President Michel Aoun designated Hariri after a slight majority vote by lawmakers, securing the return of an old name to lead the country desperate for change. Hariri now faces a more impoverished ... ( read original story ...)
Watchdog says Lebanon probe into port blast flawed
A leading international human rights group on Thursday said a Lebanon-led probe into the devastating port explosion in Beirut this summer has been marred by political meddling ... ( read original story ...)
Saad Hariri Named New Lebanon PM, Promises Reform Cabinet
Three-time Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri was named to the post for a fourth time Thursday and immediately promised a government of technocrats committed to a French-backed reform plan. Hariri ... ( read original story ...)
Saad Hariri returns as Lebanon PM a year after resigning
A year after resigning, Saad Hariri has again been named as Lebanon’s prime minister and tasked with forming a government that could win critically needed international support and help stem the ... ( read original story ...)
Kyrgyzstan Punts on Elections to Pursue Constitutional Reforms
The Kyrgyz parliament voted to cancel forthcoming new parliament and presidential elections until at least June 2021, to make way for constitutional reforms. ( read original story ...)
Japarov’s Many Promises: Can Stability Emerge From Chaos in Kyrgyzstan?
Will Kyrgyzstan’s new leader be able to address imminent politico-economic challenges and accomplish his all stated promises? ( read original story ...)
US welcomes Kyrgyzstan detaining ‘dangerous criminal leader’
The United States on Thursday welcomed Kyrgyzstan's detention of an alleged crime boss who Washington says is a major force in drug trafficking, after the Central Asian country's new government ... ( read original story ...)
Thai Protests Inspire Online Calls for Change Next Door in Laos
As anti-government protests gather momentum within Thailand, demonstrators’ savvy social media tactics are inspiring similar calls in other parts of Southeast Asia, most notably in neighboring Laos. ( read original story ...)
Sudanese officials: Diplomatic deal with Israel is near
Israeli delegation flew to Sudan on a private jet this week to wrap up a deal that would make Sudan the third Arab country to normalize ties with Israel this year ... ( read original story ...)
Israel’s first female F-35 pilot made deputy commander of 116th squadron
Prior to flying F-35s, Capt. S. flew F-16s, and soon began flying the advanced stealth fighter jet for the 116th, based out of Nevatim in the South. ( read original story ...)