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Saudi-Iran ice cap shows signs of thaw

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DETENTE? Relations between Iranian president Hassan Rouhani and King Salman of Saudi Arabia (right) are showing signs of improvement over a year after the Hajj tragedy that claimed 4,700 lives

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Quiet diplomacy on to bring the two warring countries closer

By Abu Turab

The advent of Donald Trump as the 45th President of United States has been accompanied by some interesting diplomatic moves in the Middle East, with arch rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran showing early inclination of rebuilding bilateral relations.

On January 25 Kuwaiti Emir Jabel al-Ahmed al-Sabah sent a “special message” to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani through his Foreign Minister. This was probably the outcome of early Riyadh-headquartered Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) efforts to open channels of dialogue to bring the two countries together, says the credible news website Al-Monitor.

On December 1, 2016, Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled al-Jarallah was quoted as saying that GCC was trying to send a message to Tehran for inviting both countries to dialogue. He also said that Kuwait will be transmitting the message to Iran and that “contacts with Iran are ongoing to set a convenient date to divert that message.” Other members of the regional Council are Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Oman.

A Tehran-based Press TV report says that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, while receiving the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, said that “the power and capabilities of Iran have always been aimed at safeguarding regional security and stability and supporting neighbours.” He also reiterated Tehran’s commitment to supporting “any measures” that would promote regional stability and security.

On January 14, Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, while speaking to Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), disclosed that he has been carrying out certain mediatory measures since last year to help improve relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. He further said that any crisis in the Iran-Saudi relations affects Iraq as well and a rapprochement between the two countries would benefit Iraq.

He disclosed that he has carried oral messages between Iranian and Saudi officials in the past few months and added that his country would make efforts to bring the positions of Tehran and Riyadh closer.

Ties between Tehran and Riyadh took downturn after a deadly human crush occurred during Hajj rituals in September 2015. Some 465 Iranians were among 4,700 killed in the tragedy.  Iranians’ violent reaction to Saudi Arabia prosecuting Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, was witnessed when protesters set fire to some portion of the Saudi Embassy in Tehran on January 2, 2016. Similar protest was also reported from Mashhad. Saudi Arabia unilaterally severed its diplomatic ties with Iran after the protests.

A large number of pilgrims from different countries were still being claimed by Saudi authorities as ‘missing.’ Over a hundred Indian pilgrims were killed and 32 remained missing in the tragedy.

In one analysis, Al-Monitor says that on January 17 Iranian president Hassan Rouhani hailed the efforts of at least a dozen countries, including Iraq and Kuwait for offering to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia. He expressed his willingness to be on good terms with everyone, especially the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia. Earlier, Iran’s secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had also expressed their desire to renew relations with Saudi Arabia.

The first breakthrough in Tehran-Riyadh relations was witnessed on September 28, 2016 when the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed to curb oil production during the meeting in Algiers. The agreement resulted in the largest cut in oil production since 2008 forcing considerable price rise in the international market.

The agreement was possible only through a major Saudi concession which exempted Iran from capping production. As OPEC’s dominant producer, the Saudi’s wield enough clout to provide such a concession.

Recently on January 10, Head of Iranian Hajj Mission Syed Ali Qadi Askar announced receiving an invitation via Saudi Arabia’s consulate in New York to hold meetings to discuss plans for this year’s Hajj.

Iran had boycotted Hajj 2016 for not getting security guarantee of their nationals after the tragic death of its 465 nationals in the Hajj stampede 2015. Iran claimed the total number of Hajj pilgrims killed in the tragedy were 4,700 while Saudi authorities gave the total number of deaths at only 700. Earlier, 11 Iranian pilgrims were among more than 100 killed in a massive construction crane collapse in Mecca’s Grand Mosque.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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YouTuber Zara Dar clarifies misconceptions, denies being Pakistani, and explains decision to quit PhD for OnlyFans

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Zara Dar clarifies her background and career change in a social media post

YouTuber Zara Dar, who sparked significant attention after revealing she was leaving her PhD studies to pursue a full-time career on OnlyFans, has addressed a series of misconceptions circulating about her. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Dar clarified the misinformation and took the opportunity to set the record straight on several points, particularly regarding her background and career shift.

The controversy began when Zara posted a video explaining her decision to quit her PhD in engineering and focus on adult content creation. The video quickly went viral, with some viewers misinterpreting or distorting the details of her story. One of the most prevalent rumors was that Zara Dar was of Pakistani origin.

In her clarification, Zara stated, “With all due respect, I am not Pakistani. I am American, born and raised, with a mixed background: American, Persian, Southern European, Middle Eastern, and Indian.” She explained that her name, “Darcy,” which she shortens to “Dar,” led to confusion, as it resembled that of a different Pakistani influencer, Zara Dar.

Zara also addressed the emergence of fake content under her name, including deepfake videos, and vehemently denied any associations with such material. She emphasized that, despite the false claims, she had not given any exclusive interviews and had only used social media to share her story.

Regarding her decision to leave academia, Zara shared that her shift to OnlyFans, while financially rewarding, also provided her with the freedom she felt was missing in her academic career. “It has given me the freedom to learn and share new content,” she stated, adding that while she had stepped away from her PhD, she would still continue to create educational content on her YouTube channel.

The announcement sent shockwaves across her fanbase, as many were surprised by her drastic career change. However, Zara explained that the decision was motivated not only by financial viability but also by her desire for personal autonomy outside the rigid structures of academia.

As Zara Dar continues to navigate the shift from academia to content creation, she remains committed to building her brand while tackling the misinformation surrounding her. Through her candid social media posts, she aims to keep her followers informed and provide clarity on her personal and professional choices.

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Where is Santa this Christmas Eve? Track his journey with NORAD and Google Santa Tracker

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Santa tracking on Christmas Eve with NORAD and Google Santa Tracker

As Christmas Eve arrives, excitement fills the air for families worldwide, eager to track Santa’s magical journey across the globe. Thanks to modern technology, families can now follow Santa’s global trek in real time, a cherished tradition that has been made even more special by NORAD and Google Santa Tracker. These two platforms bring the joy of the season to life with live updates, interactive features, and educational content.

NORAD tracks Santa: A legacy of tracking Santa Claus

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa Claus since 1955, starting from a simple mix-up. A Sears department store advertisement listed the wrong phone number for Santa, leading a child to call the military command. When Air Force Commander Harry Shoup answered, he reassured the child, and thus, a global tradition was born. NORAD has since embraced cutting-edge radar and satellite technology to track Santa’s journey, with Rudolph’s glowing red nose marking his path through the night sky.

This year, NORAD’s Santa Tracker goes live on Christmas Eve at 6 a.m. ET, offering real-time updates on Santa’s location until 2 a.m. ET on Christmas Day. Families can access the official NORAD Tracks Santa website, download the Santa Tracker app (available on both iOS and Android), or follow NORAD on social media. For a more personal touch, NORAD’s hotline (1-877-HI-NORAD) is available from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. ET on Christmas Day, offering families a chance to speak with volunteers about Santa’s journey.

Google Santa Tracker: Interactive fun for the whole family

Google’s Santa Tracker also offers a way to follow Santa’s travels in real time, but with a twist. In addition to tracking Santa, the platform features a variety of interactive experiences, including holiday games, videos, and educational content about Christmas traditions around the world. Google’s Santa Tracker provides a countdown to Christmas Eve and a chance to explore Santa’s Village, where families can engage in festive activities before tracking his journey.

How to track Santa this Christmas Eve

  • NORAD Tracks Santa: Visit noradsanta.org for live updates, videos, and interactive features. The website includes a countdown to Santa’s departure and real-time tracking of his global journey.
  • Google Santa Tracker: Head to santatracker.google.com to play games, watch videos, and track Santa in real time.

The tradition of tracking Santa

Tracking Santa has become a beloved holiday tradition, bringing joy and excitement to children and families around the world. Whether through NORAD’s precise tracking or Google’s interactive features, these services offer a unique way to experience the magic of Christmas. For over 65 years, NORAD’s Santa Tracker has allowed kids to track Santa as he makes his way across the globe, adding an extra layer of excitement to Christmas Eve. According to NORAD, its fighter jets have “intercepted Santa many, many times,” with pilots even tipping their wings to say, “Hello Santa. NORAD is tracking you again this year.”

How does Santa travel so Fast?

One of the most intriguing aspects of tracking Santa is how he manages to deliver presents to every corner of the globe in just one night. According to NORAD, Santa operates in a time-space continuum of his own. While it appears that Santa completes his journey in 24 hours, NORAD suggests that he experiences time differently. “Santa does not experience time the way we do,” says the agency. In Santa’s world, his trip could span days, weeks, or even months, making his speed and efficiency even more magical.

A global tradition of Christmas magic

This Christmas Eve, families can once again join in the holiday fun by tracking Santa’s extraordinary journey. Whether using NORAD’s detailed tracking system or exploring Google’s interactive features, the Christmas spirit comes alive in real-time. So, as you prepare for Christmas Day, don’t forget to check in and see where Santa is — it’s a joyful part of the holiday season!

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Bangladesh requests India’s assistance for Sheikh Hasina’s return amid turmoil

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Bangladesh requests India to facilitate Sheikh Hasina's return amid political crisis

Bangladesh has formally requested India to facilitate the return of Sheikh Hasina, the deposed Prime Minister of the country, who has been residing in India since August 5, 2024. The interim government in Dhaka has sent a diplomatic note to the Indian government, urging the extradition of the 77-year-old leader, who fled Bangladesh following mass protests that led to the downfall of her 16-year-long regime.

Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, has been living in exile in India since she was forced to leave amid growing political unrest in Bangladesh. In the wake of her departure, the Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants against Hasina, her ministers, advisors, and former military and civil officials, accusing them of “crimes against humanity and genocide.”

Touhid Hossain, the foreign affairs adviser in Bangladesh’s interim government, confirmed the diplomatic communication, saying, “We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government requesting her return for the judicial process in Bangladesh.”

In addition to the note, Jahangir Alam, the Home Advisor, revealed that the government has also sent a formal letter to India’s External Affairs Ministry, emphasizing the need for Hasina’s extradition. He mentioned that there is an existing extradition treaty between the two countries, which could be invoked to facilitate her return.

The diplomatic request comes in the wake of a visit by India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, to Bangladesh. During his visit, Misri engaged in candid and constructive discussions with Nobel laureate and Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus. Misri also raised concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, and discussed the increasing tensions between the two countries. According to reports, the issue of Hasina’s stay in India was one of the topics of discussion during Misri’s visit. Yunus reportedly expressed concern over the political statements made by Hasina from her location in India, which have reportedly been exacerbating tensions.

Sheikh Hasina, speaking in a virtual address to Awami League supporters in London, criticized the interim government of Bangladesh and accused Yunus of running a “fascist regime.” She alleged that the new regime under Yunus’s leadership had led to increased attacks on religious minorities and accused the interim government of undermining Bangladesh’s democratic progress. Hasina also lamented the reversal of her administration’s achievements in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and the strengthening of democracy.

The political climate in Bangladesh remains fraught with tension as the interim government faces mounting pressure, both domestically and internationally, over its treatment of opposition leaders and political dissent. The unfolding situation continues to capture attention both within Bangladesh and abroad, particularly with regard to the potential return of Sheikh Hasina.

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