Economic gloom begins to lift in Egypt
By Tom Pfeiffer / Reuters CAIRO: When Egypt's stock market index climbed this week to its highest level since last July, it was more than a boon to equity investors —…
No mud. No lotus
By Philip Whitfield CAIRO: Ever thought who thought up yin and yang, the opposites that make a whole? Hot and cold, day and night. Zhou Dunyi (1017–1073) the Chinese philosopher considered…
The Eurozone’s fork in the road
By Mario I. Blejer and Eduardo Levy Yeyati BUENOS AIRES: Many observers have recently declared that the eurozone debt crisis is practically resolved, or at least on hold for a few…
US singer Badu saddened by Malaysia concert ban
By AFP American singer Erykah Badu expressed sadness this week at Malaysia's decision to ban her show after a photo of her with body art including the Arabic word for…
THE REEL ESTATE:The horse whisperer’s spiritual healing
A strong vibe of comfort, of serenity and reassurance, radiates from its frames. The fascinating, elusive subject matter of the documentary, the vast picturesque green vistas of the southern…
Syrian forces batter rebels, UN body condemns Syria
By Alistair Lyon / Reuters BEIRUT: Elite Syrian forces trying to destroy rebels besieged in Homs pounded the shattered district of Baba Amro on Thursday, despite international alarm at the plight…
Iran to elect MPs amid tensions with West
By AFP TEHRAN: Iran is to vote on Friday in parliamentary elections that leaders are keen to show as a sign of defiance to the West, which is imposing tough…
Israel legalizes unsanctioned settler enclave
By Karin Laub / AP SHVUT RACHEL: Israel has legalized one of the oldest and largest of the unsanctioned settler enclaves dotting the West Bank, a step denounced by the Palestinians…
South Sudan accuses Khartoum of air strikes, troop incursion
By Hannah McNeish / AFP JUBA: Sudanese fighter jets have bombed oil and water wells deep inside South Sudan and its ground troops have crossed into contested oil-rich border regions, South…
Egyptian claims mistaken identity in Al-Qaeda case
By Hamza Hendawi / AP CAIRO: A former Egyptian militant has returned home saying he wanted to clear a case of mistaken identity that confused him with a senior Al-Qaeda leader…