Iran's hard-line foreign minister said Tehran will only pursue talks that bear tangible outcomes.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iran warns US against wasting time in nuclear talks
Threatened Yazidi interpreters in Iraq say Afghan evacuation a wake-up call
Former Iraqi interpreters already hunted because of their faith say the rush to rescue wartime allies from Taliban-run Afghanistan should serve as a cautionary tale.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Threatened Yazidi interpreters in Iraq say Afghan evacuation a wake-up call
Saudi Arabia’s pavilion second largest at Expo 2020 Dubai, holds LEED certification
With an area of 13,059 sq meters, Saudi Arabia’s pavilion, which holds LEED Platinum certification, will be the second largest at Expo 2020 Dubai, the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported Tuesday.“Designed in an innovative and sustainable way, the [Saudi] pavilion tells viewers about the nature of the Kingdom and [is] a glimpse into its history and future,” WAM said in an infographic.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Expo 2020 Dubai will take place from October 1, 2021, until March 31, 2022.According to WAM, the pavilion includes the “Vision” showcase, a giant 30-meter ball placed on interactive flooring that takes you on a visual and audio journey.There will also be a business park, which will be a platform for building various investment opportunities and partnerships.An exploration area will be a part of the pavilion, where visitors can learn about Saudi Arabia’s role in various fields, including investment, energy, economy, and the arts.The Kingdom’s pavilion holds LEED Platinum certification, a green building rating system.LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a part of the US Green Building Council.According to its website, LEED certification provides independent verification of a building or neighborhood’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings.”“Our participation at Expo 2020 Dubai revolves around creating a thought-provoking and memorable journey which invites global audiences to experience the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for themselves,” according to the official KSA Expo 2020 Dubai.“We want people around the world to connect and learn more about our nation. Visit our pavilion to discover our country, the people and their stories,” the website added.Read more:Saudi Arabia reveals Guinness World Record-breaking Expo PavilionWhat to see at Expo 2020 Dubai: Flash mobs, singing robots and self-driving carsSaudi Arabia announces completion of construction of its Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia’s pavilion second largest at Expo 2020 Dubai, holds LEED certification
UAE Public Prosecution outlines penalty for unlawfully intercepting phone calls
The United Arab Emirates’ Public Prosecution has outlined the penalties associated with intercepting phone call contents illegally or without permission from the competent judicial authorities, according to Emirates News Agency WAM. For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“[Those who break the law] shall be sentenced to detention and/or a fine, whoever intercepts the contents of telephone calls without prior permission by the competent judicial authorities, pursuant to Article (72) bis 2 of the Federal Decree- Law no. 3 of 2003 on the Regulation of Telecommunication Sector, as amended,” the tweet, published on Wednesday, read. The move to post the information was part of the Public Prosecution’s efforts to strengthen compliance on the matter, as well as to heighten legal culture and raise awareness among members of the public, WAM reported on Wednesday. President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also recently approved a decree to better govern the accountability of ministers and senior federal officials in an effort to promote transparency, Dubai Media Office (DMO) reported on Tuesday.“To enhance the accountability and transparency across the UAE Federal Government, the UAE President has approved a decree governing accountability of minister and senior federal officials,” said ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, according to DMO. Under this move, the Public Prosecution will now be able to receive complaints against any senior official which can eventually be referenced to investigation in coordination with the UAE cabinet. “We are a law-abiding country, the integrity and transparency of our federal government is a top priority,” he added.Read more:UAE president approves decree governing accountability of ministers, senior officialsUAE’s KhalifaSat captures unique photo of Expo 2020 in DubaiSaudi Arabia foils several attempts to smuggle amphetamine pills, khat, hashish
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE Public Prosecution outlines penalty for unlawfully intercepting phone calls
Taliban confirm Hibatullah Akhundzada will rule, president to run country under him
The Taliban confirmed on Wednesday that the group’s Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada will be the top authority in the country and a president or prime minister will run the country under his authority, according to Afghan news outlet ToloNews.The group said the discussions on forming a new government have been finalized and they will soon make an announcement.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“Consultations are almost finalized on the new government, and the necessary discussions have also been held about the cabinet. The Islamic government that we will announce will be a ... model for the people,” said Anamullah Samangani, a member of the Taliban’s cultural commission.He added: “There is no doubt about the presence of the Commander of the Faithful (Akhundzada) in the government. He will be the leader of the government and there should be no question on this.”The Taliban’s government model seems to follow that of Iran’s.While Iran has a president and a cabinet, the supreme leader is the religious authority who holds the highest office in the country with powers to dictate policy, overrule laws and override the president. He has the final say in all matters of state.Afghan political analyst was quoted by ToloNews as saying: “The name of the new system should be neither republic nor emirate. It should be something like an Islamic government. Hibatullah should be at the top of the government, and he will not be the president. He will be the leader of Afghanistan. Below him there will be a prime minister or a president that will work under his oversight.”Read more:Taliban to follow Iran model, appoint Supreme Leader as highest authority: ReportTaliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in Afghanistan: SpokesmanQatar says recognizing Taliban not a priority, warns against isolating group
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Taliban confirm Hibatullah Akhundzada will rule, president to run country under him
A day after Houthi attack, Saudi-led coalition intercepts drones
The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthi group said it had intercepted three explosive-laden drones over Yemen on Wednesday, a day after shrapnel from a drone destroyed over Saudi Arabia wounded eight and damaged a civilian plane..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: A day after Houthi attack, Saudi-led coalition intercepts drones
India-UAE flights: Passenger traffic improves since lifting of restrictions
Travel numbers to hit pre-Covid levels by October, says Indian Consul-General..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: India-UAE flights: Passenger traffic improves since lifting of restrictions
Lebanon records 8 COVID-19 deaths, 1,022 cases in 24 hours
Lebanon registered 1,022 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry reported Wednesday, as the country prepared to inoculate school students aged 11 to 16..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanon records 8 COVID-19 deaths, 1,022 cases in 24 hours
Taliban angry at US for destroying military equipment: They destroyed national assets
The Taliban expressed their anger at the US for destroying military equipment before their withdrawal from Afghanistan saying Americans destroyed their “national assets”.Taliban member, Anas Haqqani said: “The US had deliberately destroyed military equipment including helicopters, military vehicles, and facilities,” according to Afghan news oulet Ariana news.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“For years they called us destroyers. But now you are witnessing those who are destroyers. They have destroyed our national assets,” he added.Footage shared on social media showed dozens of vehicles, helicopters and military equipment destroyed at Kabul airport.The head of US CENTCOM, General Kenneth McKenzie, had said that US forces demilitarized equipment before the last of the remaining American troops and officials left Afghanistan on Tuesday.“We demilitarized those systems so that they'll never be used again. We felt it more important to protect our forces than to bring those systems back,” McKenzie said.The equipment which was demilitarized included up to 70 MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles), 27 Humvee tactical vehicles, and 73 aircraft.However, since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on August 15, they took control of a treasure trove of US military equipment given to the Afghan government.A US official told Reuters last month that the Taliban are believed to control more than 2,000 armored vehicles, including US Humvees, and up to 40 aircraft potentially including UH-60 Black Hawks, scout attack helicopters, and ScanEagle military drones.After the final US pullout, footage on social media showed Taliban fighters parading in different parts of the country, showing off US military vehicles and weapons. US aircraft was also seen flying over parts of the country.Read more:Taliban seize US war chest given to Afghan govt: Humvees, helicopters, drones, gunsTaliban seizes military biometric devices, may use it to ID US allies in AfghanistanUS ‘demilitarized’ over 150 aircrafts, vehicles before departing Kabul: Military
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Taliban angry at US for destroying military equipment: They destroyed national assets
Taliban admit ‘heavy casualties’ on both sides in clashes with Panjshir resistance
The Taliban admitted on Wednesday that there were casualties on both sides of the conflict with Ahmad Massoud’s resistance movement in Panjshir province.The Taliban “have been attacked by those who choose to resist in Panjshir,” said Inamullah Samangani, a member of the Taliban's cultural committee, adding: “The attack was met with backlash from [Taliban fighters], which resulted in heavy causalities on both sides.”For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Afghan news outlet ToloNews reported that heavy clashes between the Taliban and the resistance movement started Tuesday night and that locals are fleeing their homes.A Taliban official, Amir Khan Mottaki, said talks with the resistance have broken down and yielded no results.Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Massoud’s resistance movement, Fahim Dashti, said the Taliban attacked from three directions over the last two nights but without achieving any progress.“More than a dozen Taliban [fighters] have been killed and more than seven others wounded,” ToloNews quoted him as saying.After the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on August 15, Panjshir province in the country’s northwest remained an unconquered area. It has become a stronghold for resistance, mobilizing under Ahmad Massoud, the 32-year-old son of the slain leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, who vowed to resist the Taliban.The Taliban had announced two weeks ago that hundreds of their fighters were heading to Panjshir to control the province.Read more:Panjshir resistance says retaliated against Taliban attack, killed 7 of its fightersTaliban claim to enter resistance stronghold Panjshir, Massoud supporters denyAfghanistan's Panjshir Valley: Home of the anti-Taliban resistance
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Taliban admit ‘heavy casualties’ on both sides in clashes with Panjshir resistance