Iran, Pakistan sign gas export deal
TEHRAN: Iran and Pakistan formally signed on Sunday an export deal which commits the Islamic republic to supplying its eastern neighbor with natural gas from 2014. The contract is the…
Dubai private equity firm under parent control
DUBAI: Dubai International Capital's (DIC) board was dissolved in January and the private equity firm was brought under the control of its parent conglomerate, Dubai Holding, in a move that…
Qaddafi slams FIFA as 'mafia for trafficking'
TRIPOLI: Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi has accused world football's governing body FIFA of being a "global mafia" that is involved in the trafficking of players from poor nations to…
Activists cycle for two-wheeled revolution in Lebanon
BEIRUT: More than 150 activists pedaled across the Lebanese capital on Saturday, cutting off traffic along a scenic seaside road to demand bicycle paths and eco-friendly means of transportation.…
Iraq election rivals meet in political ice breaker
BAGHDAD: The leaders of two rival political alliances battling to run Iraq's new government took a step toward ending their power dispute Saturday, as the Sunni-backed coalition that won March…
Iraq's thirst for fresh water grows
BAGHDAD: On a scorching summer day in Baghdad, Qassim Dakheel squats in his yard and looks anxiously at his water hose, waiting for the water to flow. In Dakheel's poor…
Anniversary of disputed Iran vote passes quietly
TEHRAN: The one-year anniversary of Iran's disputed election passed quietly Saturday with little more than a subdued Internet appeal by opposition leaders for supporters to speak out on the Web…
Saudis test clearing skies for Israel to bomb Iran: report
LONDON: Saudi Arabia has conducted tests to stand down its air defenses to allow Israeli warplanes to use its airspace in any bombing raid on Iran's nuclear facilities, The Times…
Iran aid ships for Gaza awaiting ministry nod: report
TEHRAN: An Iranian Red Crescent official said in a report on Sunday that two aid ships organized by the humanitarian group were ready and awaiting foreign ministry approval to leave…
Iraqi trial delayed over mental health dispute
BAGHDAD: Lawyers for a British security contractor accused of fatally shooting two colleagues are fighting a medical report stating he is mentally able to stand trial. The legal appeal has…