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
Kabila Forms Rebel Coalition to Challenge Tshisekedi Government
Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila announced on Tuesday that he is forming a new rebel political‑military coalition, the Front for the Refoundation o
Houthi Drone and Missile Strikes Target Two Major Saudi Arabian Airports
At least one person was killed and multiple others injured following a coordinated drone and missile strike targeting two major aviation hubs in Saudi Arab
US Imposes Financial Sanctions on International Criminal Court Following Nobel Prize Award
The United States government has announced a series of financial sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC), following the awarding of the
Executive Yuan includes police and firefighter pay raises in fairness report
Executive Yuan Premier Zhuo Rong-tai stated during a press conference today that adjustments to the salaries and benefits of military, police, and fire ser
Taiwan Dollar Plunges on Strong US Dollar and Foreign Capital Outflows
Taipei foreign exchange market experienced a rather severe volatility today. The New Taiwan Dollar against the US dollar exchange rate moved lower all the
Palace Museum Senior Month Uses Artifact Restoration to Bring Inner Peace
The National Palace Museum has scheduled the official launch of its "Senior Month" program for October 15, in anticipation of the Chongyang Festival, also
Macron Calls for Dialogue as 96.5 Percent of French High Schools Resume Before Mid-Term Break
Over the past few weeks, high school students across France have gathered in protest against education policies, resulting in the suspension of classes at
Taiwan Condemns China's Pressure on Belize, Paraguay as Sovereignty Violation
In response to the Chinese government’s recent renewed diplomatic pressure and sanctions against Taiwan’s allies, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Hall and Woodford Receive Nobel Prize for Microfoundations of Macroeconomic Stabilisation
In a ceremony held in Stockholm on 10 October 2026, the Nobel Committee announced that American economists Robert Ernest Hall and Michael Dean Woodford wou
Soldier Killed in Drone Strike in Colombia’s Cauca Department
A military soldier was killed this week in a drone strike in the locality of Altamira, situated in the La Vega municipality of Colombia’s Cauca department.
Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao Match Abandoned Due to Fan Protests
A La Liga fixture between Madrid-based club Rayo Vallecano and visiting Athletic Bilbao was abandoned on Sunday after referee José María Sánchez Martínez h
Japan Boosts Security to Match Five Eyes Standards
In the face of increasingly severe geopolitical challenges and cybersecurity threats, the Japanese government is taking proactive measures to comprehensive
Wu Shu-jin's Gaillardia campaign in Penghu sparks new debate on women in politics
The history of local autonomy and the political landscape in Taiwan have long been accompanied by various stereotypes and labels, particularly when examine
Trump's Tariffs Deal Heavy Blow to US Small Businesses and Manufacturers
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last year, he has swiftly relaunched and expanded a protectionist trade war. While the policy of i
Man Killed After Entering Tiger Enclosure at English Safari Park Sparks Safety Controversy
In a wildlife park in northern England, a man was killed after entering the enclosure of a Siberian tiger in the early hours of this morning. Witnesses rec
Over 300 migrants die after overloaded vessel collides with reef off Djibouti.
A maritime tragedy off Djibouti has left at least 109 people dead and a further 196 presumed lost, according to local authorities and rescue agencies. The
New Delhi Imposes Strict Security Lockdown and Detains Thousands Ahead of Youth Protest
Indian authorities have enforced a strict security lockdown across New Delhi, detaining thousands of demonstrators in a bid to thwart a planned mass rally.
Atlantic Hurricane Season Sees First Named Storm Isaias Threatening Caribbean Region
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has finally broken its calm as tropical cyclone Isaias officially strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane this week, be
Messi Nets Brace in MLS Return as Inter Miami Cruise into Second Place
After concluding his international duties with the Argentine national team, soccer superstar Lionel Messi promptly returned to the field in Major League So
Tai Shin New Light Financial exclusively sponsors Taipei 101 fireworks for second year
The 2022 Taipei National Day celebration grandly debuted yesterday at Taipei’s landmark Taipei 101 skyscraper. The event perfectly combined dazzling firewo
Recovery efforts underway after powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes southern Panama.
Residents near the epicenter of a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Panama recently began cleaning up their homes and engaging in post
Taiwan military counters Chinese cognitive warfare ahead of Double Ten Day
Ahead of Taiwan's Double Ten National Day, mainland China simultaneously launched a cognitive warfare campaign through diplomatic activities and "warm-hear
Jordan pitches six scoreless innings as Uni-Lions edge Brothers to keep playoff hopes alive.
The Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) playoff series featured a gripping pitcher's duel today, as the Uni-Lions demonstrated remarkable resilienc
EU and China ease electric vehicle trade dispute through deep talks
Recent days have shown key signals of easing in the trade dispute between China and the European Union concerning Chinese-made electric vehicles and hybrid