Hopes fade for Iran breakthrough
WASHINGTON: Hopes for a peace deal on Iran faded on Tuesday after Donald Trump said a ceasefire with Iran was “on life support” as Tehran rejected a US proposal to end the conflict…
Sayyid Badr discusses regional developments with Estonian, Dutch counterparts
MUSCAT: Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, on Tuesday received a telephone call from Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia.During…
Israel strikes Lebanon as authorities report 380 killed since truce
Beirut: Israel hammered south Lebanon with strikes on Tuesday ahead of talks between the two countries in Washington, as Beirut reported 380 people killed in Israeli attacks since…
War has cost $29 billion so far
WASHINGTON: The United States’ war in Iran has cost $29 billion so far, a senior Pentagon official said on Tuesday, an increase of $4 billion from an estimate provided late last m…
Omani students as Track 2 diplomats?
During the formative years of the Omani education system, the Sultanate of Oman, like many Gulf states, relied heavily on transnational higher education. Students were sent abroad…
Why countries are rethinking second languages in schools in the age of AI
Egypt’s recent decision to introduce Japanese as a second foreign language in preparatory schools starting from the 2026/2027 academic year may appear to be a simple educational re…
Why we repeat what hurts and how to stop
There is a quiet pattern many people begin to notice at some point in their lives. Different situations, different people, different environments, yet the emotional outcome feels s…
Why hantavirus outbreakis causing global anxiety
The arrival of the hantavirus stricken cruise ship MV Hondius in the Canary Islands has reignited a fear many people hoped they would never experience again: the fear of another gl…
Greater Muscat Plan redefines future of urban living
Urban planning has become one of the defining tools of sustainable development. As cities continue to expand at unprecedented rates, planning is no longer confined to roads, infras…
Private rail in South Africa: ‘A once-in-a-generation opportunity’
Youssef Elgonaid, CEO of African Rail Company, discusses building a private rail business on the continent.