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West Asia
Indonesia Envoy Hails Decades of Bahrain Ties, Backs Kingdom Amid Regional Tensions
Indonesian Ambassador to Bahrain Ardi Hermawan By Habib Toumi MANAMA: Indonesia and Bahrain have built more than four decades of friendship based on mutual respect, shared values and growing cooperation across political, economic and cultural fields, Indonesian Ambassador to Bahrain Ardi Hermawan has said. Speaking at a reception marking the…
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South East Asia
Indonesia Bids for UN Security Council Seat, Pledges Dialogue-first Diplomacy
Foreign Minister Sugiono addressing the U.N. General Assembly (U.N. TV) By Habib ToumiNew York: Indonesia will seek a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029–2030, Foreign Minister Sugiono said, pledging to promote dialogue, respect for international law and practical cooperation amid growing geopolitical tensions. Sugiono told the…
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West Asia
Stephanie Hallett Makes History in Bahrain as First U.S. Woman Ambassador
Stephanie L. Hallett delivering her speech (Al Ayam) By Habib ToumiMANAMA: “The U.S. was here, is here, and is not going anywhere.” With those emphatic words, U.S. Ambassador Stephanie L. Hallett underscored the enduring nature of the American-Bahraini relationship on September 15, 2026, as she welcomed guests to the 250…
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EditorsPick
September 11: The Day Journalism Became Personal
Fond memories: Looking at the Lower Manhattan skyline of New York City and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1978 By Habib ToumiMANAMA: It was mid-afternoon in Bahrain when I began racing toward the newspaper office in the capital Manama. The car radio was on. I kept switching…
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West Asia
Bahrain, China Poised to Take Strategic Partnership to New Level, Ambassador Says
By Habib Toumi MANAMA: China and Bahrain are poised to deepen political trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen people-to-people exchanges as the two countries work to take their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level, Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain Ni Ruchi said. Addressing the Chinese National Day Reception marking…
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West Asia
From Heritage to AI: UAE’s Falconry Tradition Enters a New Era
By Habib ToumiABU DHABI: Falconry, one of the world’s oldest hunting traditions, is entering a new era in which centuries-old knowledge is increasingly intersecting with scientific research, environmental conservation and artificial intelligence. That is the central theme of the latest annual issue of Al-Saqqar, the magazine published by the Emirates…
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EditorsPick
Saudi Arabia Launches Precision Strikes on Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq After Drone Attacks on Oil Facilities
By Habib Toumi RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that its armed forces, in coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), carried out precision strikes against specific Iran-backed militia targets inside Iraq in response to recent drone attacks targeting the Kingdom’s oil infrastructure. The announcement came after Saudi authorities…
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West Asia
Why I Chose “The Good Wife” Over the World Cup
When drama beats football: “The Good Wife” main character Alicia showing a red card to players (AI-Generated) By Habib Toumi MANAMA: When I told friends that I had decided to spend my free time watching all 156 episodes of the 2009-2016 U.S. television series “The Good Wife” instead of following…
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West Asia
It Is the Narrative, Stupid! The Battle Beyond the Battlefield
The aftermath of an Iranian aerial attack on a residential neighborhood in Bahrain By Habib Toumi MANAMA: The war in the Gulf and the Middle East has not fully settled. Missiles and drones may have temporarily disappeared from the skies, and military operations may have entered phases of hesitation or…
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Society
Malik Humeida Completes Official Guinness World Record in Historic Hydrofoil Wingboard Endurance Attempt
Malik has built a reputation for technical precision, endurance performance, and competitive consistency By Habib Toumi KIEL: Professional wingfoiler Malik Humeida has completed an official Guinness World Record attempt for the greatest distance covered by a hydrofoil wingboard in 12 hours, marking a significant milestone in the rapidly growing world…
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