ease

DOHA, Qatar — Qatar’s emir spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss de-escalation and regional security as tensions between Washington and Tehran sharpen, the royal court said Wednesday. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Trump reviewed “the current situation in the region and international efforts aimed at de-escalation and strengthening regional security and peace,” according to a statement from the emir’s office. The two leaders also discussed “supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving crises…

Jubaland frees opposition Senator Ilyas Bedel Gaboose after 16 months, signaling reconciliation push KISMAYO, Somalia — The Jubaland administration on Sunday released federal senator and opposition figure Ilyas Bedel Gaboose after nearly 16 months in detention, a move officials cast as an attempt to defuse tensions and promote political reconciliation in the semi-autonomous region. Gaboose, who had been under house arrest since 2024, was freed in Kismayo. Hours later, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe convened…

Trump signs order to fast-track marijuana to Schedule III, says move is not legalization Friday December 19, 2025 US President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order easing restrictions on marijuana in the Oval Office on December 18 WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to expedite the federal reclassification of marijuana, setting in motion a shift from the most restrictive category of controlled substances to a less stringent tier. The…

Somalia’s Mogadishu Port switches to 24/7 operations in bid to cut delays and boost trade MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has begun round-the-clock operations at the Port of Mogadishu for the first time, a step officials say will ease chronic congestion, speed cargo handling, and strengthen the country’s position in regional trade. The shift to uninterrupted service took effect Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, following recent upgrades to core port infrastructure. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport,…

Morocco's Bold Investment in Health and Education: A Hopeful Path for Reform In a significant stride towards modernization, Morocco has unveiled plans to invest 140 billion dirhams—approximately $14 billion—into its education and health sectors in the coming year. Announced at a ministerial meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI in Rabat, this initiative aims to address long-standing issues in these critical areas, marking a substantial commitment to improving the nation's infrastructure and workforce. A Boost to Health…

In recent months, the Horn of Africa has become a powder keg, with Egyptian troops in Somalia igniting fears of a regional war. Tensions are high, fueled by Ethiopia’s controversial sea access pact with North Western State of Somalia and long-standing Nile River disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt, sparking widespread unease. Ethiopia's leader, Abiy Ahmed, didn’t mince words, warning potential invaders to "think 10 times" before making a move. Neighboring countries, including Turkey and Djibouti, are scrambling to broker…