Bolton on Trump’s COVID negligence, Afghanistan exit, Iran regime change

Former US national security advisor John Bolton has blamed the administration of Joe Biden over messy Afghanistan withdrawal as well as his former boss Donald Trump for coronavirus deaths in the US. He has once again called for the overthrowing of the Iranian regime.

Daesh claims responsibility for Kandahar mosque blast

Daesh terror group has claimed responsibility for the Friday explosion at a Kandahar mosque in Afghanistan. The blast happened at a Shia mosque during Friday prayers in which scores of worshippers were killed and wounded.

Turkey urges world to engage with Taliban

Turkey has called on the international community to cooperate with the new rulers of Afghanistan. The comment comes after a high-level Taliban delegation visited Ankara for talks with Turkish officials for the first after the group seized Kabul last August.

China warns US over irresponsible remarks on Taiwan

China has rejected as irresponsible accusation by the US regarding Beijing military drills near the Island of Taiwan. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry has urged Washington to stop making such remarks on Taiwan issues.

Russia says prevented US destroyer entering its waters

Moscow announced its warship has prevented a US Navy destroyer from intruding into Russia’s territorial waters in the Sea of Japan. The Russian Defense Ministry has summoned US military attache in connection with the border incident.

Putin: No rush in recognizing Taliban

Russian President Vladimir Putin says interaction should be maintained with the Taliban, but there should be no haste to recognize the new rulers of Afghanistan officially.

UK lawmaker stabbed to death

In the UK, Conservative MP Sir David Amess died on Friday after he was stabbed multiple times at his constituency surgery, police say. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident. Police have declared the murder a terrorist incident.

Lebanon army detains nine people following Beirut clashes

The Lebanese army has announced the arrest of nine people in relation to the deadly unrest in Beirut on Thursday. Lebanese President Michel Aoun has vowed people who were responsible for the violence would be held accountable. The chaos was the worst street violence over a decade in which six people were killed and dozens more injured.

Saudi FM says Riyadh-Tehran talks ‘cordial’

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud says talks with Iran have been “cordial”, and described the negotiations between the two countries as “exploratory”. Tehran and Riyadh are showing signs of warming relations after four rounds of talks.

Taliban delegation in Turkey for talks

A Taliban delegation arrived in Ankara on Thursday for talks with Turkish officials. The new rulers of Afghanistan continue a diplomatic push for international support and recognition.

Several killed, wounded in Lebanon gunfire

Heavy gunfire rang out in the Lebanese capital on Thursday during protests against the lead judge investing the fatal Beirut port blast. The incident has claimed at least six lives and left dozens injured. The Lebanese army troops have been deployed to squash the unrest.

Iranian-Saudi Talks Following Positive Trend: Analyst

A political commentator says negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia will hopefully follow a positive trend, though differences between the two countries remain.

China says drills near Taiwan for peace, stability

China has defended its recent military exercises near Taiwan. The Asian power says the drills are aimed at protecting the country's sovereignty and integrity against Taipei's collusion with foreign powers.

WH sends grim holiday warning to Americans over supply chain

White House officials have warned Americans may face higher prices and empty shelves at Christmas season. The dire warning comes as Washington is scrambling to relieve global supply bottlenecks choking U.S. ports, highways and railways.

Putin: Arms race underway since US pullout from ABM Treaty

The United States triggered an arms race after its unilateral withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty almost two decades ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin says.

US rules out normalisation with Syria

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken renewed Washington opposition to normalising relations with Syria under President Bashar al-Assad.

Several killed in bow and arrow attack in Norway

At least five people were killed and two others injured by a man armed with a bow and arrow in the Norwegian town of Kongsberg.

France says EU official visit to Tehran vital for nuclear talks

France describes as important a visit by the European Union (EU) top diplomat to Tehran for the revival of the Iran nuclear deal. Tehran will host EU deputy foreign policy chief Enrique Mora on Thursday for talks about the resumption of the nuclear negotiations.

China, India ramp up rhetoric in border row

Beijing and New Delhi doubled down on their rhetoric over border tensions on Wednesday. China and India held the 13th round of talks in an effort to settle the conflict, but failed to come to a compromise.

Qatar calls for (P)GCC engagement with Iran

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has urged the (Persian) Gulf Corporation Council ,(P)GCC, to engage with Tehran. The top diplomat says Qatar considers Iran “part of our region”.

Survey shows Americans concerned about cyber-attacks

The vast majority of Americans are concerned about cyber-attacks on financial and national security sectors, a new poll has found. According to the poll, over 90 percent of the respondents are also very concerned about their data being hacked.

UN chief: COVID pushed 100mn into poverty

United Nations Secretary-General has Antonio Guterres says 100 million people have been forced into poverty since the beginning of the Covid-19. He criticized the inequality in handling the pandemic, saying this situation is "creating a breeding ground for violence and conflict."

Russia: Deliberate attempts escalating tension in Asia

The Russian foreign minister says deliberate attempts are being made to escalate the security situation in Asia. Sergey Lavrov attributes this to the military blocs seeking ‘the logic of the cold war and policy of containment.’

Probe into Beirut blast paused again

A probe into the huge explosion at Beirut port last year has been halted again after two former Lebanese ministers facing charges in the case, lodged a new legal complaint against the investigator.

North Korea’s Un vows to build ‘invincible’ army

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to build an “invincible” military. He has also blasted hostile U.S. policies toward Pyongyang as well as its joint war games with neighboring South.

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