Artists meet to discuss their role in promoting human rights
CAIRO: In observance of International Human Rights Day, the US Embassy organized a discussion on Monday between Egyptian artists and US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchange Maura…
Arabs against peace talks without clear borders
By Agencies CAIRO: Arab foreign ministers spoke out Wednesday against any talks between Israel and the Palestinians, direct or indirect, unless the US takes a firm stance on the future…
Italy appeals court ups US sentences in CIA trial
ROME: An Italian appeals court on Wednesday increased the sentences against 23 Americans convicted in the kidnapping of an Egyptian terror suspect involved in the CIA's extraordinary renditions program. In…
Tempest in a tutu over ‘fat’ ballet jibe
American ballet lovers had their tutus in a twist Tuesday after a New York Times critic accused the Sugarplum Fairy in a new "The Nutcracker" production of being fat. The…
India’s central bank keeps rates on hold, warns on inflation
MUMBAI: India's central bank on Thursday kept its key short-term interest rates unchanged, in line with forecasts, but still warned of the need for "continued vigilance" to curb inflation. After…
Syria: Gearing up for IT
By Oxford Business Group Although tourists might head straight to Souk Al-Hamidiyya, in fact, one of the biggest souks in Damascus these days is unquestionably Souk Al-Bahsa. It might lack the…
Yemen reforms on track, should help economy, currency
DUBAI: Yemen has made good progress in addressing fiscal imbalances weighing on its economy but the impoverished country's dwindling oil output and unrest make for an uphill struggle, a senior…
UN Hariri court to ‘disappear with wind’, says Nasrallah
BEIRUT: Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Thursday predicted a UN court on the murder of Rafiq Hariri would "disappear with the wind" as vast crowds gathered to mark the Shia…
Kadhafi son says charity to stop championing reform
TRIPOLI: Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi's second son Seif Al-Islam has said his charity will no longer champion the cause of domestic reform but instead focus on aid to sub-Saharan Africa.…
Israel PM convenes inner forum as talks hit impasse
JERUSALEM: Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu was on Thursday meeting with his inner Forum of Seven, a government official said, to discuss ideas for rescuing peace talks that were raised with the…