May 2024
Israeli says air strike that killed 35 in Rafah ‘under review’
The strike took place in Tel Al-Sultan neighbourhood in western Rafah, where thousands of people were taking shelter after many fled the eastern areas of the city.
April 2024
More than 14 Palestinians killed as violence flares in West Bank
Israeli forces began an extended raid in the Nur Shams area, near the flashpoint Palestinian city of Tulkarm and were still exchanging fire with armed fighters well into Saturday.
March 2024
Israel ‘boycotts’ Gaza ceasefire talks over hostage list
Washington has insisted the ceasefire deal is close. But the warring sides have given little sign in public of backing away from previous demands.
December 2023
Live sheep exports to Saudi Arabia to resume after 12 years
About 5000 sheep will be exported this week, as farmers fight Albanese government moves to shut down the industry.
September 2023
Live sheep ban is ‘futile’, emirate warns Australia
Kuwait’s government has effectively branded a planned ban on Australian sheep exports as unworkable because it will continue to source live animals from elsewhere.
April 2023
OPEC accuses IEA of triggering global oil turmoil
Relations are breaking down between the oil cartel and the rich-world consumers that the IEA represents.
OPEC+ makes surprise oil cut in new inflation risk
Oil futures soared on Monday, posing a new threat to the global economy that could raise tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United States.
September 2022
Live sheep exports get green light
The Agriculture Department has given the green light for live sheep exports to the Middle East during summer.
March 2022
Putin has no good way out, and that really scares me
If you’re hoping that the instability that Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine has wreaked on global markets and geopolitics has peaked, your hope is in vain. We haven’t seen anything yet.
February 2022
Developer Brady hoping for $150m for Melbourne’s Voco hotel
The 252-room hotel, across the road from Melbourne Central shopping centre, is due to open in April under IHG’s Voco brand.
January 2022
Kuwait is fast becoming unlivable as global warming takes its toll
Temperature records are being smashed all over the world, but Kuwait breached 50 degrees Celsius in June, weeks ahead of its usual peak weather.
August 2021
White House calls on OPEC to boost production to contain fuel prices
US petrol prices have risen alongside soaring motor fuel demand as the economy has reopened from coronavirus-related lockdowns.
July 2021
Kuwait stashes a record $935 billion for life after oil
The Gulf nation has saved up a massive $935 billion in an effort to protect itself from a future without oil.
September 2020
Kuwait ruler Sheikh Sabah dies at 91
The emir of Kuwait, who has died after a long illness, established himself as a leading diplomat who sought to calm tensions in the Middle East.
Sri Lanka spots oil slick from fire-stricken supertanker
The New Diamond was being held some 40 kilometres east of Sri Lanka, while firefighting boats sprayed it with water.
July 2020
Kuwait's plea to end summer sheep trade ban
Kuwait warns that the ongoing northern summer ban on sheep exports is worsening the threat to the Middle East's food security already caused by coronavirus.
May 2020
Kuwait urges Australia to relax summer export ban
With the coronavirus disrupting air cargo deliveries to the Middle East, the key trading partner says continued live animal exports are necessary for its food security.
February 2020
Saudi Arabia halts travel to Islam's holiest site
Saudi Arabia on Thursday halted travel to the holiest sites in Islam over fears about a viral epidemic just months ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
China, South Korea report more virus cases
China and South Korea reported more cases of a new viral illness that has been concentrated in north Asia but is creating worrisome, increasing clusters in the Middle East and Europe.