Gates in Afghanistan to view progress, meet troops
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan: Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited Afghanistan on Tuesday to assess progress in the nine-year conflict, as the Obama administration measures whether it can meet its goal…
World powers, Iran take nuclear talks into second day
GENEVA: World powers and Iran arrived Tuesday to carry on talks over Tehran's disputed nuclear program for a second day, after what both sides described as a "constructive" meeting so…
Suicide attack targets top official in Pakistan province
QUETTA: A suicide attacker tried to kill the top elected official in Pakistan's southwestern province of Baluchistan on Tuesday, but the chief minister escaped unhurt, officials said. The bomber wounded…
Swine flu cases reach 136 with 70 reported last week
CAIRO: Swine flu cases have been increasing in Egypt, as 136 cases were reported in October and November — 70 of which were reported just this past week, according to…
Top Sunni body condemns US criticism of Egypt
By AFP CAIRO: Sunni Islam’s top religious body condemned the US on Monday for its criticism of religious freedom in Egypt, branding it “unacceptable interference” in the country's affairs. Al-Azhar…
WikiLeaks chief Assange refused bail in Britain
LONDON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was remanded in custody until December 14 by a London court on Tuesday after saying he would fight his extradition to Sweden on suspicion of…
Opposition’s minimal gains in runoffs expected to cause rifts within parties
By Heba Fahmy CAIRO: The few seats that the opposition have won in this year’s parliamentary elections could cause rifts in political parties and groups, especially those that have either boycotted…
Election monitors call for dissolution of parliament
By Sarah Carr CAIRO: President Hosni Mubarak should dissolve the People’s Assembly (PA), a coalition of NGOs said Monday. “Serious challenges now strongly surround the legitimacy of the People’s Assembly if…
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrested in UK
LONDON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange surrendered to London police Tuesday to face a Swedish arrest warrant, the latest blow to an organization that faces legal, financial and technological challenges after…
Court extends detention of Omraneya protesters for 15 more days
CAIRO: The South Giza Court renewed Monday the detention of 154 Copts for 15 more days pending police investigations into Al-Omraneya clashes between protesters and security forces that left two…