Olivia Bennett
Middle East & Africa Desk
Olivia Bennett is the Middle East & Africa Desk editor at The Taiwan Times, covering regional conflict, humanitarian crises and energy markets, with long-established reporting and verification channels on the ground.
Faced with war coverage where positions are polarised and facts are contested, she insists on multiple sources and careful wording, working to keep balanced, neutral narratives on the topics most easily swayed by emotion and propaganda.
She tracks how oil and gas move global inflation and Taiwan’s energy security, while never losing sight of the individual lives behind each conflict.
Areas of expertise
- Middle East
- Africa
- Energy markets
Latest by Olivia Bennett
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei Makes Rare Public Appearance with President Raisi.
Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei Makes First Public Appearance Since Taking Office Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei has made his first public appearance sinc
Astronomers Discover New Black Hole Object in Orion Constellation
Astronomers who have been searching for the enigmatic little dots for four years have announced the discovery of a new type of celestial object. Astronomer
At Least Two Killed in Drone Strike on Sudan's Northern Region by Rapid Support Forces.
In El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Sudan, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out a series of drone and land attacks, which covered
Taiwan's New Cinema Boom: Weihsin to Operate New Theater in Taichung
Earlier this year, the Taichung City Government announced its plan to build a new type of cinema, named the Taichung Pop and Audio Center. This proposal sp
New Zealand Spy Agency Reveals China's Secret Satellite Tracking Facility in New Zealand.
New Zealand's Security Intelligence Service Reveals China's Secret Plan to Establish Satellite Tracking Facility The New Zealand Security Intelligence Serv
Taiwan Presidential Candidate Promises Family-friendly Policies in Taipei City Election
As the municipal election in Taoyuan draws near, candidates from various parties have been presenting their platforms in an effort to win over voters' supp
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Beyond the Savannah: Unveiling the Hidden History and Vibrant Culture of Angola
Deep in the heart of southern Africa, where the warm waters of the South Atlantic Ocean caress the shores of a breathtaking coastline, lies the country of
Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates: 13 Killed, 39 Injured in Dnipro Oil Refinery Drone Strike
A Russian oil and gas industrial complex in Nizhnevartovsk, in the Tatarstan Autonomous Republic, has been attacked by a Ukrainian drone, resulting in at l
Ferry Sinks on Lake Kariba, Killing At Least 44 People
At least 44 people have died in a ship sinking accident on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean government announced earlier that a ferry on Lake Kariba
Taipei City KMT Legislator Accused of Soliciting Bribe in Scandal, Released on Bail for 2 Million TWD.
Kuomintang Taipei City Councilor Wang Wei-yuan Suspected of Bribery in Casing Scandal, Released on NT$2 Million Bail Wang Wei-yuan, a Kuomintang Taipei Cit
NBA Season Heats Up as 76ers Face Defending Champions the Knicks in Opening Matchup
The 2026-27 NBA season is set to kick off, with the league releasing its partial schedule, giving fans a sneak peek into what's in store for the new season
Taiwan's Financial Regulator, TWSE Promote Tabletop Gaming Culture Through Innovative Series
Taiwan's "Innovation Banchat" series, a joint production between the Ministry of Culture and the Taiwan Stock Exchange, has once again sparked attention in
Australia Sets Minimum Wage and Insurance Requirements for Gig Economy Workers
The Australian government has announced a new minimum wage and insurance standard for food delivery workers, surpassing market expectations. The new standa
Taiwan flag covered at Kuala Lumpur airport's automated passport control sparking Taiwanese traveler concern and protest.
A recent incident at Kuala Lumpur International Airport has sparked concern among Taiwanese travelers. According to reports by Central News Agency, Malaysi
Global Economy Faces Uncertainty as Middle East Tensions and Inflation Rate Roil Markets
As the global economy faces uncertainty, investors are waiting with bated breath for the crucial inflation report, while also keeping a close eye on the pr
Taiwan's Han Kuang 42 war games showcase enhanced drone tactics and expanded battlefield awareness.
Defense Minister Chou Hsi-chen Visited Han Kuang Exercise Troops to Understand Drone Tactical Operations Yesterday, under the guidance of Defense Minister
Beyond the Steppes: Unveiling the Hidden Landscapes and Rich History of Kazakhstan
Nestled deep within the vast expanse of Central Asia, Kazakhstan beckons travelers and adventurers alike with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural he
Syrian Court Sentences Ex-President Assad, Others to Death for Mass Murder and Crimes Against Humanity.
In a recent verdict, a local court in the Syrian capital Damascus has handed down a death sentence against former President Bashar al-Assad, his brother Ma
Man arrested for fatal stabbing in Taichung altercation
A stabbing incident in Taichung has recently caused a huge stir, in which a man surnamed Li got into a car accident with a man surnamed Ye, and after getti
Popular Artists Zhang Xinhua, Hong Pei Yu, and Gao Xiwa to Headline Taitung Festival.
The Chihsingtan Harvest Festival Music Festival, held annually in Chihsingtan, Taitung, has entered its 18th year. This grand music festival celebration no
Hungary's Former Constitutional Court Head Baka to Challenge Orban's Influence in Presidential Election
Hungarian lawmakers are set to elect a new president today, with former Supreme Court Chief Justice Andras Baka expected to be chosen for the position. Thi
Taiwan Government Worried Over One-China Policy Impact on Diplomatic Relations with African Countries
Recent developments in Africa have caused discomfort among many Taiwanese. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there have been instances where Ta
Pakistan Forms Judicial Inquiry Committee to Investigate Death of Businessman Raza Ali.
Reports from Pakistan have stated that the government of Sindh province has announced the formation of a judicial committee to investigate the death of bus
US Central Command Reroutes 55 Ships With Ties to Iran to Deter Tehran Aggression
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that it has adjusted the routes of 55 ships related to Iran since the resumption of the blockade in July. Ac