Asad Hashim

In 2001, Wajeeh-ul-Hassan was arrested for committing "blasphemy", allegedly writing a series of letters insulting to Islam and its Prophet. He spent almost half his life on death row, before the Supreme Court acquitted him in October. This is his story: aljazeera.com/indepth/featur…

US Treasury says President Donald Trump's signature "will appear on future U.S. paper currency" as part of US 250th anniversary celebrations.

"Pas les infrastructures" pour absorber le choc : les Etats-Unis ont multipliées en 10 ans par 30 leurs exportations de GNL mais le gaz américain ne pourra pas combler la pénurie du Moyent-Orient l.bfmtv.com/VQf0

Come to AFP for the breaking news in six languages, stay for the French translations of 'beat to shit'

Witkoff in cabinet meeting confirmed Pakistan is passing messages from US to Iran. "I can report to you today that we have, along with your foreign policy team, presented a 15 point action list that forms the framework for a peace deal. This has been circulated through the Pakistani government, acting as the mediator," @SEPeaceMissions said.

A California jury on Wednesday found Meta and YouTube liable for harming a young woman through the addictive design of their platforms, ordering them to pay $3 million and opening the door to potentially far larger punitive awards. uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/californi…

The US Treasury on Tuesday lifted sanctions on Venezuela's embassy in Washington, paving the way for the mission to be reopened after US forces ousted president Nicolas Maduro in January.

🇺🇦🇺🇸 The visit to the United States began with a meeting with @SecretaryWright. Discussed the situation in Ukraine’s power grid, which has been significantly damaged by russian attacks, as well as key priorities for its restoration. In particular, explored the possibility of securing USD 1.4 billion in loan financing from @DFCgov to modernize energy equipment, particularly in the gas production sector, and to strengthen cooperation with @EximBankUS. Special attention was given to increasing gas and oil production in Ukraine with the involvement of American companies. The discussion also covered the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor, the advantages of utilizing Ukraine’s underground gas storage facilities, and the development of the Odesa oil terminal for supplying oil to Europe. Informed Secretary Wright about ongoing negotiations with U.S. companies regarding alternative diesel supply sources. Ukraine counts on the support of the U.S. administration in advancing this matter. Thanked to the United States for its consistent support of Ukraine. We appreciate the recent decision to allocate an additional USD 276 million to support Ukraine’s energy sector. This assistance enables Ukraine not only to withstand current challenges but also to build a more resilient and secure energy system. _____ 🇺🇦🇺🇸 Розпочали візит до Сполучених Штатів із зустрічі з Міністром енергетики США Крісом Райтом. Обговорили ситуацію в українській енергосистемі, яка зазнала пошкоджень внаслідок російських атак, та пріоритети відновлення. Зокрема, говорили про можливість залучення кредитної допомоги 1,4 млрд доларів від DFC для оновлення енергетичного обладнання, зокрема для газовидобутку, і посилення співпраці з американським «Ексімбанком». Окрему увагу приділили темі збільшення видобутку газу й нафти в Україні із залученням американських компаній. Обговорили розвиток Вертикального газового коридору, переваги використання українських газосховищ та розвиток одеського терміналу для транспортування нафти в Європу. Також повідомив міністру Райту про переговори з компаніями США щодо альтернативних джерел постачання дизелю. Розраховуємо на підтримку у цьому питанні з боку адміністрації. Подякував США за системну підтримку України. Цінуємо нещодавнє рішення про виділення додаткових 276 млн доларів на підтримку української енергетики. Це та допомога, яка дозволяє нам не лише вистояти, а й розбудовувати нову систему енергетичної безпеки.

Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond. Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict. @realDonaldTrump @SteveWitkoff @araghchi

The US FCC on Monday banned authorizations for all new routers produced in foreign countries, citing "national security" reasons. (The ruling doesn't apply to routers already bought by consumers, and does not prevent retailers from importing, selling previously approved routers.)

US Energy Secy Chris Wright says oil market disruptions are "temporary", as costs surge on the back of the Iran war. "Prices have not risen high enough yet to drive meaningful demand destruction," he said at the annual CERAWeek conference in Houston. AFP's @nina_iseni is there.

@AFP: Trump said the talks -- which Iran denies are taking place -- were being conducted with a "top person" but not the country's supreme leader.

@AFP: President Donald Trump said Monday that there are "major points of agreement" in US-Iran talks which he said must result in Tehran giving up its nuclear ambitions and enriched uranium stockpile.

#BREAKING @AFP: President Donald Trump said Monday the United States and Iran had held "very good" talks towards ending the three-week Middle East war, putting threatened US attacks on Iran's power plants on hold in a stunning about-turn.

[Full story for @AFP] US Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller on Friday said he was concerned about the impact of the US-Israel war on Iran on inflation due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz. finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy…

Waller pointed out he was still not in favour of rate hikes, and that he would advocate for rate cuts depending on jobs data. He indicated he was adjusting his view to incorporate the idea that the break-even rate for jobs growth was currently zero.

US Fed Governor Chris Waller this morning said he has changed his view in the last two weeks on the pace of interest rate cuts due to concerns regarding inflation related to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States and Japan on Thursday announced a joint $40 billion project to build small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Tennessee and Alabama, according to a statement released after the two countries' leaders met.

#BREAKING US, Japan announce $40 bn nuclear power project