Afghanistan Reopens Embassy in Oman as Taliban Gains Acceptance in Gulf; Middle East Sees Political and Economic Shifts Amid Rising Tensions
Afghanistan reopens embassy in Oman amidst mixed international recognition of the Taliban, while Saudi Arabia advances business reforms and strengthens trade cooperation with the UK.
Afghanistan has reopened its embassy in Muscat, Oman, signaling the Taliban's growing acceptance among Gulf Arab countries after the UAE's recent acceptance of a Taliban ambassador. Despite this, most nations still do not recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government, even though they control 39 diplomatic missions worldwide.
In another significant Middle Eastern development, Saudi Arabia has streamlined business operations with a new Commercial Registration Law. Announced by Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, this law simplifies business procedures by establishing a central electronic database and eliminating sub-registrations, further advancing Saudi Vision 2030's goals.
Speaking of Saudi Arabia, the kingdom's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, met with the UK's Minister of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, to discuss strengthening cooperation in critical minerals. This comes amid a push to boost trade from $21.7 billion to $37 billion, highlighting the strategic importance of sectors like energy transition and aviation.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East have escalated as Hezbollah and the Lebanese government accused Israel of a pager bombing that killed at least nine people and injured nearly 3,000. This attack, primarily targeting Hezbollah members, is part of an ongoing conflict characterized by sophisticated Israeli operations.
Adding to the turmoil in the region, the World Health Organization chief reported that Israeli tanks fired at an authorized WHO-aid convoy in northern Gaza, although miraculously, no one was injured. This incident underscores the heightened risks faced by humanitarian workers in Gaza amidst Israel’s recent military offensive.
Finally, in North Africa, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was sworn in for a second term amidst controversy, following a landslide election victory. His inauguration, marked by low voter turnout and allegations of electoral misconduct, took place with key political contenders in attendance, reflecting ongoing challenges in Algerian politics.
In another significant Middle Eastern development, Saudi Arabia has streamlined business operations with a new Commercial Registration Law. Announced by Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, this law simplifies business procedures by establishing a central electronic database and eliminating sub-registrations, further advancing Saudi Vision 2030's goals.
Speaking of Saudi Arabia, the kingdom's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, met with the UK's Minister of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, to discuss strengthening cooperation in critical minerals. This comes amid a push to boost trade from $21.7 billion to $37 billion, highlighting the strategic importance of sectors like energy transition and aviation.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East have escalated as Hezbollah and the Lebanese government accused Israel of a pager bombing that killed at least nine people and injured nearly 3,000. This attack, primarily targeting Hezbollah members, is part of an ongoing conflict characterized by sophisticated Israeli operations.
Adding to the turmoil in the region, the World Health Organization chief reported that Israeli tanks fired at an authorized WHO-aid convoy in northern Gaza, although miraculously, no one was injured. This incident underscores the heightened risks faced by humanitarian workers in Gaza amidst Israel’s recent military offensive.
Finally, in North Africa, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was sworn in for a second term amidst controversy, following a landslide election victory. His inauguration, marked by low voter turnout and allegations of electoral misconduct, took place with key political contenders in attendance, reflecting ongoing challenges in Algerian politics.
