OCI to seek out fertilizer plant projects
CAIRO: Egypt's Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) said on Monday it had agreed to form a partnership with Italy's Maire Tecnimont to investigate possible fertilizer plant projects in sub-Saharan Africa. "The…
Wel3a Cafe: Not your typical shisha
At a time when many businesses are having to downsize and are concerned about attracting customers, others are finding it the right time to set up shop. Such is the…
Orascom Tel says to raise $2.4 bln
CAIRO: Egypt's Orascom Telecom said on Monday it was seeking to raise its capital to LE 14 billion ($2.35 billion) from LE 7.5 billion and that it planned to divide…
Understanding Japan’s disasters
NEWPORT BEACH: As we all struggle to comprehend the economic and financial impact of Japan’s calamity, it is tempting to seek historical analogies for guidance. Indeed, many have been quick…
Egypt to raise threshold for taxable housing units
CAIRO: Egypt is due to amend the controversial real estate tax law and delay its enactment, the finance minister told a state-run daily. The ministry may postpone the enactment of…
The road to fiscal crisis
By Simon Johnson WASHINGTON, DC: It has become fashionable among Washington insiders — Democrats and Republicans alike — to throw up their hands and say: We ultimately face a major budget…
Greasing the brave new market’s skids
By Esther Dyson NEW YORK: Internet firms are supposed to be all about the cutting edge, but reality and buzz sometimes conflict. Consider Groupon: its focus is the power of groups,…
Beyond Raymond Davis
By Syed Babar Ali and Wendy Chamberlin LAHORE, Pakistan/WASHINGTON, DC: With the release of Raymond Davis, the CIA contractor held by Pakistan for the past month, in exchange for compensation to…
Columbia University professor discusses media coverage of revolutions
CAIRO: “Revolutions are a cascade of events, one leads to another ... sources of comprehension and incomprehension,” Todd Gitlin, professor of journalism and sociology, and chair of the PhD communications…
Egypt FA calls emergency meeting
CAIRO: Egyptian Football Association president Samir Zaher has called an emergency meeting of his board after a terrible start to African Cup of Nations qualifying for the defending champions. The…