The Two Faces of the Taliban: “We will watch”. “How well will we lead Afghanistan?”
By Lee Shin-seok* KABUL: 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 […]
South Korea to resume blasting propaganda, K-pop music across DMZ border with North Korea
SEOUL: South Korea is ready to reactivate fixed and mobile propaganda loudspeakers near the border with North Korea as Seoul took steps to fully suspend a 2018 inter-Korean military pact. The loudspeakers used to blare criticism of North Korea’s Kim Jong-un regime’s human rights abuses, news and K-pop songs. The loudspeaker campaigns were part of […]
South Korea’s deeper partnership with NATO highlighted
JEJU, SOUTH KOREA: North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has highlighted the alliance’s commitment to deepen practical cooperation with South Korea and three other countries in the Indo-Pacific region. “The challenges we face are global, and they require a global response. For this reason, NATO is working ever more closely with partners […]
President Xi highlighjts significance of Arab-China relations
BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.The following is the full text of his speech: Your Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Your Excellency President Abdul Fatah Al-Sisi, Your Excellency President Kais Saied, Your Highness President Mohamed Bin Zayed […]
The Poetic Gardens of Ko Un
By Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, President, Asia Journalists Association SEOUL: In an exceptional meeting, I had the chance to receive the great Anthology dedicated to the iconic Korean poet Ko Un celebrating his 90th birthday. The front book cover of the Anthology with the title ‘He is Beyond Our Longing’, which is 440-page long, has the contribution […]
China-Arab States Cooperation Forum: Taking shared growth to the next level?
MANAMA: The 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum will convene in the Chinese capital Beijing on May 30. Four Arab leaders, two from Asia and two from Africa will attend the forum in a clear indication of its growing significance. King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the United […]
Uzbekistan’s Khiva: Crown Jewel of the Silk Road is the 2024 tourism capital of the Islamic world
KHIVA: The city of Khiva in Uzbekistan, an ancient city famous for its rich history and vibrant culture, will soon receive large numbers of visitors from all over the world, especially from the OIC Member States to participate in the Twelfth Session of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers on May 31- June 2. The […]
Gyeongbokgung Palace: A sublime journey to 14th century Korea
By Dr Rohel Aijaz SEOUL: The month of May had just begun. The day was hotter than usual, yet I was excited for what lay ahead. It was my second day in Seoul and I had decided to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. After having a Kimchi pancake for breakfast at a restaurant right next to our […]
Ansan tops with natural beauty, vibrant living, futuristic education
Habib Toumi ANSAN: The stylish picture shows high-rise white buildings near lush multi-colored parks and wide, well-manicured highways with the bold message “Ansan: The best land to live under the sky.” The description is attributed to King Jeongjo (1752-1800), the 22nd King of Joseon, as he was impressed by the abundance of seafood and fertile […]
Kazakhstan’s Tokayev first Central Asian President to deliver Singapore Lecture
SINGAPORE: Singapore and Central Asia countries should work closely together in areas of mutual interest, a senior Singaporean minister has said. Addressing the 46th Singapore Lecture, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean welcomed the visit of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the island country and stressed the significance of bolstering ties […]