Saudi Arabia says it will allow flights “from all countries” to cross its skies to reach the United Arab Emirates ... ( read original story ...)
Afghanistan frees nearly 200 Taliban prisoners to push peace talks
The Afghan government released nearly 200 Taliban prisoners to spur the start of long-delayed peace negotiations, senior Afghan officials said on Wednesday. ( read original story ...)
Macron backs Iraq ‘sovereignty’ on first Baghdad visit
French President Emmanuel Macron met his Iraqi counterpart Wednesday on his first official visit to Baghdad, where he insisted the war-scarred country should reassert its "sovereignty" despite ... ( read original story ...)
Foreign interference, Islamic state main challenges for Iraq, says France’s Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged support for Iraq on Wednesday and said the main challenges facing the country are Islamic State militants and foreign interference in its affairs. ( read original story ...)
Foreign Interference Main Challenge Facing Iraq, Says France’s Macron
"We are here for and we will continue to support Iraq," Macron said at a news conference in Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih. Iraq should not become a battleground for proxy conflicts ... ( read original story ...)
French President: keen to help guarantee Iraq’s security and economic sovereignty
French President Emmanuel Macron, who is visiting Iraq, said on Wednesday he aimed to help guarantee its security and economic sovereignty. ( read original story ...)
France’s Emmanuel Macron visits Iraq for ‘sovereignty initiative’
The French president has arrived in Baghdad on a mission to bolster Iraq's sovereignty as it struggles under the weight of regional power politics. He said it's France's job to help Iraqis "take their ... ( read original story ...)
UPDATE 1-Iraq seeks exemption from OPEC export cut deal next year
Iraq is seeking an exemption from an OPEC+ deal curbing oil production during the first quarter of 2021 but will adhere to the cuts over the next three months, Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul Jabbar said on ... ( read original story ...)
New Covid-19 Outbreaks Test South Korea’s Strategy
South Koreans have been proud of their government’s handling of the virus. New outbreaks raise doubt. By Choe Sang-Hun SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea was so proud of its handling of the coronavirus ... ( read original story ...)
Thailand’s king reinstates his consort after her fall from grace
Thailand's king has reinstated his royal consort to the position, nearly a year after she was stripped of her titles in a dramatic fall from grace. King Vajiralongkorn returned Sineenat ... ( read original story ...)