The forgotten half of the African sky
NAIROBI: In Kenya, my home country, there is a popular saying that when two elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers. Nowhere is that more evident than in the numerous…
A truly Islamic state protects Christians
By Rowan Williams LONDON: In the history of some countries there comes a period when political and factional murder becomes almost routine — Russia at the beginning of the 20th century,…
Arab nations on board for Libya action, says France
TOBRUK/ PARIS: France's foreign minister says several Arab countries have pledged to take part in possible military action in Libya. Alain Juppe says France and Britain have sought targeted air…
Bahrain sweeps into protest camp; 6 dead
MANAMA: Soldiers and riot police used tear gas and armored vehicles Wednesday to drive out hundreds of anti-government protesters occupying a landmark square in Bahrain's capital, a day after emergency…
Hamas forces beat students at Gaza University, say witnesses
RAMALLAH/ GAZA CITY: Dozens of Hamas police and security forces on Wednesday entered Gaza City's Al Azhar university and began beating up students heading out for a protest, witnesses told…
Polish master Wajda hails Czech icon Havel’s film debut
Acclaimed Polish film director Andrzej Wajda hailed the movie debut of Czech freedom icon and ex-president Vaclav Havel, saying it fitted in to a fine tradition. "Czech cinema has always…
Benghazi radio rap boosts morale of Libyan rebels
Two young Libyans whose rap music is broadcast to the front line by rebel Benghazi radio hope they are helping to maintain the morale of fighters outgunned by Muammar Qaddafi's…
Cairo jazz festival returns
Amro Salah is at Taboula restaurant shaking hands with local and visiting musicians during a pre-festival dinner. He is the organizer of the 2011 Cairo International Jazz Festival and the…
North African wheat demand slowing: Toepfer
HAMBURG: Wheat demand from key Arab North African countries is slowing, but overall demand fundamentals are unchanged, Germany's largest grain trading house Toepfer International said on Wednesday. The continuing upheaval…
N. Africa turmoil hits Hikma’s branded drug sales
LONDON: Jordan's Hikma Pharmaceuticals has suffered disruption to its key branded drug business — particularly in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia — and expects slower growth from the unit in 2011.…