish Armed Autonomy Ahead of Integration Talks
Syrian Government Rejects Kurdish Armed Autonomy Ahead of Integration Talks

A Syrian government source said Thursday that it rejected allowing the Kurds — who control vast territories in the north and east of the country — to keep their weapons, as a new round of negotiations on their integration into the Syrian state was scheduled, according to state media. The Kurds are engaged in negotiations with central ...

Iran Reaffirms ‘Unshakable’ Right to Enrich Uranium Ahead of Key Talks with Europe
Iran Reaffirms ‘Unshakable’ Right to Enrich Uranium Ahead of Key Talks with Europe

Iran on Thursday reaffirmed its right to enrich uranium, saying it was "unshakable", on the eve of key talks with European powers threatening to reimpose nuclear sanctions. Friday's meeting, set to take place in Istanbul, will be the first since Israel's mid-June attack targeting key nuclear and military sites in the Islamic republic sparked a ...

At Least 12 Dead, Over 100 Injured in Explosions at Weapons Depot in Northwestern Syria
At Least 12 Dead, Over 100 Injured in Explosions at Weapons Depot in Northwestern Syria

A series of explosions killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 100 at a weapons depot in northwestern Syria on Thursday, a monitor said. "Multiple blasts at a weapons and ammunition warehouse belonging to the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 100 in Maaret Misrin, in northern Idlib province," ...

Two Palestinian Teenagers Killed by Israeli Army in the West Bank
Two Palestinian Teenagers Killed by Israeli Army in the West Bank

The Palestinian Authority said Thursday that two Palestinian teenagers were killed by the Israeli army overnight near Bethlehem, in the southern occupied West Bank, while the army said it had killed “terrorists.” "The General Authority for Civil Affairs informed the Ministry of Health of the martyrdom of young Ahmad Ali Asaad Ashira al-Salah ...

 Gaza: UN Unable to Verify Number of Aid Shipments Awaiting Distribution Due to Lack of Access
Gaza: UN Unable to Verify Number of Aid Shipments Awaiting Distribution Due to Lack of Access

The United Nations said Thursday it does not know how many aid consignments are currently in Gaza awaiting distribution, as it has not been authorized by Israel to be present at the crossing points. The Israeli military denied on Wednesday that it was blocking humanitarian aid and claimed that 950 trucks were in Gaza waiting for international ...

Saudi Arabia Commits $6.4 Billion to Syria in Reconstruction Deals
Saudi Arabia Commits $6.4 Billion to Syria in Reconstruction Deals

Saudi Arabia on Thursday signed major investment and partnership deals with Syria, valued at $6.4 billion, to help rebuild the war-ravaged country's infrastructure, telecommunications and other major sectors. Saudi Arabia has been a major backer of the new Syrian government, which seized power after an Islamist-led offensive toppled longtime ...

Syria’s Economy Reportedly Rebuilt in Shadows by President’s Brother
Syria’s Economy Reportedly Rebuilt in Shadows by President’s Brother

A Reuters investigation uncovered a covert campaign to restructure Syria’s shattered economy, led by the new president’s brother, Hazem al-Sharaa, and an Australian of Lebanese descent, Abraham Succarieh, who is under international sanctions for alleged terrorism financing. Operating through an unannounced “shadow committee,” the pair has ...

Nigeria: At Least 95 Bandits Killed in Military Operation Amid Expanding Conflict
Nigeria: At Least 95 Bandits Killed in Military Operation Amid Expanding Conflict

Nigerian troops killed at least 95 members of an armed criminal gang in a shootout and airstrikes earlier this week, according to a situation report shared with the UN and seen by AFP on Thursday. Armed gangs known as "bandits" have taken root across Nigeria's rural hinterlands amid poverty and government neglect. They raid, loot, burn villages, ...

The Druze of Syria: A Minority Seeking Stability in the Post-Assad Transition
The Druze of Syria: A Minority Seeking Stability in the Post-Assad Transition

Since July 13, deadly clashes in Syria’s southern province of Sweida have left more than 1,300 people dead, including at least 630 local residents, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The violence erupted after the abduction of a merchant from the Druze community, triggering a wave of bloodshed that underscores the region’s ...

Elemind: The Smart Headband That Puts You to Sleep Without Pills
Elemind: The Smart Headband That Puts You to Sleep Without Pills

Falling asleep without pills, sleeping aids, herbal teas or guided meditation—that’s the bold promise behind Elemind. Born from MIT’s research labs, this seemingly simple headband targets one of modern life’s most persistent struggles: difficulty falling asleep, which affects millions worldwide. The claim is compelling: a nearly 50% ...

EU Prepares 93 Billion Euros in Tariffs as US Trade Talks Hang in Balance
EU Prepares 93 Billion Euros in Tariffs as US Trade Talks Hang in Balance

EU states on Thursday approved a 93-billion-euro ($109-billion) package of counter-tariffs on US goods that would kick in from August 7 if talks with the United States fail, European diplomats said. US President Donald Trump blind sided the European Union this month when he threatened a 30-percent levy on EU goods unless the two sides reach a ...