Section: United Arab Emirates
Russia-US rivalry spreads to ex-Soviet central Asia
After Ukraine and Syria, the ex-Soviet republics of central Asia could become the latest venue for geo-political rivalry … …read more Source: Gulf...
Russia apprehends head of Ukrainian library in Moscow
MOSCOW: Russian investigators said on Thursday they had raided the library of Ukrainian literature in Moscow and detained its 58-year-old head, with ties between the two ex-Soviet neighbours in tatters. The powerful Investigative Committee said library chief Natalya Sharina was charged with inciting ethnic hatred and violating human dignity by...
What’s causing Obama’s sleepless nights?
With the conclusion of a much-ballyhooed summit meeting between the leaders of the two largest economic superpowers in the 21st century, one would expect that peace would reign in the vast Asia-Pacific region. But this is farthest from the truth because the summit didn’t really accomplish anything but allow U.S. President Barack Obama and...
OSCE dubs Ukraine vote democratic
KIEV: International monitors said on Monday local elections in Ukraine at the weekend were “well organised” and “democratic” but that Kiev’s pro-Western leadership needed to tackle political meddling by powerful oligarchs in the war-scarred country. “The elections were competitive, well organised overall and the campaign generally showed...
Russian navy holds drill to ‘repel strikes’ on Crimea
The drill will include the navy’s guided missile hovercraft Samum and several smaller ships, as well as Su-24 bombers …read more Source: Al...
Ukraine polls marred by cancelled vote
KIEV: Western-backed Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s fragile ruling coalition faced a major survival test on Sunday in local elections swiftly marred by polls failing to open in the strategic port of Mariupol. A smooth vote and show of support for Poroshenko’s unpopular austerity and anti-corruption measures could help his...
Saudi Arabia, US, Russia and Turkey hold frosty Syria talks
VIENNA // Top diplomats from Russia, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Turkey held talks in a frosty atmosphere on Friday on how to end the Syrian conflict, with the sides sharply at odds on the future of Bashar Al Assad.The Vienna meeting took place three weeks after Moscow thrust itself into the heart of the crisis by launching a bombing...
S.Ossetia eyes Crimea-style vote on joining Russia
MOSCOW: Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia has said it plans to hold a referendum on joining Russia but the Kremlin appeared to pour cold water on the idea on Tuesday. Announced by the leader of the breakaway statelet, the plan drew an angry reaction from Georgia, which called it part of “Russia’s creeping annexation.” The...
Captain detained over deadly Ukraine boat sinking
ODESSA: The captain of an overloaded pleasure boat which sank in the Black Sea near the Ukrainian city of Odessa has been detained, officials said on Sunday as the death toll rose to 14. Local officials said the vessel, which went down in a heavy storm on Saturday, had no life jackets and had too many people on board. “Two people who were...
Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay join U.N. Security Council
The election to the Security Council came as U.N. diplomacy has been overshadowed by tensions with Russia and bloodshed in the Middle East …read more Source: Al...
