Bukhara: a timeless tapestry of history and culture
By Shokhijakhon Urunov* BUKHARA: Nestled on the Silk Road, Bukhara is more than just a city of Uzbekistan; it’s a living museum, a testament to centuries of cultural exchange, and an architectural marvel that whispers tales of empires past. Its very name, believed to originate from the Sogdian word ‘βuxārak’ meaning ‘place of good fortune,’ hints […]
Bangladesh shuts down all educational institutions following clashes
By Chapal Bashar DHAKA: All educational institutions including public, private universities and schools, colleges in Bangladesh have been closed for indefinite period since today ( 17 July) due to clashes between pro-government and anti-government student groups that claimed six lives on Tuesday across the country. Students have been asked to vacate dormitories by this Wednesday afternoon while […]
Iran’s presidential election heads to runoff
By Pooneh Nedai TEHRAN: Iran’s presidential election has headed to a runoff next week after the election commission said that no candidate has achieved the required 50% mark. On Friday, the 14th presidential election in Iran to choose the country’s ninth president after the Islamic revolution in 1979 was extended three times and it lasted until […]
The Two Faces of the Taliban: Two faces beyond the distorted gaze
The Taliban, an Islamic extremist armed group, has ruled Afghanistan (hereinafter referred to as Afghanistan) twice (1996-2001 and 2021-present). The Taliban’s first term in power in Afghanistan was marred by tyranny that suppressed all freedoms. The Taliban, who are entering their second term in power in 2021, say they are different from before, but the […]
U.S. appoints first woman ambassador to Bahrain since 1971
By Habib Toumi MANAMA: The United States has appointed its first woman ambassador to Bahrain, breaking with a tradition that lasted since the diplomatic agreement between the two countries in 1971 and has included 19 male ambassadors. Bahrain in 2008 appointed a woman, Houda Ezra Nonoo, as its Ambassador to the United States, a role […]
Obituary: Uzbek Ambassador Vitali Fen – “I respect your sense of responsibility and passion for putting your all into it until the very end”
By Choi Young-ha, Former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Uzbekistan SEOUL: Vitali! He is a descendant of Pyeon Galsong (片碣頌) of the Zhejiang Pyeon clan (浙江片氏), who spent 25 years, one-third of his 77-year life, in Seoul. He was a career diplomat who connected Korea and Uzbekistan, a historical figure who left a truly […]
In Kyrgyzstan, all defendants in Kempir-Abad case acquitted
By Kuban Andymen BISHKEK: A court in Kyrgyzstan has acquitted the defendants in the so-called “Kempir-Abad case”. In the fall of 2022, the defendants were taken into custody after expressing disagreement with the transfer to Uzbekistan of Kempir-Abad reservoir lands, located on the border between the two countries in the south of the country. Law […]
The Two Faces of the Taliban: The Brake: The Shadow of the People
The Taliban, an Islamic extremist armed group, has ruled Afghanistan (hereinafter referred to as Afghanistan) twice (1996-2001 and 2021-present). The Taliban’s first term in power in Afghanistan was marred by tyranny that suppressed all freedoms. The Taliban, who are entering their second term in power in 2021, say they are different from before, but the […]
The Two Faces of the Taliban: Two countries still far away, Korea and Afghanistan
The Taliban, an Islamic extremist armed group, has ruled Afghanistan twice (1996-2001 and 2021-present). The Taliban’s first term in power in Afghanistan was marred by tyranny that suppressed all freedoms. The Taliban, who are entering their second term in power in 2021, say they are different from before, but the West’s gaze towards them is […]
On Memorial Day, South Korea honors its fallen heroes
By Habib Toumi Manama: On Thursday June 6, 2024, I will make sure that I will say a prayer for the Korean soldiers who died defending or in the service of their country. It is always painful for anyone to lose loved ones and for a nation to lose men and women in uniform or in […]