‘Damage done’ by threat of Koran burning, says US commander
WASHINGTON: The commander of NATO troops in Afghanistan on Tuesday said a Florida pastor's threat to burn Korans had done damage to US interests in the country even though the…
Gaza rocket hits near Israeli coastal city
JERUSALEM: A Qassam rocket and six mortar rounds hit southern Israel on Wednesday morning, the Israeli military said, with the rocket landing near the southern Israeli port city of Ashkelon.…
Violence Not Holding Back Emirati Gold Exploration in Yemen
An Emirati firm hopes to strike gold in two of Yemen’s most troubled regions. The Thani Dubai Mining Company announced on Monday that it will search for gold in two…
Japan buys Saudi crude from Showa Shell, say sources
TOKYO: State-run Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp (JOGMEC) bought Saudi Arab Extra Light crude for Japan's national reserves from Showa Shell Sekiyu via a tender, industry sources said…
Unrated Gulf companies may issue new debt, says Moody’s
DUBAI: Unrated companies in the Gulf Arab region have $67 billion in outstanding debt and may seek to issue conventional or Islamic bonds or structured-finance instruments to extend maturities, ratings…
British unions back boycott on Israeli settlement goods
LONDON: British trade unions on Tuesday backed a boycott of goods from Israeli settlements, saying popular brands were "making profits on the back of oppression." Delegates at the annual Trades…
Developer withdraws anti-Web censorship tool for Iranians
WASHINGTON: A developer of a program called "Haystack" designed to allow Iranians to circumvent government restrictions on the Internet pulled the plug on the software on Tuesday amid security concerns.…
US touts Russia ties ahead of talks with defense minister
WASHINGTON: Defense Secretary Robert Gates hosts his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdyukov on Wednesday for several hours of talks, as US officials touted improving relations between the two countries. It was…
US steps up bid to ensure peaceful Sudan transition
WASHINGTON: The United States said Tuesday it was stepping up efforts for a peaceful transition in Sudan ahead of a referendum that will likely see the south secede from the…
Iran’s first female motocross champion talks
Women exposing any body part beyond the hands and face can be sentenced to up to 70 lashes and two months in prison. Most women are barred from inheritance and…