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In the July-September period, Japan experienced a significant economic downturn, with a 2.1% annual contraction reported by the government. This decline was primarily due to decreased consumer spending and investment. Despite being the world’s third-largest economy, Japan faced challenges due to stagnant wage growth. The contraction equated to a 0.5% drop in quarterly terms, marking a sharper downturn than anticipated. …

In the coastal city of Byblos, Lebanon, Richard Alam, a young bartender, faces a stark decline in business at his pub, a result of heightened tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Alam, 19, illustrates the downturn by noting a whiskey bottle opened two weeks prior still remains unfinished, a stark contrast to the pub’s …

GENEVA: A cousin of Syria’s President Bashar Assad has lost his legal bid to get a visa for Switzerland, where he wanted to meet with a lawyer to challenge international sanctions imposed against him. Switzerland’s supreme court rejected Hafez Makhlouf’s request, saying the 40-year-old army colonel could use other means – like a telephone – to speak with his Swiss …

Overview of the Palestinian Prime Minister’s RoleThe position of the Palestinian Prime Minister is pivotal in the administration of the Palestinian territories. This role, distinct from the Palestinian President, involves heading the Palestinian government and overseeing the execution of its policies. The Prime Minister plays a crucial part in shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of the region. Historical …

Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces, emphasized the importance of establishing a two-state solution, highlighting that it is untenable for Palestinians to continue without their own state. During a Wednesday meeting with Joanna Wronecka, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Geagea expressed his view that the ongoing border conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon are …

The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, has indicated that Hezbollah shows no interest in escalating conflicts with Israel. In an interview with Russia’s RT television, Lavrov expressed his belief that neither Iran, Lebanon, nor Hezbollah are inclined to expand the Israel-Palestine conflict into a larger regional war. Despite ongoing tensions and the possibility of a broader Middle Eastern conflict triggered …

Introduction to Palestinian LeadershipThe Palestinian leadership plays a pivotal role in Middle Eastern politics and global diplomacy. Understanding who leads this critical region is essential for comprehending its current political landscape. The Palestinian President represents not only the face of Palestinian governance but also a symbol of their national aspirations. Historical Context of Palestinian PresidencyThe role of the Palestinian President …

One night, a sudden explosion jolted a man awake and threw him to the ground. Quickly, he grabbed his phone and ID, strapped on a life jacket, and headed to the upper deck. Facing the advancing flames, he braced himself to leap almost 100 feet (30 meters) into the sea. The explosion occurred on the Trinity Spirit, an aging, repurposed …