Latest from Qatar Tribune
Qatar Tribune
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Thai PM faces calls to quit after leaked phone call
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's (pictured)coalition government is on the brink of collapse after a phone call between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen about a festering border dispute was leaked. The leak provoked public anger and prompted a key coalition partner of the 38-year-old Paetongtarn's Peu Thai party to quit. In the call, she addressed Hun Sen, a family friend and senior politician in the South East Asian region, as 'uncle' and appeared to dismiss a Thai military commander. 'I would like to apologise for the leaked audio of my conversation with a Cambodian leader which has caused public resentment,' Paetongtarn said on Thursday, as the pressure on her intensified. Bhumjaithai, the second-largest party in Paetongtarn's ruling coalition, quit the alliance on Wednesday, dealing a major blow to her party's position in parliament. Her coalition now holds a slim majority - which will be lost if more of its partners decide to leave. Two other coalition partners were to meet later on Thursday to discuss the situation. (Agencies)
Qatar Tribune
12 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
DIMDEX, Joaan Bin Jassim Academy to host ME Naval Commanders Conference
QNA Doha The Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) has announced a partnership agreement with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies to jointly host the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC). The MENC is a key feature of the ninth edition of DIMDEX which will take place from January 19 to 22, 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. DIMDEX 2026 is held under the patronage of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and is hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces. The agreement was signed at Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies by Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari and President of the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies Staff Brigadier (Dr) Rajih Mohammed bin Aqeel Al Nabet. The partnership with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies is part of the ongoing cooperation among various sections of the Qatari Armed Forces, aimed at leveraging their combined expertise and capabilities to contribute to the success of one of the largest events in the maritime defence and security sector. The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference will centre on the theme of 'Defence Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges'. As a leading forum, it will bring together international thought leaders to discuss the latest developments in maritime defence and security within the context of this critical theme. The event will welcome senior government officials, ministers, ambassadors, chiefs of staff, naval commanders, experts, maritime professionals, and academics. Staff Brigadier (Sea) Al Ansari said, 'We are honoured to partner with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies, a leading institution specialising in military sciences, to host the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference at DIMDEX 2026. 'Through our combined expertise, we aim to provide a premier platform for addressing critical issues facing the defence and security sectors, and for developing strategic insights to tackle emerging challenges on the global stage.' For his part, President of the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies Staff Brigadier (Dr) Rajih Mohammed bin Aqeel Al Nabet stated, 'The Academy remains firmly committed to enhancing joint cooperation and advancing academic military programmes at the national level. We place significant emphasis on organising specialised training workshops and coordinating efforts in support of national events. 'Our work also reflects a strong commitment to our societal role, particularly in raising awareness of the importance of integration between civil and military institutions, thereby promoting strategic balance and reinforcing the strength of the home front. These efforts are guided by the Academy's vision of leadership and excellence.' He added, 'Through such initiatives, the Academy aspires to consolidate its standing as a leading institution in postgraduate defence studies, both regionally and internationally. Our goal is to develop distinguished military and civilian leaders equipped with the skills to analyse security threats, assess risks, and formulate strategic policies and plans that enhance the nation's security and stability.' The Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies is a specialist academy dedicated to developing exceptional military and civilian leaders. To be held under the theme 'A Global Hub for Defence Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow', DIMDEX 2026 is set to be the most impactful edition yet, bringing together key decision-makers, industry leaders, and government representatives from across the globe. The four-day event will serve as a key driver in fostering innovation, encouraging strategic investments in future-ready maritime technologies, and driving business opportunities for participating companies.
Qatar Tribune
12 hours ago
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
SpaceX's Starship explodes on test stand while preparing for launch
Berlin: A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded while preparing for its 10th test flight in Texas late on Wednesday, media reports said, as images of a dramatic fireball emerged. Starship 'experienced a major anomaly' while preparing for the test, SpaceX, which is headed by Elon Musk, posted on X. All personnel were safe and accounted for, the company said. 'Our Starbase team is actively working to safe the test site and the immediate surrounding area in conjunction with local officials. There are no hazards to residents in surrounding communities, and we ask that individuals do not attempt to approach the area while safing operations continue,' it said. Starship - the largest rocket system ever built - was first tested in April 2023, when it exploded after a few minutes. Later tests saw the upper stage reach space and land under control in the Indian Ocean. But since then, a number of tests have failed. (DPA)
Qatar Tribune
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
A Spiritual Journey in Qatar: Archbishop Makarios Bids Farewell After 21 Years of Service
Ashraf Siddiqui After more than two decades of dedicated spiritual leadership in Qatar, Archbishop Makarios of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem has stepped down from his post, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the country's religious and interfaith history. Talking exclusively to Qatar Tribune recently on the eve of his departure from Doha,Archbishop Makarios told that he landed in Qatar in 2003, and has served as the head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Qatar for 21 years. During his tenure, he witnessed and contributed to the profound transformation of both Qatar as a nation and its Christian expatriate community. Reflecting on his time, he described Doha's dramatic evolution—from a modest city of around 600,000 inhabitants to a thriving metropolis with world-class infrastructure, dynamic interfaith relations, and a flourishing expatriate community. Refreshing his memories, when the Archbishop first arrived, worship services were held in schools, hotels, and makeshift locations. It wasn't until 2005 that the Father Amir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, then Amir of State of Qatar, allocated a dedicated plot of land in the Msheireb area for officially recognised Christian denominations. This move, Archbishop Makarios emphasised, was a turning point. It enabled the construction of purpose-built churches and formalised the presence of Christianity in Qatar. Over the years, Archbishop Makarios became a leading figure in interfaith dialogue. He played an instrumental role in establishing the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) around 2007–2008, and remained an active participant in its annual conferences and roundtable discussions. These platforms brought together representatives of diverse faiths—Muslims, Christians, and others—to foster mutual understanding and respect in a multicultural society. His church community was equally diverse. Services were conducted in six languages—Greek, Arabic, English, Russian, Romanian, and Serbian—serving congregants from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. He noted that this multiethnic, multilingual environment not only enriched the religious fabric of Qatar, but also broadened his personal and spiritual horizons. Born in Greece and raised in Jerusalem from the age of 12, Archbishop Makarios pursued theological studies in Jerusalem, Serbia, and Jordan. Prior to his assignment in Qatar, he served as a priest in Gaza and various Jordanian cities, where he also learned Arabic. His journey as a spiritual leader was marked by deep immersion in local cultures and languages, enabling him to connect authentically with people across borders. Looking back, Archbishop Makarios described his experience in Qatar as one of the most fruitful periods of his life. As he prepares to take on a new role as Metropolitan of Acre in northern Israel, Archbishop Makarios said he will carry the memories and friendships formed in Qatar with him. Though his official duties will shift, he intends to maintain ties with Qatar, a place he now considers a second home. His departure marks not just the end of an era, but a legacy of faith, diplomacy, and cultural bridge-building that will continue to resonate in Qatar's vibrant religious landscape. Incoming Archbishop Aristovoulos of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate has served in various significant locations throughout the Holy Land, including as a conductor at the Holy Sepulchre. He has ministered in Beyjala near Bethlehem, as well as in Madaba, Jordan. Prior to his current appointment, he was entrusted with the pastoral care of all Russian-speaking communities within the Patriarchate.
Qatar Tribune
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Bayern aim to stay cool in CWC duel with Boca
dpa Miami Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has said that Bayern Munich have to stay cool when they face Boca Juniors on Saturday night at the Club World Cup. Bayern are aware that their opponents from Buenos Aires are of a very different calibre than Auckland City who they trounced 10-0 in their opener. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany drove from their base camp in Orlando to Miami to watch Boca's opening 2-2 draw with Benfica in which they led 2-0 early before having two players sent off while Benfica also ended the game with 10 men. Kompany named the match-up a highlight in the group stage, saying: 'If I wasn't Bayern coach I would have still gone to this match. Clubs with a big tradition from Europe and South America. If you had to a game in the group stage it would be this one.' Neuer said 'we all saw how the game went' and that they will face fired-up team in Miami against who they have to 'stay focused and cool and concentrate on our strengths.' Kompany is not expected to make big changes to his line-up, but Jamal Musiala may start after getting his first 30 minutes and scoring a hat-trick off the bench against Auckland in the comeback from a hamstring injury. Neuer said that 'the teams from South America are not to be underestimated,' and former Bayern striker Giovane Elber of Brazil highlighted that the tournament is of immense prestige for the six teams from South America. 'They are fired up for the tournament. It gives them an opportunity to play against Bayern, against Real Madrid,' Elber said. Elber was also on the pitch when Bayern last played Boca, in the 2001 Intercontinental Cup match in Tokyo which Bayern won 1-0.
