Author: HeraldStar

In an extraordinary meeting held in Doha, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reiterated its strong support for Lebanon during a critical period of conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The ministerial meeting, which took place late on Wednesday, addressed the escalating tensions in the region, with a strong appeal for all parties to refrain from violence and exercise self-restraint. The GCC expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories, urging for swift diplomatic efforts to end the violence. The statement follows a year of intense cross-border fighting between Israel…

The U.S. is facing increasing threats from Russia, Iran, and China to influence the upcoming November 5th elections, according to a new U.S. threat assessment released on Wednesday. These countries, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report, are expected to deploy a range of tactics, including artificial intelligence (AI), to spread misinformation and sow discord within the U.S. political landscape. In particular, the use of AI to create fake or divisive content has become a significant concern, with Russian “influence actors” amplifying stories about migrants entering the U.S. to heighten tensions. The report highlighted how Russian actors have…

A major search and rescue operation is underway off the coast of Djibouti after smugglers forced over 100 migrants to jump into the sea, leaving many missing and at least 45 confirmed dead, according to the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration (IOM). The incident occurred on Tuesday and has made 2024 the deadliest year for sea crossings along the migration route between East Africa and Yemen. Two boats carrying a total of 310 migrants had left Yemen bound for Djibouti. Midway through the journey, smugglers pushed their passengers into the open sea, near the coast of Obock, a port town…

Lebanon’s civil defense forces, led by veteran responder Mohamed Arkadan, faced one of their most devastating challenges when Israeli airstrikes hit apartment buildings near Sidon, burying over 100 people under rubble. Arkadan’s team, despite years of experience in conflict zones, was shocked by the scale of the destruction. Lacking modern equipment and resources, the team rescued 60 survivors but could only recover the bodies of 40 victims, including children, using outdated tools and minimal protection. Lebanon, already crippled by a severe economic crisis since 2019 and the 2020 Beirut port explosion, is struggling to provide even basic services. The civil…

The situation along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated sharply as Hezbollah fighters clashed with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, marking the first reported ground battles between the two sides since Israel’s recent offensive into Lebanon. Israeli infantry and armored units, including the elite Golani Brigade and the 188th Armored Brigade, have been deployed, signaling a potential expansion of the Israeli campaign beyond limited raids. Hezbollah reported engaging Israeli troops in the border town of Maroun el-Ras, claiming to have repelled forces from other key towns and fired rockets into Israel. Israel’s military confirmed the death of a senior commander in…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for Dupixent (dupilumab) injections as an add-on therapy for adults struggling with poorly controlled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This decision marks a significant advancement in the treatment of COPD, particularly for patients who are still experiencing symptoms despite using inhaled medications. Dupixent has been specifically approved for adults with COPD who have elevated levels of eosinophils—white blood cells that can cause inflammation in the lungs, exacerbating breathing difficulties. The drug, produced by Sanofi, serves as a maintenance therapy, allowing patients to continue their existing inhaled treatments while adding Dupixent…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first situation report for the health emergency response covering the period from September 17 to September 28, 2024. Published on September 30, the report details the escalating health crisis in Lebanon, providing crucial updates on the number of people in need of assistance, key statistics, and ongoing attacks on healthcare facilities. As Lebanon grapples with a multi-faceted health emergency, the report highlights the dire circumstances faced by many citizens, including the growing number of displaced individuals and the strain on health services. According to WHO data, there has been a significant increase…

A recent survey conducted by the National Association for Business Economics has highlighted significant concerns among economists regarding potential risks to the U.S. economy, particularly stemming from the Federal Reserve’s handling of interest rates during its ongoing inflation battle. As Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell prepares to address the association, 39% of the 32 economists surveyed identified a “monetary policy mistake” as the most considerable downside risk to the economy over the next year. This was in contrast to 23% who pointed to the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5 and the same percentage who highlighted…

The European Union is moving forward with its ambitious plans to regulate artificial intelligence by appointing a select group of experts to determine compliance standards for businesses under the forthcoming AI Act. On Monday, the European Commission will hold the inaugural plenary meeting of these working groups, composed of external specialists tasked with creating a “code of practice.” This code is intended to guide companies on how to adhere to the extensive legal framework governing AI technologies. Four distinct working groups have been formed, each focusing on key issues, including copyright, risk mitigation, and transparency. Among the notable experts leading…

Global rice prices experienced a significant decline on Monday following India’s decision to resume exports, a move that is expected to increase global supply and provide relief to poor Asian and African buyers seeking more affordable rice options. India, the world’s largest exporter of rice, announced on Saturday that it would allow exports of non-basmati white rice, while simultaneously cutting the export duty on parboiled rice to 10%. This announcement comes as India prepares for a new crop and sees an increase in inventories within state warehouses, providing the necessary conditions to lift restrictions. According to Himanshu Agarwal, executive director…