Pakistan on the precipice
By Shahid Javed Burki ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari abruptly returned to Karachi on the morning of Dec. 19, following a 13-day absence for medical treatment in Dubai, where he…
Parliaments and pacts
By Lindiwe Mazibuko JOHANNESBURG: The United Nations’ recent 17th Conference of the Parties (COP-17) in Durban, South Africa succeeded in renewing the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to reduce global greenhouse-gas emissions.…
Who will fix the US economy?
By Henry Mintzberg MONTREAL: Much commentary about the American economy nowadays leaves the impression that economists should fix its problems. But Washington is teeming with smart economists, and the problems remain.…
The exchange-rate delusion
By Michael Spence MILAN: If one looks at the trade patterns of the global economy’s two biggest players, two facts leap out. One is that, while the United States runs a…
Beltone CEO in negotiations to sell stake
CAIRO: Beltone Financial Holding will see changes in management after its CEO and chairman announced negotiations to sell his stake. Aladdin Saba is in "initial negotiations for the sale of…
Sudan rebel front vows unity after top leader killed
KHARTOUM: Anti-Sudan government forces in a "revolutionary front" pledged unity on Monday despite the killing of a top rebel, but an analyst dismissed their goal of toppling the Khartoum regime.…
Bahrain medics recall jail ‘horror,’ demand fair trial
MANAMA: Shia Muslim doctors, out on bail in Bahrain pending retrial for their role in pro-democracy protests, look back with horror at months of torture and demand a neutral hearing.…
District authority employees complain of dire conditions after fire
CAIRO: Employees at the district authority of West Cairo complained of dire working conditions as they are forced to resume work at a partially burnt building, located next to the…
Syria fighting kills 13 ahead of Arab monitor visit
BEIRUT: Thirteen people were killed as Syrian armored forces battled opponents of President Bashar Al-Assad in Homs on Monday, residents said, ahead of a planned visit by Arab League monitors…
Culture ministry assigns 2 committees to study Alexandria Opera staff’s demands
CAIRO: The Ministry of Culture assigned Monday two committees to examine the demands of the Alexandria Opera employees, who have ended their 36-day strike. The committees, which were formed after…