Gulf nations Bahrain, Qatar to restore ties after boycott
April 13, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Gulf nations of Bahrain and Qatar agreed to restore diplomatic relations late Wednesday.
Bahrain had been the last holdout of four Arab nations that imposed a boycott on Qatar in 2017.
US deploys guided-missile submarine amid tensions with Iran
April 8, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. Navy has deployed a guided-missile submarine capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk missiles to the Middle East, a spokesman said Saturday, in what appeared to be a show of force toward Iran following recent tensions.
Bahrain sentences 3 for questioning Islamic teachings
March 30, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Prosecutors in the Arab Gulf nation of Bahrain on Thursday have handed down yearlong prison sentences to three people for debating Islamic theology in a series of blog posts and online videos.
Hamilton says Mercedes ‘didn’t listen’ to his advice on car
March 8, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes “didn’t listen” when he raised concerns about the development of this season's Formula One car.
The seven-time world champion finished fifth at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday.
Aston Martin looking like “Awesome Martin” after great start
March 6, 2023 GMTWith re-branding commonplace in Formula One, this Aston Martin team might consider calling itself “Awesome Martin” after a stunning start to the season at Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso showed his talent is not fading at the advanced age of 41, finishing third to give the Spanish driver a 99th career podium in his team debut.
Verstappen wins again, Alonso reminds everyone of his talent
March 5, 2023 GMTMax Verstappen's dominant Bahrain Grand Prix victory seemed normal by his high standards.
The surprise of the Formula One season opening race? Fernando Alonso in a stunning third place on his debut for Aston Martin.
Motorsport and others joining to fight online abuse
March 2, 2023 GMTMotorsport's governing body will attempt to drive out online hate speech and abuse by collaborating with other affected groups.
The FIA said it has support from the European Commission, motorcyling’s governing body, and Professional Game Match Officials Limited — the body responsible for match officials in English professional soccer — to tackle the problems.
F1: Stroll to return for Bahrain Grand Prix after injury
March 2, 2023 GMTSAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — Lance Stroll is set to drive for Aston Martin at the Bahrain Grand Prix this week after missing Formula One preseason testing due to a wrist injury.
Reserve driver Felipe Drugovich replaced Stroll as the teammate to Fernando Alonso in testing after the Canadian's accident while training in Spain.
Verstappen again the man to beat in F1 in 2023
February 27, 2023 GMTRed Bull driver Max Verstappen was so far ahead last season that catching the Formula One champion may feel like scaling a mountain.
So that's exactly what Ferrari's Charles Leclerc did to get himself ready for the challenge, which starts next Sunday at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Red Bull’s Perez leads final day of F1 testing, Hamilton 2nd
February 25, 2023 GMTSAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — Red Bull driver Sergio Perez moved up the leaderboard as the sun went down to lead the third and final day of Formula One testing on Saturday.
It underlined how strong Red Bull looks heading into next weekend's season-opening race on the same Sakhir desert circuit in Bahrain.
Mercedes, McLaren admit difficulties on Day 2 of F1 testing
February 24, 2023 GMTSAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — Max Verstappen is displaying his speed in Formula One testing while Mercedes and McLaren struggle.
The defending champion wasn't quite the fastest Friday in his Red Bull on the second day of preseason testing — that was Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu — but the Dutchman was only .04 seconds behind and looked consistent on longer runs simulating a race distance.
Max Verstappen sets pace as F1 preseason testing begins
February 23, 2023 GMTSAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — Max Verstappen put in the most miles and put up the fastest time Thursday on the first day of Formula One preseason testing.
The defending champion from the Netherlands lapped the Bahrain International Circuit .029 seconds faster than Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso.
Drugovich with Aston Martin for F1 testing after Stroll hurt
February 21, 2023 GMTSILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Formula Two champion Felipe Drugovich will drive for Aston Martin in place of the injured Lance Stroll when Formula One testing begins Thursday.
Aston Martin said Tuesday that Drugovich will start testing in the morning session Thursday in Bahrain before Stroll's teammate Fernando Alonso takes over for the afternoon.
Lance Stroll out of F1 testing after bicycle accident
February 20, 2023 GMTSILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Lance Stroll has been ruled out of pre-season Formula One testing this week after he was injured in a bicycle accident, the Aston Martin team said Monday.
Aston Martin said the Canadian driver was hurt while training in Spain.
Bahrain charges religious reformers with questioning Islam
February 20, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Gulf nation of Bahrain plans to put three religious reformers on trial Tuesday for allegedly questioning the foundations of Islam, a case that has divided the Shiite majority of the country ruled by a Sunni monarchy.
Nicaragua’s vote to strip opponents of citizenship
February 14, 2023 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Last week Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega packed off 222 political leaders, priests, students, activists and other dissidents to the United States, their release long demanded by the international community.
Hackers target Bahrain airport, news sites to mark uprising
February 14, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Hackers said they had taken down the websites of Bahrain's international airport, state news agency and chamber of commerce on Tuesday to mark the 12-year anniversary of an Arab Spring uprising in the small Gulf country.
Saudi soccer influence grows by winning seat on FIFA Council
February 1, 2023 GMTSaudi Arabia added to its influence in world soccer on Wednesday, winning a seat on the FIFA Council and then being confirmed as host of the 2027 Asian Cup.
The election win at the Asian Football Confederation’s annual meeting followed Cristiano Ronaldo arrival last month to play in the Saudi league and longstanding speculation about a likely bid to host the World Cup in 2030 or 2034.
Williams hires James Vowles as F1 team principal
January 13, 2023 GMTGROVE, United Kingdom (AP) — Struggling Formula One team Williams continued its overhaul Friday by announcing the hiring of former Mercedes strategy director James Vowles as team principal.
Williams said in a statement that Vowles will begin his new role on Feb.
United Arab Emirates says it will teach Holocaust in schools
January 9, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates will begin teaching about the Holocaust in history classes in primary and secondary schools across the country, the country's embassy in the United States said.
Soccer fans hopeful ahead of Gulf Cup in Iraqi city of Basra
January 5, 2023 GMTBASRA, Iraq (AP) — For many Iraqis, the first international soccer tournament their country is hosting in more than four decades is about to kick off in the southern city of Basra, offering a rare moment of joy and optimism.
Saudis in off-field win before Japan, Koreans exit World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Hours before Japan and South Korea endured painful second-round exits from the World Cup in Qatar, continental soccer rival Saudi Arabia had plenty to celebrate.
The All India Football Federation’s decision to pull out of the race to host the 2027 Asian Cup, announced while all the football focus in East Asia was centered on Japan and South Korea’s knockout games on Monday, left Saudi Arabia as the only candidate to host the continental championship.
Canada’s Henry to miss World Cup; Hutchinson, 39, on roster
November 13, 2022 GMTTORONTO (AP) — Toronto defender Doneil Henry will miss the World Cup with a torn calf sustained during warmups in a pre-tournament exhibition against Bahrain.
Atiba Hutchinson, a 39-year-old midfielder and Canada’s captain, was among 26 players picked for the roster Sunday by coach John Herdman.
Bahrain websites attacked as it holds parliamentary election
November 12, 2022 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Bahrain voted Saturday in a parliamentary and local election just hours after hackers targeted government websites in the island kingdom that is in the midst of a decade-long crackdown on dissent.
Canada ties Bahrain 2-2 in pre-World Cup exhibition
November 11, 2022 GMTAn own goal off the leg of Ali Abdula Haram in the 81st minute gave Canada a 2-2 draw against Bahrain at Manama on Friday night in its next-to-last exhibition before the World Cup.
Ismael Kone put Canada ahead in the sixth minute with his first international goal, beating goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla with a high shot after a long ball from Montreal teammate Kamal Miller deep in Canada's end.
EXPLAINER: Qatar’s history, politics ahead of FIFA World Cup
November 10, 2022 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar will be on the world stage like it has never been before as the small, energy-rich nation hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup later this month.
The country, on a thumb-shaped peninsula that juts out into the Persian Gulf, has seen its international profile rise as Doha used its massive offshore natural gas fields to make its nation one of the world's richest per-capita.
Pope calls female genital mutilation a crime that must stop
November 6, 2022 GMTABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Pope Francis called female genital mutilation a “crime” on Sunday and said the fight for women’s rights, equality and opportunity must continue for the good of society.
Pope in Bahrain: Treatment of prisoners a measure of society
November 6, 2022 GMTMANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Pope Francis wrapped up the first-ever papal trip to Bahrain on Sunday by encouraging priests and nuns to keep ministering to the Gulf kingdom’s tiny Catholic flock. He specifically mentioned its prisoners, saying “the way in which these ‘least ones’ are treated is a measure of the dignity and the hope of a society.”
Pope tells Bahrain youths to seek real advice, not Google
November 5, 2022 GMTMANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Pope Francis shifted gears Saturday in his visit to Bahrain to minister to the Gulf's Catholic community, presiding over a huge open-air Mass and then meeting with young people to give them a bit of fatherly advice: Don’t just Google your questions about life decisions, he told them.
Pope slams ‘childlike’ whims of powerful that start wars
November 4, 2022 GMTSAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — With Russia’s war in Ukraine raging, Pope Francis joined Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders on Friday in calling for the great religions to work together for peace, telling an interfaith summit that religion must never be used to justify violence and that faith leaders must oppose the “childlike” whims of the powerful to make war.
Pope urges end to death penalty as he arrives in Bahrain
November 3, 2022 GMTAWALI, Bahrain (AP) — Pope Francis urged Bahrain authorities on Thursday to renounce the death penalty and ensure basic human rights are guaranteed for all citizens as he arrived in the Sunni-led kingdom that has been accused by rights groups of systematic discrimination against its Shiite majority.
Bahrain’s Shiites hope pope raises human rights during visit
November 1, 2022 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Pope Francis is making the first-ever papal trip to Bahrain this week, sparking calls from the country’s majority Shiite opposition and human rights activists for the pontiff to raise human rights concerns in the small island nation.
Canada adds Nov 11 exhibition at Bahrain ahead of World Cup
October 21, 2022 GMTTORONTO (AP) — Canada has added a exhibition at Bahrain on Nov. 11 as part of its World Cup preparations.
The 41st-ranked Canadians will play No. 85 Bahrain in Manama ahead of a previously scheduled game Nov.
Pope Bahrain trip blends Muslim outreach, Catholic ministry
October 6, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to Bahrain blends three of his top priorities as pope: Ministering to a tiny Catholic community, promoting dialogue with the Muslim world and fostering relations with other Christian communities, according to details released Thursday by the Vatican.
Asian soccer chief unopposed for reelection
October 4, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — FIFA vice president Sheik Salman of Bahrain will be unopposed for reelection to lead the Asian Football Confederation, while the head of the Saudi Arabian soccer federation is a candidate to join him on the world governing body’s ruling committee.
Pope presses Muslim dialogue message with Bahrain visit
September 28, 2022 GMTVATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis will travel to Bahrain in November to press his message of dialogue with the Muslim world, the first pope to visit the country the Vatican said Wednesday.
Bahrain is home to the Gulf’s first Catholic Church, located in the capital Manama, as well as its biggest one, Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral, which opened last year in the desert town of Awali.
Pope studying Bahrain visit, looking at February for Africa
September 15, 2022 GMTABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Pope Francis is studying a possible visit to Bahrain in November and said Thursday he is looking to reschedule his trip to South Sudan and Congo for February.
Gulf Arab nations ask Netflix to remove ‘offensive’ videos
September 7, 2022 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Gulf Arab countries on Tuesday asked Netflix to remove “offensive content” on the streaming service, apparently targeting programs that show people who are gay and lesbian.
Egypt president meets with regional leaders in coastal city
August 22, 2022 GMTCAIRO (AP) — President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt met Monday with the leaders of Iraq, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, his office said, as world powers and Iran seek to end 16 months of negotiations over the revival of Tehran’s landmark nuclear deal.
Antidoping authorities allow exceptions for Ukrainians
July 16, 2022 GMTEUGENE, Ore. (AP) — International doping authorities approved special exemptions for seven Ukrainian athletes, allowing them to compete in world championships though they hadn't been tested enough in the leadup due to the war in their country.
European police raid Bahrain cycling team, seize evidence
July 1, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Police investigating suspected doping by the Tour de France team Bahrain Victorious seized more than 450 capsules of unidentified substances at a house in Slovenia during raids across Europe, the European agency Eurojust said Friday.
Danes search Bahrain Victorious riders’ hotel ahead of Tour
June 30, 2022 GMTCOPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The Bahrain Victorious team at the Tour de France was raided by police for the second time this week on Thursday, a day before the tour's grand start in Denmark.
The team confirmed in a statement that the hotel rooms and vehicles of riders and staff in suburban Copenhagen were searched by Danish officers, and they “fully cooperated with all the officers’ requests, and the search was completed within two hours.
Police search Bahrain Victorious riders’ homes ahead of Tour
June 27, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Riders and staff from the Bahrain Victorious team had their homes searched by police before they left for the Tour de France, the cycling outfit said on Monday.
Bahrain Victorious said it felt the timing of the searches was “aimed at intentionally damaging the team's reputation."
Syrian leader receives credentials from Bahrain ambassador
June 19, 2022 GMTDAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — A new ambassador from Bahrain formally took up his post in Syria on Sunday, the country's first full diplomatic mission there in more than a decade as Damascus continues to improve its relations with Gulf Arab states.
Fraser-Pryce equals world-leading time to win 100 in Paris
June 18, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — Three-time Olympic gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce equaled her world-leading time of the year in winning the 100 meters in 10.67 seconds at the Diamond League meet in Paris on Saturday.
Virus cases force leader, teams to leave Tour de Suisse race
June 17, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — An outbreak of COVID-19 cases caused chaos at the Tour de Suisse on Friday with the race leader, three teams and about 30 riders pulling out of the Tour de France warm-up.
Overall leader Aleksandr Vlasov tested positive one day after winning the fifth stage, the Russian rider's team said.
Israel hopes Biden trip helps tighten ties with Saudi Arabia
June 15, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Israel is looking to U.S. President Joe Biden's Mideast trip next month to bolster its efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, a country with which it does not have official ties, according to Israel's foreign minister.
Leclerc has lead, Verstappen momentum before Spanish GP
May 18, 2022 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Charles Leclerc has the lead. Max Verstappen has the momentum.
The defending Formula One champion has chipped away at Leclerc’s advantage by stringing together consecutive victories, reducing the difference to 19 points ahead of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Bahrain to ban single-use plastic bags from September
April 24, 2022 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The island kingdom of Bahrain announced Sunday it would start banning the import, distribution and sale of single-use lightweight plastic bags from mid-September, the latest move by an oil-producer to advance carbon reduction goals.
Sainz signs new F1 deal with Ferrari until 2024
April 21, 2022 GMTIMOLA, Italy (AP) — Carlos Sainz Jr. signed a new contract with Ferrari on Thursday until 2024, ahead of the Italian team’s home Formula One race this weekend.
Sainz joined Ferrari from McLaren in 2021 on a two-year contract.
Bahrain confirms firm’s talks to buy AC Milan for $1.1B
April 18, 2022 GMTMILAN (AP) — Bahrain’s government announced that a private equity firm based in the country is in “exclusive talks” to buy seven-time European champion AC Milan and become the Italian league’s first Middle East investor.
AP Source: Bahrain-based investor in talks to buy AC Milan
April 15, 2022 GMTA Bahrain-based private equity firm is in exclusive talks to buy seven-time European champion AC Milan and become the Italian league's first Middle East investor, a person with knowledge of the process said.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc wins Formula 1 Australian GP
April 10, 2022 GMTMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Riding high after a decisive victory for Ferrari in the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, Charles Leclerc’s belief in the team's prospects are growing by the race.
A grand prix billed as a showdown between Leclerc’s Ferrari and the Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez finished with the Monaco driver as a one-sided winner.
Leclerc takes pole position for F1 Australian Grand Prix
April 9, 2022 GMTMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A Ferrari versus Red Bull battle is shaping up as the likely scenario on Sunday at the first Australian Grand Prix since the pandemic began in 2020.
Charles Leclerc claimed Ferrari’s first pole position at the revamped Albert Park circuit since 2007 with a decisive final lap of 1 minute, 17.868 seconds in Melbourne on Saturday.
F1 driver Vettel back for Australian GP after COVID recovery
March 31, 2022 GMTSILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel is “fit to race” after recovering from COVID-19, the Formula One team said Thursday.
The four-time world champion will make his season debut at the Australian Grand Prix on April 10.
Arab, US top diplomats in Israel as Mideast dynamic shifts
March 28, 2022 GMTSDE BOKER, Israel (AP) — Israel on Monday hosted the foreign ministers of four Arab nations and the United States in a bid to strengthen its position in a rapidly shifting Middle East.
The gathering brought together the top diplomats from Egypt and three Arab nations — the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco — that signed the so-called Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel under the Trump administration.
Was it worth it? F1 race in Saudi Arabia raises questions
March 28, 2022 GMTJIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — When a missile flew into an oil depot close to the track hosting the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, discussions among Formula One teams and drivers switched from human rights to personal safety.
Israel to host top Arab diplomats during Blinken’s visit
March 25, 2022 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Israel said Friday it would host the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Bahrain during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit early next week, in what would be the latest in a flurry of high-level meetings held across the Middle East.
Hulkenberg replaces Vettel again for Saudi Arabian GP
March 25, 2022 GMTJEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Nico Hulkenberg will again deputize for Sebastian Vettel at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as the four-time F1 champion continues his recovery from the coronavirus.
Aston Martin said Friday it expects Vettel will be well enough to race at the Australian GP on April 10.