Tokyo film festival opens with 'green' carpet
The Tokyo International Film Festival opened with stars including Hollywood actress Sigourney Weaver strolling a green carpet made of recycled plastic bottles.The theme of the nine-day festival, which started Saturday…
Palestinian, Russian directed films win top Mideast prizes
Films directed by a Palestinian and a Russian claimed the two most lucrative prizes on Saturday as the final curtain fell on Abu Dhabi s Middle East International Film Festival.Palestinian…
Memory and all it contains, in May Nasr's voice
For over 10 years, Lebanese singer May Nasr has made a name for herself performing well known Arabic folk songs that dwell on the pain of dispossession and war while…
To feed the world, let food range free
When food does not cross borders, hunger does. Politicians and experts meet in Rome this week at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to address "How to Feed the World…
The past is never past
PARIS: A nation's relationship with its past is crucial to its present and its future, to its ability to "move on with its life, or to learn from its past…
Malaysia goes Islamic
SINGAPORE: In Malaysia's current political climate, it is no longer possible to distinguish Islamic radicals from Islamic moderates. Despite official boasting about the country's diverse population and commitment to pluralism,…
Egypt cultural boycott of Israel tested by union decision
CAIRO: A controversial meeting between a journalist and the Israeli ambassador to Egypt has reignited a long-standing debate on whether cultural circles should normalize relations with Israel.Hala Mustafa, editor-in-chief of…
Activists warn against draft health insurance law
CAIRO: Doctors and activists have called on Egyptians to "rally against proposed government changes to the health insurance law they say will jeopardize health insurance beneficiaries' right to health.Speaking during…
H1N1 vaccine expected within days
CAIRO: Egypt's first batch of the H1N1 vaccine is expected to arrive within days, according to the latest official statement by a ministry of health spokesman.According to a Health Ministry…
I was arrested for smoking in front of an officer, says blogger
CAIRO: A blogger filed a complaint Saturday against a Tanta police officer for allegedly detaining, cursing, and beating him and his brother for no reason.Mohamed Khaled, author of Demagh Mak…