Government

Iraq's Sadr gives one-week deadline to judiciary to dissolve parliament

Iraq's prominent cleric Muqtada al Sadr has recently helped inflame tensions in the country by commanding thousands of followers to storm and occupy parliament, preventing the formation of a government.

City mayor's office torched, hundreds detained amid Kazakhstan unrest

The mayor's office in Almaty was reportedly set ablaze while more than 200 people were detained as violent protests swept through the country following a gas price hike.

The main challenges ahead for Germany’s new government

From the Covid-19 fight to digitalisation and a green transition, there are several challenges awaiting the new German coalition government under its Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s leadership.

Lebanon's Hariri, Aoun fail to agree on cabinet formation amid turmoil

Saad Hariri met with President Aoun for the 18th time since he was designated to form the government last October to iron out their differences over the formation of new government.

Death toll in northern Iraq's protest continues to rise

Demonstrations against the Kurdish Regional Government of Iraq (KRG) and the region's main parties broke out last week in towns across the northeastern region of Sulaimaniyah.

Thai PM says 'illegal protests' must be controlled as parliament opens

The months-long rallies, lead by students, have been calling for a rewrite of Thailand's military-scripted constitution and an end to alleged government harassment of political opponents, as well as reform of the once-unassailable monarchy.

Lebanon PM-designate steps down amid political impasse over govt formation

Lebanon's last government resigned in the aftermath of the colossal blast in Beirut port on August 4 that killed nearly 200 people, wounded thousands and ravaged swathes of the capital.

Afghan government, Taliban begin peace talks in Doha

Afghanistan’s warring sides started negotiations for the first time aimed at ending decades of war, bringing together delegates appointed by the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Protesters in Hong Kong rally against postponed elections and security law

While street protests have largely lost momentum, anti-government and anti-Beijing sentiment persists, with China's offer of mass coronavirus testing for Hong Kong residents prompting calls for a boycott amid public distrust.

Tunisia's parliament approves technocratic government

President Kais Saied earlier designated former interior minister Hichem Mechichi as premier for the country.

Macron: Lebanon leaders promise crisis cabinet in 15 days

French President Emmanuel Macron gives Lebanese politicians until October end to start delivering on reforms, saying financial aid would be withheld and sanctions imposed further down the line if corruption gets in the way.

Canada investigates how government accounts were hacked

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether there were any breaches of privacy and whether information was obtained from these accounts, the authorities said.