KSA welcomes record 18.5m pilgrims in 2024

Jan 14, 2025

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah announced that more than 18.5 million pilgrims visited Makkah and Madinah in 2024. This includes 16,924,689 Umrah performers and 1,611,310 Hajj pilgrims. The minister revealed the record-breaking figures at the fourth Hajj and

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Pope Francis’ Autobiography, Long in the Making, Arrives in Bookstores

Pope Francis’ Autobiography, Long in the Making, Arrives in Bookstores

Jan 14, 2025

The book, which was six years in the making, vividly recreates Francis’ childhood in Buenos Aires but offers few new insights into his papacy.The book, which was six years in the making, vividly recreates Francis’ childhood in Buenos Aires but offers few new

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A Neo-Nazi Helped Incite U.K. Riots. Elon Musk Criticized His Sentencing.

A Neo-Nazi Helped Incite U.K. Riots. Elon Musk Criticized His Sentencing.

Jan 14, 2025

Andrew McIntyre, a British extremist who played a key role in fomenting last summer’s unrest, was sentenced last week to seven years in jail.Andrew McIntyre, a British extremist who played a key role in fomenting last summer’s unrest, was sentenced last week to

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Lebanon Names Nawaf Salam, a Diplomat and Jurist, as Prime Minister

Lebanon Names Nawaf Salam, a Diplomat and Jurist, as Prime Minister

Jan 14, 2025

The selection of Mr. Salam was seen as a blow to Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group and political party that has acted as the real power in Lebanon for decades.The selection of Mr. Salam was seen as a blow to Hezbollah, the Lebanese

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Greenland to Trump: Not for Sale but Let’s Talk Business

Greenland to Trump: Not for Sale but Let’s Talk Business

Jan 13, 2025

The prime minister said that while Greenlanders do not want to become Americans, “the reality is we are going to work with the U.S. — yesterday, today and tomorrow.”The prime minister said that while Greenlanders do not want to become Americans, “the reality

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What an Upended Mideast Means for Trump and U.S. Gulf Allies

What an Upended Mideast Means for Trump and U.S. Gulf Allies

Jan 13, 2025

While major ruptures are not expected, Gulf states are urging a tougher stance on Israel and a softening toward Iran, positions that differ greatly from the president-elect’s first term.While major ruptures are not expected, Gulf states are urging a tougher stance on Israel

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Oliviero Toscani, Driving Force Behind Provocative Benetton Ads, Dies at 82

Oliviero Toscani, Driving Force Behind Provocative Benetton Ads, Dies at 82

Jan 13, 2025

A photographer and art director, he broke the boundaries of advertising in the 1980s and ’90s, embracing activism with images evoking AIDS and racial and sexual diversity.A photographer and art director, he broke the boundaries of advertising in the 1980s and ’90s, embracing

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A New Age of American Interference in Europe

A New Age of American Interference in Europe

Jan 13, 2025

Elon Musk and MAGA are already disrupting the status quo, and Europe seems ill-prepared.Elon Musk and MAGA are already disrupting the status quo, and Europe seems ill-prepared. 

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Russia and Ukraine Battle Inside Kursk, With Waves of Tanks, Drones and North Koreans

Russia and Ukraine Battle Inside Kursk, With Waves of Tanks, Drones and North Koreans

Jan 13, 2025

Ukrainian soldiers are describing fierce clashes as Russian forces try to retake territory in the Kursk region that could be key in eventual cease-fire talks.Ukrainian soldiers are describing fierce clashes as Russian forces try to retake territory in the Kursk region that could

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Troops Detained in Ukraine Give Rare Glimpse Into North Korea’s Military

Troops Detained in Ukraine Give Rare Glimpse Into North Korea’s Military

Jan 13, 2025

Ukraine’s president released a video of the two soldiers being interrogated, revealing they knew little about the war they were sent to fight in.Ukraine’s president released a video of the two soldiers being interrogated, revealing they knew little about the war they were

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