Cr. Agricole sees $3bln in Islamic bond issuance
ABU DHABI: Credit Agricole expects to close two or three Islamic bond deals worth up to $3 billion in the next six months, the head of its Islamic finance unit…
UAE Central Bank to launch Islamic CDs by yr-end, says StanChart
ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates' central bank will launch Islamic certificates of deposit by the end of the year to help the Gulf state's Islamic banks manage cash, a…
Iran sees no change in OPEC target, says Khatibi
TEHRAN: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is not likely to lower its supply target when its members meet this week, Iran's OPEC governor said on Monday. "In the…
Saudis to supply full Nov crude vols to Asia buyers
SINGAPORE: Saudi Arabia, OPEC's top oil exporter, will keep full contracted volumes of crude supply in November to six term buyers in Asia and at least two in Europe, steady…
Bahrain election campaign muted despite sectarian tensions
MANAMA: Political posters are sprouting in Bahrain ahead of elections next week that lack luster despite security fears and sectarian tensions fuelled by the arrest of Shia activists. Analysts say…
Chinese security minister inks cooperation pact with Saudis
RIYADH: China and Saudi Arabia have agreed to set up a joint security commission, in the latest sign of growing ties between the two countries, the kingdom's official SPA news…
Tuaregs ready to hunt down Al-Qaeda and hostages in Mali
KIDAL: Former Tuareg rebels say they are ready to join Malian troops to drive Al-Qaeda-linked fighters from the north African desert where they are believed to be holding seven foreign…
Karzai confirms informal Taliban talks ongoing
KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai confirmed his government has been in informal talks with the Taliban on securing peace in war-weary Afghanistan "for quite some time" — the latest in…
Somali pirates seize ship with 20 -Filipino crew members
NAIROBI: Somali pirates have seized a Japanese-owned cargo ship with 20 Filipino crew members onboard, the European Union Naval Force said Monday. The owners of the Panama-flagged Izumi received an…
4 killed execution-style in Iraq, police chief survives bomb
BAGHDAD: Four men were killed execution-style when gunmen swooped on their town south of Baghdad early Monday, while a top police chief survived a bomb attack in the Iraqi capital,…