Putin Says Russia Ready for Peace, Claims Strategic Initiative in Ukraine

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during his annual end-of-year press conference that, while Ukraine…

UAE Hit by Heaviest Rainstorm in Months, Flights Cancelled and Roads Flooded

DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates faced its heaviest rainstorm in months on December 19, prompting…

Brazil’s Bolsonaro Backs Son for 2026 Presidency, Sparking Doubts and Market Jitters

BRASILIA — Former President Jair Bolsonaro’s endorsement of his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, for Brazil’s…

Singapore PM Lawrence Wong to Take Leave; DPM Gan Kim Yong to Serve as Acting PM

SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will be on leave from December 20 to December 31,…

Indonesia Sends Top Minister to US to Finalize Landmark Trade Deal

JAKARTA — Indonesia has dispatched its Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto to the United States to…

Malaysia Prepares for Christmas Traffic Surge with 2.6 Million Vehicles Expected

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has warned of heavy traffic on major highways…

India, Oman Sign Landmark Economic Pact to Counter U.S. Tariffs, Unlock $10B Trade Boost

DUBAI/NEW DELHI — India sealed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Oman on Thursday, slashing tariffs…

Mexico Urges UN Action to Prevent Bloodshed in Venezuela Amid US Blockade Order

MEXICO CITY – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum appealed Wednesday to the United Nations to intervene and…

UN Chief Urges Restraint in Yemen as Separatists Advance, Houthis Detain UN Staff

UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Wednesday for maximum restraint from all parties in…

Ireland Bolsters Defenses with €300M French Radar Deal Ahead of EU Presidency

DUBLIN – Ireland announced plans Wednesday to acquire a multi-million-euro military radar system from France, enhancing…

ASEAN Sets Dec 22 Meeting as Cambodia, Thailand Agree to Border Talks

PUTRAJAYA – Cambodia and Thailand have committed to attending a special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in…

FIFA Overturns Malaysia Soccer Results, Imposes New Fines in Forgery Scandal

KUALA LUMPUR – FIFA has nullified the results of three Malaysia international friendlies after ruling that…