Talks in China between Iran and Saudi Arabia Friday concluded with the two countries agreeing to re-establish diplomatic relations. In a statement, the two nations expressed their desire to “resolve the disagreements between them through dialogue and diplomacy.” The main goal in the re-opening of relations is to “enhancregional and international peace and security.” Under [...]

The Russian Foreign Ministry Thursday issued sanctions against 144 citizens of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Russia accused the individuals of hostile acts against the Russian state. The alleged acts include lobbying for sanctions, interference with Russia’s internal affairs and inciting “Russophobic” sentiments. The names of the individuals are not yet available. In the statement, Russia [...]

Georgia’s governing coalition Thursday agreed to withdraw a controversial ‘foreign agent’ bill after large civilian and international protests, according to an official Facebook page. The ruling Georgian Dream Party said they were in agreement with their partners in “unconditionally” withdrawing support for the bill. The post placed blame for the bill’s withdraw on the “machine [...]

The US Department of Defense (DOD) Wednesday said it will release Gussan Abdullah Al Sharbi after 20 years in Guantanamo Bay. Al Sharbi, a citizen of Saudi Arabia, is set to be transferred the Kingdom for repatriation. Al Sharbi was captured in Pakistan in 2002 by the US military. He was accused of training al [...]

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Sunday reported a massive fire in the Balukhali refugee camp. The camp in southeast Bangladesh is home to tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees. UNHCR officials reported an estimated 2,0000 shelters and 90 hospitals, schools and other essential structures destroyed. Nearly 12,000 people lost everything in the fire. The camp [...]

Indian Minister of State Jitendra Singh Wednesday urged G20 member states to adopt strict anti-corruption stances in advance of the group’s 2023 New Delhi summit. According to Singh, the G20 is in a unique position to tackle the “complex social, political and economic challenge” of corruption. He proposed measures designed to promote information sharing, prioritize [...]

The US Department of Defense (DOD) Thursday announced the transfer of two brothers detained without charge in Guantanamo Bay for 20 years. The brothers, Abdul and Mohammed Rabbani, arrived in Pakistan on Friday. Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who long championed their release, praised their release in a tweet. He stated the brothers “escaped from [...]

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office (AAGO) Wednesday released several documents relating to investigations over alleged voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election. The three reports, compiled in 2022, were held from public view by the previous republican-led state administration. Key allegations regarding voter fraud detrimental to former president Donald Trump are rejected by the investigations. [...]

Moldova’s Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) Thursday confirmed efforts in the country to “undermine” its integrity and to “destabilize and violate public order.” In the SIS press release, the agency was careful to leave the source of the threat unnamed and did not disclose the threat’s specifics, citing risks to ongoing operations. Moldovan authorities received [...]

Patrick Wood Crusius, the Texas man indicted in the 2019 Walmart mass shooting, Wednesday pleaded guilty to 90 federal hate crime and firearm violations. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the plea agreement after federal prosecutors declined to seek the death penalty against Crusius. He faces 90 consecutive life sentences; one life sentence for [...]