The Cradle columnist sentenced to one year imprisonment for ‘insulting’ the Armed Forces

The ruling by a military court was made in absentia and without duly notifying the accused

Take two: Turkiye’s election circus gets even crazier

The second round of Turkish presidential elections has drawn global attention for its increasingly bizarre alliances, outrageous propaganda, and personality politics. Ironically, not much is expected to change in its aftermath.

Years after Trump’s ‘f*** him’ remark, Netanyahu’s rift with Washington grows

The ongoing hostile relationship between the historic allies underscores Netanyahu's growing international isolation

Pakistan faces $18bn fine over Iran gas pipeline delayed by US sanctions

Pakistani officials say the US should pay the fine for blocking the pipeline's construction

EU prosecutors grill Lebanon’s finance minister over central bank corruption

Youssef Khalil claimed that during his nearly 30-year tenure at the central bank he was unaware of any corruption or embezzlement of public funds

France to press fraud, money laundering charges against Lebanon’s cenbank chief: Report

Riad Salameh faces money laundering charges in Lebanon and several European countries

West Asia highly mistrusts US ‘commitment’ to democracy, economic development: Poll

An overwhelming majority of citizens in West Asia and North Africa say they do not believe Washington is serious about helping the economic and political situation of the region

China to host historic meeting of Iranian, Saudi foreign ministers: Report

The historic meeting in Beijing is described as 'the next step' in the historic rapprochement deal signed behind Washington's back

Yemen says UAE building new military base in occupied Socotra Archipelago

The Ansarallah resistance group has warned that securing Yemen's maritime sovereignty will be a priority in the next stage of the battle against Saudi and Emirati forces

US Threat Report: Washington facing ‘critical years’ in Great Power competition

Unlike in previous years, the 2023 annual US Threat Assessment Report  views West Asia through the prism of a Great Power competition that threatens to nudge the world into a post-US multipolar order. 

Lebanon’s cenbank chief grilled by EU prosecutors, denies embezzling public funds

Riad Salameh, who the UN says is guilty of human rights violations for his role in creating Lebanon's economic crisis, claims to be the victim of political persecution

The Valdai meeting: Where West Asia meets multipolarity

At Russia's Valdai Club meeting - the east's answer to Davos - intellectuals and influencers gathered to frame West Asia's current and future developments.

From Russia with Love: Su-35s to Iran will strengthen defense ties

Iran's possible purchase of Russian fighter jets would further solidify the existing strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran, and impact their global power competition with the west.

British company found liable for Beirut Port blast

Savaro Ltd, a shell company reportedly operated by Ukrainian businesspeople, has been found responsible for the damages caused to over 200 victims

Western states isolated in support of Ukraine war, unipolar world order: Poll

Respondents in China, India, and Turkiye said they prefer a quick end to the war even if Ukraine has to concede territory

Amid Turkiye’s rubble lies Erdogan’s political fate

The full impact of the recent earthquake that hit both Turkiye and Syria has yet to be fully assessed, but the Turkish Republic has already sustained significant damage that could have long-lasting political effects.

Israeli minister calls for the demolition of hundreds of Palestinian homes

Long standing Zionist efforts to ethnically cleanse indigenous Palestinian Muslims and Christians are set to accelerate under newly formed Israeli government

EU inspectors launch probe against Lebanon’s central bank chief

According to European judicial documents, since 2002, Riad Salameh embezzled hundreds of millions in public funds using a shell company registered in the Virgin Islands

Predictions for 2023? Annus horribilis with some surprising upsides

The Cradle's writers offer up their predictions for 2023. The common theme is massive global shifts, some good, some bad.

US court ruling opens door for Lebanese banks to be prosecuted on foreign soil

Lebanon's financial institutions have evaded any responsibility for their role in the crisis gripping the nation, and have instead placed the burden on regular citizens

US army steals new shipment of Syrian oil as Damascus works to protect wheat resources

Damascus says Washington and its Kurdish proxy militias are responsible for plundering 80 percent of Syria's daily oil output, and are also working to damage the nation's vast wheat fields

Lebanon’s army chief in Qatar under shadow of political interference

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, France, and the US have all sought to interfere in Lebanon's internal election process to make sure the army chief becomes the country's next president

US court drops Khashoggi lawsuit citing Biden-approved immunity for MbS

The court was forced to drop the lawsuit against the Saudi crown prince despite 'the credible allegations of his involvement in Khashoggi’s murder'

France investigates paramour of Lebanon’s central bank chief for money laundering

Riad Salameh has avoided detention throughout the past year thanks to the protection afforded to him by high officials and by the US ambassador to Lebanon

Qatar dangles aid in front of Lebanon in exchange for naming army chief as president: Report

Doha has joined Saudi Arabia, France, and the US in supporting General Joseph Aoun for president of the cash-strapped nation

Germany, France ask to bypass Lebanese judges ‘impeding’ corruption probe into central bank chief

Riad Salameh faces money laundering and embezzlement charges in France, Germany, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, and Lebanon

OPEC+ puts major output cut on the table

In September, OPEC announced a decrease of output by 100,000 barrels per day; the next meeting could see a decrease of an additional 500,000 barrels per day

Can Syria ever forgive Qatar?

While, one by one, regional states are restoring relations with Syria, Qatar will likely be the last welcomed back in Damascus

Gas-hungry Germany approves arms deal with Saudi Arabia

Germany has been boosting its relations with GCC countries after losing access to Russian fuel

Saudi crown prince appointed prime minister by royal decree

MbS has become the first Saudi prince to hold the position of PM, a role historically reserved for the king