The quiet inventory we take when a year ends
As the year draws to a close, something subtle begins to happen beneath the noise of celebrations, resolutions, and neatly packaged reviews. We start to take an internal inventory….
The shift from ideology to economics in governance
From Napoleon Bonaparte’s French campaign in the early nineteenth century — when the Ottoman Empire had entered its phase of decline — until its formal dissolution in 1924 and the…
Plastic bag ban enters phase four
Muscat: The fourth phase of the ban on plastic shopping bags will take effect on January 1, 2026, the Environment Authority announced on Tuesday. This is part of the National Progr…
Searching for hope in a tough year
This is the season when I customarily argue that the year just ending has been the best in human history.So I dutifully sat at my laptop and tried to write something along the line…
Enter the new year with a positive mindset
The end of the calendar year is the ideal time for self-reflection. Taking time to reflect on the past year not only promotes personal growth but also provides valuable insights th…
Thai, Cambodia ceasefire holds, no release of prisoners
BANGKOK: A renewed ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia over border clashes passed the 72-hour mark on Tuesday, an initial goal the countries set to secure a more lasting peace,…
S Korean President Lee to visit China next week
SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will visit China from Sunday to meet counterpart Xi Jinping and deepen cooperation, Seoul and Beijing said. Lee and Xi last met in Novem…
Fresh US strikes hit dock for Venezuela drug boats
PALM BEACH: The United States hit and destroyed a docking area for alleged Venezuela drug boats, President Donald Trump said on Monday, in what could amount to the first land strik…
Kyiv says no evidence for Putin residence attack
KYIV: Kyiv said on Tuesday there was no “plausible” evidence it launched a drone attack on one of Vladimir Putin’s residences, accusing Moscow of peddling false claims to try to ma…
Oman advances clean energy, EV tech
BEIJING: Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, carried out a field visit to several lea…