Obama the centrist
BERKELEY: Despite the frequent cries of American Republicans that Barack Obama is trying to bring European-style socialism to the United States, it is now very clear that the US president…
A way out of the Middle East's critical mess
BRUSSELS: It is a welcome change that US President Barack Obama is not only committed to halting the spread of nuclear weapons but realizes that non-proliferation begins at home. In…
Focus of the Middle East spot crude market
SINGAPORE: The focus of the Middle East spot crude market this week will be the release of official selling prices (OSPs), as refiners and traders calculate their requirements and gauge…
Gabon's energy Raises the Stakes
PARIS: Gabon's energy sector is preparing to jump into the deep end with the launch of a bidding round for deep and ultra-deep offshore drilling. The energy ministry recently announced…
Shuaa posts Q1 profit on asset management rebound
DUBAI: Financial services group Shuaa Capital swung to a net profit in the first quarter, helped by its asset management business and lower expenses. Shuaa posted AED19.5 million ($5.3 million)…
Iran invests $5.2 bln in petrochemical projects, says Mehr
TEHRAN: Iran is investing more than $5 billion in nine major petrochemical projects which will be completed during the 2010-11 year, a senior official said in remarks published on Monday.…
HSBC says Dubai World plan fair, resolution in weeks
DUBAI: Dubai World's restructuring plan is "very fair" and could be signed by lenders in coming weeks, a senior executive at one of its major bank creditors said on Monday.…
Iran says no change in oil sales to China, Japan
TEHRAN: A senior Iranian oil official denied on Monday that the Islamic Republic's crude sales to China and Japan had declined during the first few months of 2010, the ISNA…
Israel, Turkey hold talks amid tensions
JERUSALEM: Israeli and Turkish diplomats met in Jerusalem on Sunday for routine talks hailed as "positive and warm" amid deteriorating relations between the allies. The director general of Israel's foreign…
Nine bronze statues stolen in Tehran serial theft, says report
TEHRAN: Nine bronze statues, some of famous Iranians and costing thousands of dollars, have been stolen in Tehran in what is said to be serial thievery, Fars news agency reported…