Gates, Petraeus differ on flexibility of Afghan exit
WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates insisted Monday the July 2011 date to start withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan was set in stone, putting him at odds with his top…
American soldier killed in Iraq attack
BAGHDAD: An American soldier was killed in an attack in central Iraq, the US army said in a statement on Monday. "One United States Forces - Iraq - soldier was…
Iran says will begin work on new uranium plant in early 2011
TEHRAN: Iran is to start building its third uranium enrichment plant in early 2011, a top official said, defying world powers which have slapped new sanctions on Tehran for pursuing…
Israel rejects ‘preconditions’ for direct peace talks
JERUSALEM: Israeli officials on Monday rejected any "preconditions" ahead of an expected international invitation to direct peace talks with the Palestinians that would call for a complete settlement freeze. Their…
Twofour54 aims to cultivate Arabic creative content for the Middle East
CAIRO: Abu Dhabi has embarked on an ambitious plan to seize the title as the Middle East’s regional economic and cultural hub by moving away from a resource dependent economy,…
Egypt’s Raya H1 profit rises to $3.6 mln
CAIRO: Egypt's Raya Holding, a technology firm, made a net profit of LE 20.4 million ($3.6 million) in the first half of 2010, the stock exchange said in a statement…
Egypt’s Olympic H1 net profit rises to $15.7 mln
CAIRO: Egyptian appliance maker Olympic Group posted a 10.8 percent rise in first half net profit to LE 89.2 million ($15.7 million), the bourse said on Sunday. Net profit in…
Suez Canal gets highest daily revenue since crisis
ISMAILIA: The Suez Canal last week earned its highest daily revenue since the 2008 financial crisis triggered a world trade slump, the canal authority said on Sunday, citing a recovering…
Egypt 91-day T-bills average yield up at 9.708 pct
CAIRO: The average yield on Egyptian 91-day Treasury bills rose to 9.708 percent at an auction on Sunday from 9.501 percent last week. The central bank accepted bids for bills…
Egypt 182-day T-bills yield down to 10.108 pct
CAIRO: The average yield on Egyptian 182-day Treasury bills dipped to 10.108 percent at an auction on Sunday versus 10.369 percent at last auction on Aug 1. The central bank…