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☆ Lionel Messi says he hasn’t yet thought about when he will retire
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Age, they say, is just a number – an adage that appears to ring true for soccer star Lionel Messi. “The truth is I haven’t thought about it yet,” said Messi, who turns 37 in June. “Today, I try to enjoy it day-by-day, enjoy every moment without thinking about it more than that. Messi celebrates winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. Asked about what will factor into his decision to retire, Messi said: “The moment that I’m not at the level to deliver, that I’m not enjoying it, that I’m not helping my teammates.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, hasn’t, Ballon d’Or, ”, it’s, Cristiano Ronaldo, aplenty, Nassr, Carl Recine, Reuters Messi, I’m, “, ” Messi, Argentina’s, El Savaldor Organizations: CNN, Argentina, La Liga, Barcelona, Reuters, MLS, Inter Miami, Leagues, Eastern Conference, El, Inter, New York Locations: “, Portugal, Saudi Arabian, Costa Rica, New York City

☆ Dasu dam: Chinese workers killed in suicide bomb blast as Pakistan grapples with attacks on Beijing’s interests
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Sophia Saifi | Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered condolences for the death of the Chinese nationals during a visit Tuesday to the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, where he met with Beijing’s ambassador. The blast Tuesday follows two militant attacks in recent days in southwest Pakistan, where China is investing billions in infrastructure projects. Half a year later, a separatist group attacked a luxury hotel in Gwadar, often used by Chinese nationals working at the port. In August last year, BLA militants opened fire on a Pakistani military convoy in Gwadar as it was escorting a delegation of Chinese nationals to a construction project. Two militants were killed and no harm was caused to any military personnel or civilians, according to the Pakistani military.

Persons: Muhammad Ali Gandapur, Xi, Tuesday’s, Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, ”, “ Organizations: Islamabad CNN —, Beijing . Senior, Taliban, Foreign Ministry, Embassy, Beijing’s, Baloch Liberation, Pakistan Economic, Pakistan Stock Exchange Locations: Islamabad, Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, China, Afghanistan, restive, Balochistan, Gwadar, Beijing, Xinjiang, Karachi

☆ Australian Grand Prix: Carlos Sainz wins as Max Verstappen retires from race
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Carlos Sainz claimed an impressive victory at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, breaking Max Verstappen’s dominant grip over this F1 season as the Red Bull driver was forced to retire from the race. The Spaniard began the race second on the grid, behind pole-sitter Verstappen, and stuck close to the three-time world champion before easily overtaking him on the second lap to take the lead. For just the first time in two years, he retired from a Grand Prix, citing brake failure. Of course you always want to finish the races but it’s a mechanical sport,” Verstappen said following his first retirement since the 2022 Australian Grand Prix. Mechanics deal with the smoke coming out of Verstappen's car in the pit lane.

Persons: CNN — Carlos Sainz, Max, Red Bull, Oliver Bearman, Verstappen, ” Verstappen, Scott Barbour, Charles Leclerc, “, ” Sainz, Charles, ” Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, Sergio Pérez, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell Organizations: CNN, Prix, Saudi, Spaniard, Getty, Sky Sports Locations: Red

☆ US Navy warships can defeat exploding naval drones today, but these deadly systems are evolving
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Ukraine has found success at sea by using naval drones packed with explosive to batter Russia. AdvertisementIn two conflicts separated by more than 1,000 miles, US friends and foes alike have turned to a deadly weapon to defeat their enemy's warships: small naval drones packed with explosives. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower conducts flight operations in response to Houthi activity in the Red Sea on Feb. 23. In other words, there are ways that warships can protect against, evade, and ultimately defeat naval drones. Naval drones can potentially carry a large payload, and if they manage to get through undetected and hit a ship, "there could be significant damage."

Persons: —, Bradley Martin, Sam Tangredi, Ivan Lukashevych, Dwight D, Eisenhower, Tangredi, Archer Macy, Russia hasn't, Sergey Kotov, Macy, USVs, Martin, They're, Arleigh Burke, John Finn, Lewis, Clark, Cesar Chavez, AKE, Justin Stack, Shaan Shaikh, Shaikh Organizations: Former US Navy, Service, US Navy, AP, BI, Security Service, Former Navy, US, Sea Fleet, Ministry of Defense, Navy, Aircraft, Seahawk, Ruskin, Missile Defense, Center for Strategic, International Studies Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Yemen, Europe, Kyiv, Brig, Screengrab, Iran, —, Russian, Ukrainian, Crimea, Handout, Pacific, China, Washington, Beijing, Pearl, East China, they're

☆ Al-Hilal: Saudi Arabia club sets record for most consecutive wins in men’s soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal set the world record for the most consecutive victories in men’s soccer on Tuesday, defeating Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the AFC Champions League. Before that, Dutch giant Ajax had held the record for 44 years after a 26-game winning streak between 1971 and 1972. “Everyone at Al Hilal is delighted to achieve world football history by winning 28 consecutive matches,” said manager Jorge Jesus. “It is up to everyone at Al-Hilal to ensure that we close out the season as Roshn Saudi League champions and meet our targets in the cup competitions. According to Guinness World Records, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin has the most consecutive wins in soccer – men’s or women’s – with 41 across all competitions between 2012 and 2013.

Persons: Hilal, Al Hilal, ”, Jorge Jesus, Romarinho, Yasser Al, Shahrani, Hilal's, Yasser Bakhsh, Abderrazak, Ali Al, Malcom, Jesus, ” Al, Al Ain, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al, Nassr, Neymar Organizations: CNN, Saudi, Al, AFC Champions League, Welsh, New Saints, Ajax, ”, “, Saudi League, Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Guinness World Records, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin Locations: Saudi Arabian, Ittihad, Al, Hilal, Jeddah

☆ Al-Nassr knocked out of the AFC Champions League by Al Ain after Cristiano Ronaldo’s costly miss
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions League after a thrilling tie against Al Ain ended 4-4 on aggregate before the Emirati side triumphed on penalties. Monday’s end-to-end game could have gone either way, though Ronaldo will likely regret his staggering miss in the second half which could have seen Al-Nassr progress to the semifinals. Together, always!”After Al Ain won the first leg 1-0, the visiting team got off to a superb start in Riyadh thanks to two first-half goals from Soufiane Rahimi, whose neat finish had been the difference between the teams last week. Al Ain players celebrate their dramatic victory. Al Ain, chasing its first AFC Champions League title in 21 years, will next face another Saudi Arabian team – either Al-Hilal or Al-Ittihad – in the semifinals.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al, Nassr, Al Ain, Ronaldo, “, Soufiane Rahimi, Khalid, Sadio Mané, Abdulrahman, Fayez, Alex Telles ’, Ayman Yahya, Sultan Al, Shamsi, Raghed Al, Yasser Bakhsh, Marcelo Brozović Organizations: CNN, AFC Champions League, Al, Getty, AFC, League, Saudi Arabian Locations: Riyadh, Portuguese, Al Ain, Saudi, Al, Hilal, Ittihad

The Yemen-based branch of Al Qaeda said on Sunday that its leader, Khaled Batarfi, had died. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, known as A.Q.A.P., released a video announcing Mr. Batarfi’s death, showing images of him wrapped in a white funeral shroud overlaid with a black Al Qaeda flag. The United States government once considered Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to be one of the world’s most dangerous terrorist organizations. The United States previously offered a $6 million reward for information about Mr. al-Awlaki, and $5 million for tips about Mr. Batarfi. Born in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Batarfi traveled in the 1990s to Afghanistan and fought alongside the Taliban before joining Al Qaeda’s branch in Yemen, according to a U.S. informational sheet about him.

Persons: Al Qaeda, Khaled Batarfi, Batarfi’s, ”, Gregory D, Johnsen, “, Ibrahim Al, Batarfi, Saad bin Atef, Awlaki Organizations: Al, United, Gulf States Institute Locations: Yemen, Al, Al Qaeda, United States, American, Washington, Sudanese, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Al Qaeda’s

☆ Max Verstappen jokes about ‘88 missed podiums’ after earning landmark 100th top three finish with victory at Saudi Arabian GP
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“It’s 88 missed podiums!” he joked when asked by a reporter about his record in 188 career races, though this was only Verstappen’s 187th. On Friday, Red Bull suspended the female employee who accused F1 team principal Christian Horner of inappropriate behavior, according to multiple reports. Red Bull launched an independent investigation in February after Horner was accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior towards a member of the racing team, who has not been identified. CNN has been unable to corroborate their authenticity and Red Bull said it would be “inappropriate” to comment on the matter. Christian Horner and Red Bull have faced controversy to start the season.

Persons: Max Verstappen, he’s, “, I’m, Sergio Pérez, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Verstappen, Red Bull, Christian Horner, Horner, Clive Rose, Oliver Bearman, Carlos Sainz, Fernando, Alonso, George, Russell, Oscar Piastri, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin, George Russell, Piastri’s, Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Haas, Niko Hulkenberg Organizations: CNN, Saudi, Verstappen, Pérez, Prix, Ferrari, Mercedes Locations: Jeddah, P6

☆ Muslims spot Ramadan crescent moon in Saudi Arabia, meaning month of fasting starts Monday for many
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Officials saw the crescent moon Sunday night in Saudi Arabia, home to the holiest sites in Islam, marking the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan for many of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims. Saudi state television reported that authorities there saw the crescent moon. However, there are some Asia-Pacific countries like Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, that will begin Ramadan on Tuesday after failing to see the crescent moon. In Saudi Arabia, the kingdom had been urging the public to watch the skies from Sunday night in preparation for the sighting of the crescent moon. The Palestinian territories will begin Ramadan on Monday as well.

Persons: Jordan, Saudi King Salman, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ramadan, Robabeh, it's, Prophet Muhammad, Israel, Jerusalem's Organizations: Iran's, Hamas, Islamic Locations: Musyari'in, Jakarta, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Islam, Saudi, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Asia, Pacific, Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Oman, Israel, Gaza, Palestine, Mecca, Iran, Tehran, Persian, Nowruz, U.S, Jerusalem's Al, Aqsa, Sudan

☆ Saudi oil giant Aramco posts 25% fall in full-year profit
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Dan Murphy | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Artur Widak | Nurphoto | Getty ImagesSaudi Arabia's state oil giant Aramco reported a 25% decline in profit to $121.3 billion in 2023, down from $161.1 billion in 2022. Changing HandsThe earnings come after the Saudi government transferred an additional 8% of Aramco shares, worth $164 billion, to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). PIF already owned 4% of Aramco, and controls Sanabil, a financial investment firm, which owns 4% of Aramco as well. Aramco said total dividends of $97.8 billion were paid in 2023, up 30% from 2022. watch nowThe PIF's 16% state in Aramco, worth an estimated $328 billion, is set to strengthen its financial position and boost its ability to deploy capital to invest on behalf of the Saudi state.

Persons: Artur Widak, Amin Nasser, Yasir Al Organizations: Aramco, Saudi Arabian Oil Group, World Petroleum Congress, Nurphoto, Getty, Saudi, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Locations: Saudi, Stampede, Calgary, Canada, Aramco

☆ Dubai’s bar scene is being redefined by artisanal champagnes
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Rebecca Cairns | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

While the city has over 13,000 restaurants, its bar scene has largely been confined to Michelin fine dining, nightclubs, and boozy brunches. Look through the gallery and see the region's other top restaurants, as selected by 50 Best list group. The 50 Best has unveiled its 2024 list of the best restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Al Muntaha, which was recognized by Star Wine List as having the best sparkling wine list in the UAE earlier this year, has 166 labels on its champagne list, including around 60 recently added grower champagnes, says Lacroix. Tina HillierAnd the culture around drinking is largely focused on dining or special occasions, with little in between, says Krister Bengtsson, founder of Star Wine List.

Persons: Lana —, Nicolas Caupain, ”, boozy, Caupain, Raz Rahav, Tala Bashmi, Em Sherif, Yasmina Hayek, Fawzi Al Mulki, 3Fils, Khufu's, Solemann Haddad, Moonrise, Gregoire Berger, Berger, Himanshu Saini, Pol Roger, Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, champagnes, Larmandier Bernier, Ulysse Collin, Samuel Lacroix, Al Muntaha, Lacroix, “, Josette, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon, Millau, Lana, Tina Hillier, Krister Bengtsson, it’s, Bengtsson, ” Bengtsson, Jean Imbert, — Organizations: CNN, High Society, United Arab, Michelin, Middle, Gulf, Jordanian, Trèsind, Burj, Star Wine, Arabian, BOCA, Michelin Star, Wine, UAE Locations: Dorchester, Dubai, Emirate, Islam, United Arab Emirates, UAE, East, North Africa, Tel Aviv, Tala, Manama's, Bahrain, Beirut, Giza, Cairo, Ossiano, Atlantis, BOBY, Africa, Emirates, Swedish, Dubai’s, Paris, London , New York, French

☆ Bahrain Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins and lays down marker in opening race of the season
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-02 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Max Verstappen coasted to victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday, laying down an ominous marker for the rest of the field in the opening race of this F1 season. Clive Mason/Getty ImagesWhile that overshadowed Red Bull’s race weekend, it did not seem to affect the team’s performance on the track as Sergio Perez completed yet another 1-2 – a repeat result of last season’s opening race. “Unbelievable, I think today went even better than expected,” Verstappen told Sky Sports after the race. Video Ad Feedback Verstappen cruises to opening win in Bahrain 02:24 - Source: CNN“It was a lot of fun and I felt really good in the car. The F1 season continues next weekend and remains in the Middle East with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

Persons: Max Verstappen coasted, Christian Horner, Horner, Geri Halliwell, Clive Mason, Red, Sergio Perez, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, Red Bull, ” Verstappen, it’s, Charles Leclerc, Perez, Max Verstappen, David Davies, Mercedes ’ George Russell, Sainz, Leclerc, Russell, Ferraris, Lewis Hamilton Organizations: CNN, Prix, Spice, Red, Sky Sports, Saudi Locations: Bahrain, Jeddah

☆ The eyes have it: The intriguing history of kohl
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Zahra Hankir | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

A Palestinian woman Hadeya Qudaih applying traditional kohl eyeliner to her granddaughter in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip in March 2020. Hadeya Qudaih makes and sells traditional kohl eyeliner for medical and cosmetic purposes (photograph taken in February 2020). A Bedouin man wearing traditional kohl, photographed in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. Kohl is so commonly worn in the area that girls are sometimes named or nicknamed Kahla by their parents or friends, roughly meaning “the girl who appears to have kohl around her eyes.” Kohl is also a feature of many millennia-old myths, rituals, and legends. “Even if she doesn’t (make kohl) anymore, I will for sure continue to do this myself,” Abu Issa said.

Persons: CNN — Kohl, kohl, Hadeya, kohl eyeliner, Khan Younis, Majdi, Tamam Farhan Abu Issa, Deir al Balah, “, Abu Issa, ”, ” Abu Issa, Issa, Qudaih, Hassan Jedi, Prophet Muhammad —, Alessandro Bigazzi, Jack Sparrow, eyeliner, Kohl, ” Kohl, Zarqa, TikTok, “ Blinkaria Kohl, tightlining, Eyeliner, Fatima Shbair, “ Kohl, I’ve Organizations: CNN, Crusaders, UNESCO, United, kohl, Quds Net News, ZUMA Press, UAE General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments Locations: East, North Africa, Egypt, Europe, Lebanon, Gaza, Gaza’s, Deir, United Nations, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestinian, Petra, Raed, Kohl, Eastern, “

CNN —Portuguese and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for one match and fined for “provoking” fans in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday. In footage from the game, Ronaldo can be seen cupping his hand to his ear, taking in the chanting from the opposing Al-Shabab fans. Ronaldo gestures towards the Al-Shabab fans. As a result, Ronaldo has been suspended for one match, ordered to pay around $2,666 (10,000 riyals) to the SAFF and an additional $5,333 (20,000 riyals) to Al-Shabab for complaint filing fees. Ronaldo, a five-time Balon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr following an acrimonious exit from English Premier League side Manchester United in late 2022.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr’s, Ronaldo, Al, Lionel Messi’s, Yasser Bakhsh, Waleed Al, Farraj, ” Ronaldo, Yannick Carrasco’s, Nassr, Anderson Talisca, Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s, Talisca, Hazm Organizations: CNN, Saudi Pro League, Riyadh, Al, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, English Premier League, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Reuters Al Locations: Shabab, Al, Saudi

☆ 2024 Formula One season: How to watch the Bahrain Grand Prix and the biggest storylines to look out for this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

The 2024 campaign will be the longest F1 season in history, featuring 24 race weekends. How to watch the season opener in BahrainThe 2024 season starts with the Bahrain Grand Prix after three days of testing in the Middle Eastern nation last week. Red Bull’s 2023 F1 season was the most dominant of all time. He was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing by the investigation, the team’s parent company, Red Bull GMBH, announced on Wednesday. Albon has bounced back from a disappointing spell at Red Bull in 2020 and is now a highly-sought after driver.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton’s, Hamilton, “ It’s, ” Hamilton, Mercedes, Will Buxton, Carlos Sainz, “, Hamad I Mohammed, Bull, Red Bull, Mercedes ’, George Russell, Verstappen, Max, hasn’t, he’s, Lawrence Barretto, ” Verstappen, Clive Rose, we’ve, Christian Horner, Horner, “ I’m, ” Horner, Ferrari, Russell, Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, Williams, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin, Kimi Antonelli, Sainz, Carla Carniel, Sergio Pérez, Daniel Ricciardo –, Red Bull’s, –, Aston, Haas, Albon, James Vowles, Mark Thompson, McLaren, Piastri, Norris, Dan Istitene, Alonso, Lance, Lawrence, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce –, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon Organizations: CNN, Bahrain, Circuit, Red Bull Racing, Prix, ESPN, Qualifying, Saudi, Mercedes, Ferrari, PETRONAS F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari, Arrows, Reuters, Constructors, CNN Sport, Red Bull GMBH, Sky Sports, “, McLaren, Silver Arrows, Bulls, Sauber, Team, Red Bull, Getty, Aston Martin’s, Kansas City Chiefs Locations: Bahrain, British, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Red, Aston Martin, Thai, –

☆ Dubai photographer reveals the UAE’s hidden wildlife
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Arya Jyothi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —In a country best known for its soaring skyscrapers, modern architecture and sprawling desert, wildlife isn’t always what comes to mind when people think of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Originally from India, Karingattil moved to Dubai 17 years ago and began photographing wildlife shortly after, specializing in macro photography, using extreme close ups. With the UAE’s president recently extending the country’s “Year of Sustainability” into 2024, Karingattil uses wildlife photography as a method of capturing the country’s biodiversity and sharing it with others. For Karingattil, conservation is an important aspect of wildlife photography, which he believes can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy. “By removing litter and debris, we can reduce the impact of human activities on the natural world.”

Persons: Anish Karingattil, Karingattil, ” Karingattil, “, ”, Herping, Andrew Gardner, Gardner, couldn't, Anish Karingattil Gardner Organizations: CNN, United Arab Emirates, “, Sustainability ”, Accounting, Biodiversity Conservation, Emirates Nature, Biological Diversity, Emirates Locations: UAE, Dubai, India, Emirates, dugongs, Australia

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo has come under scrutiny for a gesture he made towards fans following Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday. In footage from the match, fans can be heard taunting Ronaldo by chanting about Lionel Messi, a long-time rival of the 39-year-old forward. The gesture is now being investigated by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), according to Saudi-owned media outlet Asharq Al Awsat, which cited unnamed sources. CNN has contacted Ronaldo’s representatives, the SAFF, Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab for further comment. It was Al-Nassr, however, which would have the final say as Talisca’s second goal deep into the match completed a 3-2 victory in an exciting encounter.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Al Awsat, Nassr, –, Yannick Carrasco’s, Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s, “, Waleed Al, Farraj, Asharq Al Awsat, John Duerden, ” Organizations: CNN, Al, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Guardian Locations: Shabab, Saudi, Al, Riyadh, Hilal, Portuguese, Saudi Arabia

☆ U.S. and Britain Strike 18 Houthi Targets in Yemen
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Helene Cooper | Eric Schmitt | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

Houthi militants have launched attack drones and cruise and ballistic missiles at vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The United States and Britain carried out another round of large-scale military strikes Saturday against multiple sites in Yemen controlled by Houthi militants, U.S. officials said. On Monday, Houthi militants fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at a cargo ship, U.S. Central Command said in a statement. The ship, called the Sea Champion, continued on to its destination at the port of Aden in Yemen, the statement added. The American-led retaliatory air and naval strikes against Houthi targets began last month.

Persons: ”, Houthi, Mason, Lloyd J, Austin III Organizations: Houthi, British, Defense Department, Associated Press, “, Yemeni Armed Forces, U.S ., U.S . Central Command, Central Command, Command, Iranian Locations: Aden, The United States, Britain, Yemen, Iran, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, “ U.S, U.S, Red Sea, Palau, Gaza, Israel, United States, Africa, Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia

☆ U.S. and British strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen answer militants’ surge in Red Sea attacks on ships
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

The U.S. F/A-18 fighter jets launched from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, which is currently in the Red Sea, officials said. President Joe Biden and other senior leaders have repeatedly warned that the U.S. won't tolerate the Houthi attacks against commercial shipping. During normal operations, about 400 commercial vessels transit the southern Red Sea at any given time. The Rubymar, a British-registered, Lebanese-operated cargo vessel, was attacked while sailing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Associated Press, relying on satellite images from Planet Labs PBC of the stricken vessel, reported Tuesday that the vessel was leaking oil in the Red Sea.

Persons: Dwight D, Lloyd Austin, Grant Shapps, Shapps, Joe Biden, haven't, We've, Sabrina Singh, we've, Mason, Abdul Malik al, Hope Organizations: US Coast Guard, US Central Command, U.S, Eisenhower, Defense, Yemeni Armed Forces, RAF, Islander, Hamas, Houthi, Aden , U.S . Central Command, Central Command, Khorfakkan, United, Command, Associated Press, Planet Labs PBC Locations: Iran, Yemen, Tampa , Florida, United States, U.S, Gulf of Aden, British, Red, Britain, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, Gaza, Aden , U.S, Asia, Europe, Africa, Suez, Mandeb, Gulf, Aden, Palau, Belize, Lebanese, Bulgaria, United Arab Emirates

☆ Saudi Arabia is reportedly borrowing to help fund its megaprojects as oil prices struggle
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Tom Porter | Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Saudi Arabia has started borrowing to fund megaprojects including Neom, The Wall Street Journal reported. AdvertisementSaudi Arabia is borrowing to help fund an array of ambitious projects including the $500 billion Neom desert megacity, The Wall Street Journal reported. Under its ambitious ruler Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 project, Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels and become a global hub for technology and innovation. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, is providing funding for cornerstone "gigaprojects" estimated to cost tens of billions of dollars apiece. He said Saudi Arabia may need to raise another $270 billion for the Public Investment Fund by 2030.

Persons: —, Mohammed bin Salman's, Tim Callen, Brent, Karen Young Organizations: Street Journal, Saudi, Service, Public Investment Fund, Aramco, Gulf States Institute, Bloomberg, Monetary Fund, US Energy Information Administration, Middle East Institute Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Washington, Diryah

☆ Saudi Arabia's futuristic megaprojects are so expensive that even its oil riches may not be enough
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Tom Porter | Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

AdvertisementSaudi Arabia is borrowing to help fund an array of ambitious projects including the $500 billion Neom desert megacity, The Wall Street Journal reported. Under its ambitious ruler Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 project, Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels and become a global hub for technology and innovation. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, is providing funding for cornerstone "gigaprojects" estimated to cost tens of billions of dollars apiece. He said Saudi Arabia may need to raise another $270 billion for the Public Investment Fund by 2030. AdvertisementThe International Monetary Fund said in October that the Saudis needed oil to be about $86 a barrel to fund its spending commitments.

Persons: Mohammed bin Salman's, Tim Callen, Brent, Karen Young Organizations: Street Journal, Public Investment Fund, Aramco, Gulf States Institute, Saudi, Bloomberg, Monetary Fund, US Energy Information Administration, Middle East Institute Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Washington, Diryah

☆ The US Coast Guard seized a big cache of weapons bound for Houthi rebels, including ballistic missile components and explosives
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Kwan Wei Kevin Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The US Coast Guard said it seized over 200 packages of weapons meant for Houthi rebels in Yemen. Ballistic missile components originating from Iran were found on a vessel in the Arabian Sea. AdvertisementOver 200 packages of illegal weapons and military components bound for Yemen have been seized by the US Coast Guard, the US Central Command said in a statement on Thursday. The shipment was seized from a vessel in the Arabian Sea on January 28, per the statement. The US Central Command said the weapons had originated in Iran and were en-route to be delivered to Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Persons: — Organizations: US Coast Guard, Service, US Central Command Locations: Yemen, Iran, Sea, Israel

They found that 10 countries, including Kenya, Morocco, Niger, Yemen, and Pakistan, experienced the majority of locust outbreaks among 48 affected nations. The researchers also found a strong link between the magnitude of desert locust outbreaks and weather and land conditions like air temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, and wind. El Nino, a recurring and natural climate phenomenon that affects weather worldwide, was also strongly tied to bigger and worse desert locust outbreaks. “As such variability increases, it is logical to predict that locust outbreaks will increase as well,” said Tallamy. The desert experienced locust outbreaks in 2019 after uncontrolled breeding following cyclones, which filled the desert with freshwater lakes.

Persons: Elfatih Abdel, Rahman, Douglas Tallamy, ”, Paula Shrewsbury, al Khali, Xiaogang Organizations: Agriculture Organization, National University of Singapore, Food, International, of, Physiology, Nino, University of Delaware, University of Maryland, World Bank, Associated Press Locations: Africa, South Asia, Agriculture, Kenya, Morocco, Niger, Yemen, Pakistan, East Africa, Shrewsbury, India, Asia, Arabian, West Africa, AP.org

☆ Opinion: What Iran wants — and fears
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Opinion Hussein Ibish | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Iran has backed Hezbollah’s efforts to avoid an all-out war with Israel despite consistent Israeli escalation and threats. Hezbollah doesn’t want a war with Israel and Iran agrees. The potential for such US or Israeli airstrikes is among the most significant reasons Iran wants to avoid a broader conflict. Tehran has already restrained its Iraqi proxies, is working to help Hezbollah climb down and avoid a devastating Israeli attack. And Iran is probably urging the Houthis to take great care not to kill Americans or otherwise go too far.

Persons: Hussein Ibish, Read, Hussein Ibish It’s, Biden, Israel, Kataib, Saleh Al, Wissam, Amos Hochstein, Ebrahim Raisi, Shannon Stapleton, It’s Organizations: Gulf States Institute, Israel, CNN, Washington, Radwan Force, Iranian Locations: Washington, Iranian, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, Saudi, That’s, Israel, Jordan, Hezbollah’s, Beirut, Tehran, Yemeni, Suez, Strait, Hormuz, Bab, Mandab

☆ Turkey's Drone Maker Baykar Begins to Build Plant in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

Baykar has said it has signed export deals for its TB2 drone with 30 countries. These include Ukraine, Ethiopia, Libya and Azerbaijan since 2018, according to think tank SIPRI. Bayraktar also said the Istanbul-based firm's plans to start production in Saudi Arabia in the next two years were on track. The announcement follows an agreement in July to sell the Bayraktar Akinci, another kind of drone, to Saudi Arabia in what Baykar described as the biggest defence contract in Turkey's history. It also aims to produce the new models of the Kızılelma and the TB3 drones "in the tens," he added.

Persons: Pesha Magid, Baykar, Haluk Bayraktar, Bayraktar, Lockheed Martin, Federico Maccioni, Alexandra Hudson Organizations: Reuters, World Defense, U.S, Lockheed, Saudi Locations: Pesha, Pesha Magid RIYADH, Turkish, Kyiv, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Libya, Azerbaijan, Riyadh, Israel, Gaza, Ukrainian, Istanbul, Saudi Arabia

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