Jordan confronts northern border threats amid Syria transition
Jordan (Washington Insider) – Jordan faces northern border threats from smuggling and instability in southern Syria, especially Sweida. Experts Abu Zeid, Muath Abu Dalou, Sheikat, and al-Daja stress strong border control, a unified Syria, and…
Oman warns of heavy rain, winds, and 2 m waves in Musandam
Oman (Washington Insider) – Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority’s NMHEWC warns of 20–60 mm rain, 28–64 km/h winds, 1.5–2 m sea waves, flash floods, and thunderstorms in Musandam, Al Buraimi, Al Batinah, Hajar Mountains. As Times of Oman reported,…
Israel & Hamas at odds over Gaza ceasefire phase 2 after Raed Saad’s death
Israel (Washington Insider) – Tensions rise between Israel and Hamas after the commander Raed Saad was killed near Gaza City. Nearly 800 Israeli strikes killed hundreds. Netanyahu demands return of captive Ran Gvili before phase 2 of U.S.-brokered…
2 U.S. soldiers, 1 interpreter killed in Syria; Hegseth confirms
Syria (Washington Insider) – On December 13, 2025, 2 U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed and 3 wounded in Palmyra, Syria. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the ISIS-linked attacker was killed. As Reuters reported, on…
Oman records 3.9 million visitors with RO 2.6 billion investment
Oman (Washington News) – Oman’s tourism is rapidly growing under Vision 2040, driven by RO 2.6 billion investments, sustainable development, and rising visitor numbers, positioning the sector as a key driver of economic diversification. As…
Israel targets Hamas leader in Gaza, killing 4 amid truce
Israel (Washington Insider) – On December 13, 2025, Israel’s IDF and Shin Bet struck Gaza City, likely targeting Ra’ad Sa’ad; 4 people killed, several injured, amid ongoing tensions despite the 2023 ceasefire. As Dimsum Daily reported, on December…
China & UAE urged by Wang Yi, Al Nahyan to expand energy ties
UAE (Washington Insider) – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, urging expanded cooperation in trade, energy, technology, Belt and Road projects, and multilateral coordination. As…
Qatar announces Canada & Mexico for the 2026 Year of Culture
Qatar (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Qatar closed its 2025 Year of Culture with Argentina and Chile at Polo AlMarsa, announcing Canada and Mexico for 2026, linked to the FIFA World Cup, continuing the 2012 cultural programme. As GULF TIMES…
Tony Blair removed from US-led Gaza peace council
Tony Blair removed from Gaza peace council. US-led initiative faced Arab objections. Muslim countries opposed Blair’s involvement. Donald Trump, the chairman of the United States, has declared he’ll serve as the council’s president. According…
Edan Alexander returns to Israel Defense Forces after 584 days in Gaza
Edan Alexander spent 584 days in Gaza. Recently returned to the Israel Defense Forces. His time marked by conflict and service. Alexander, a native of New Jersey, added that he was in uniform close to the Gaza border for the first time since being freed…