The pope on Sunday became the first pontiff to visit the Arabian Peninsula, on a trip intended to improve relations with the Muslim world and bolster the Mideast’s persecuted Christian minority.
Tag: United Arab Emirates
Why Pope Francis’ Historic Visit to the Gulf Matters
The visit is a rare note of hope for the Christians of the Middle East, who have been persecuted, killed or forced to flee in recent decades.
The U.A.E. Handed Out Gender Equality Awards. All Went to Men.
The awards honored Emirati efforts to promote gender equality, but the visual impression created by the announcement prompted a wave of ridicule online.
That Punishing Blockade? ‘We’ve Moved On,’ Qatar Says
After its larger neighbors began a blockade of the tiny Gulf state, Qatar retooled its economy, beefed up its military and adjusted to the new reality.
Taliban Appear Ready to Discuss Peace Talks, Except With Afghan Officials
Representatives from the group joined diplomats from the United States and several Asian countries in the United Arab Emirates, but resisted meetings with the Afghan delegation.
U.K. Student Describes Horrors of Life in an Emirati Jail
Accused of spying, Matthew Hedges was freed last week after public pressure from London, and after seven months of harsh treatment at his captors’ hands.
Matthew Hedges, British Student Accused of Spying, Is Pardoned by U.A.E.
The conviction of Mr. Hedges, and his sentence of life in prison, had been met with outrage in Britain.
British Academic Is Jailed for Life on Spying Charges in U.A.E.
The severity of the verdict over Matthew Hedges, 31, a postgraduate student, stunned British officials. He has denied the charges.
As Famine Looms in Yemen, Saudi-Led Coalition Redoubles Attacks
The surge in fighting follows a U.S. call for peace talks, with the United Nations warning that as many as 14 million people could be at risk of starvation.