International Features

This month, as Dr Mahathir Mohamad marks his 100th year, the world contemplates not just longevity, but the enduring enigma of political power he embodies. The former Malaysian prime minister’s milestone comes at a time when the archetype of the “strongman” leader is resurgent globally – from Hungary to, undeniably, the United States where President Donald Trump is barely six months into …

Saudi authorities have announced a temporary visa ban affecting 14 countries ahead of the Hajj season. The suspension applies to Umrah, business, and family visas, with restrictions expected to end by mid-June, according to diplomatic sources. Officials confirm that individuals holding Umrah visas can still enter Saudi Arabia until April 13. The affected countries include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, …

 In response to a request made by the Emir of Kuwait and under the coordination of Sheikh Mansoor Jabbar, a social worker from Kuwait sent 50 metric tons of dates to Muslims in Sri Lanka to mark the Holy Month of Ramazan breakfast with the financial support of Kuwait philanthropist Sheikh Allusi. The dates will be distributed in Muslim areas …

UN backs Palestine’s bid for membership: How did your country vote? A breakdown by country of the UN General Assembly vote on a resolution for Palestinian to become a full UN member. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has overwhelmingly voted to support a Palestinian bid to become a full UN member by recognising it as qualified to join and recommending the …

Palestinians walk past a house destroyed by an Israeli strike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, in early January.   © Reuters RHYANNON BARTLETT-IMADEGAWA and CATHERINE DE BEAUREPAIRE, Nikkei staff writersFebruary 3, 2024 06:35 JST   BRUSSELS — Indonesia and Sri Lanka’s foreign ministers called on the European Union to be consistent in its approach to the conflict in Gaza as it has with Ukraine, …