News
Russian embassy warns tourists to avoid photography in Iran
A warning from the Russian embassy in Tehran against photography is fuelling speculation of an undisclosed incident involving tourists. While tourism officials cite standard security protocols for military sites, the timing raises questions.
Bulgarian president demands snap elections after mass protests
Rumen Radev called for early elections after the government pulled its contentious 2026 budget proposal in response to the biggest protests the country has seen in years.
Serbia’s sole oil refinery shuts down after US sanctions block crude oil supply
NIS, majority-owned by Russia’s Gazprom group, has been unable to secure new crude shipments since the sanctions took effect on October 9.
Kuwait non-oil output growth hits five-month high as new orders surge
Kuwait PMI rises to four-month high of 53.4 in November as output growth reaches strongest pace since June, though accelerating input costs threaten firms' competitive pricing strategies.
Key talks between the US and Russia to end the war in Ukraine inconclusive but positive
Key talks between the US and Russia to end the war in Ukraine on December 2 ended inconclusively but made “some progress.”
African Energy Chamber condemns UK's withdrawal of funding for Mozambique LNG project
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has strongly criticised the UK government’s decision to withdraw financial support from the Mozambique liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
Intel shows Osama bin Laden's son is alive and inside Afghanistan
In 2019, Donald Trump in his first stint as US president announced that bin Laden had been killed in a US operation in the Afghan - Pakistan area. This now appears to have been incorrect.
Japan’s Koizumi to head to Washington for defence talks amid China spat
Tokyo and Washington have been exploring an accelerated timetable for co-producing the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, a system central to both countries’ air-defence posture.
Situation along Afghan-Tajik border “not stable” – Dushanbe
Tajikistan asks for Russian help to thwart Islamic militant attacks.
Slovenia to launch amnesty for illegal weapons after fatal shooting
Official want to reduce the number of illegal weapons in circulation after shooting in Novo Mesto that sparked mass protests and a controversial increase in police powers.
Bosnia fails to advance laws needed for EU accession as Cabinet of Ministers session blocked
Bosnia is trying to meet conditions to open EU accession negotiations, but political divisions have led to repeated delays.
South Africa charges international shipping lines with alleged cartel conduct on key China trade routes
Eight cargo shipping companies are accused of colluding to charge the same rate increases on routes between China and South Africa, with some routes to West Africa also affected.
EU’s Kallas warns Moscow preparing Moldova “playbook” to influence Armenia’s 2026 election
High representative Kaja Kallas says Russian-backed networks already deploying disinformation campaigns, as EU announces €15mn package for Armenia.
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Brazilian right turns to technocrat warrior as Bolsonaro faces 27-year fall
Brazil's conservative movement is on the lookout for a new champion to challenge President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in next year's elections, as former president Jair Bolsonaro’s once-formidable political dynasty crumbles.
Bulgaria withdraws 2026 budget after biggest protests in years turn violent
Mass protests against the plan drew tens of thousands of people onto the streets and triggered clashes between police and demonstrators.
Honduras presidential race deadlocked as Trump makes unsubstantiated fraud claims
Honduras's presidential election remained virtually tied late on December 1 with two conservative candidates separated by just 515 votes, as officials urged patience whilst they complete a hand count of ballots.
Pope Leo concludes Lebanon visit with peace appeal after 150,000 attend Beirut Mass
Pope Leo concludes first foreign trip with peace appeal after 150,000 attend Beirut Mass, visiting 2020 port blast site and calling on Middle East leaders to reject “mindset of revenge and violence."
ECB refuses to back EU’s plan for €140bn Ukraine loan
The European Central Bank has refused to support a €140bn EU loan package intended for Ukraine, dealing a significant blow to a controversial initiative that sought to finance Kyiv using a cash pile from the investment of Russian frozen assets.
Beijing and Tokyo trade barbs after maritime standoff
The islands are, however, Japan held and Tokyo has long rejected China’s territorial claim and a lesser claim by a Taiwanese county in the east of the self-governing island nation.
China once more moves to escalate tensions with Japan
China has escalated its diplomatic confrontation with Japan by issuing a further formal complaint to the United Nations over remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan.