Yemen’s conflicts hasten state collapse
SANAA: Even if negotiators manage to prise President Ali Abdullah Saleh from power, Yemen's descent into anarchy and deprivation looks irreversible, posing vast risks for its people and their neighbours,…
Saudi king prepares to name new crown prince
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia winds up a mourning period for Crown Prince Sultan on Thursday, opening the way for King Abdullah to appoint his new heir, widely expected to be the…
Syrians stage another pro-regime rally
BEIRUT: Tens of thousands of Syrians held a massive rally Thursday in support of embattled President Bashar Assad, but the regime's crackdown on dissent continued in opposition areas as security…
Snowfall in quake-hit Turkey as toll passes 500
ERCIS: Snow blanketed eastern Turkey Thursday, complicating rescue efforts and bringing more misery for the thousands left homeless by a devastating earthquake as the death toll surged past 500. Ninety-one…
The Arab Spring and Europe’s chance
By Massimo D’Alema ROME: The term “spring” may suggest a gentle awakening, but what is happening in North Africa and the Middle East is a true revolution, fomented by a…
Reform without regime change in Morocco?
By Moha Ennaji FEZ, Morocco: Influenced by the events in Egypt and Tunisia, Moroccans have been demanding political and constitutional rights that would give citizens greater influence in government affairs. But…
A French election American-style
By Raphaël Hadas-Lebel PARIS: Primary elections in France? The idea that a large number of voters should designate the presidential candidates of the major political parties was born in the…
Strengthening the stabilizers
By Olin Wethington PARIS: The G-20 summit in Cannes in early November is a major opportunity to address the mandate, governance, and institutional capacity of the Financial Stability Board, the international…
Egyptian Resorts plans Sawari launch in Q2 2012
CAIRO: Developer Egyptian Resorts (ERC) plans to launch its delayed Sawari project in the second quarter of 2012, the firm's chief executive officer said on Wednesday. ERC, taking a hit…
Credit Agricole may issue Islamic bond
DUBAI: French lender Credit Agricole is considering either issuing an Islamic bond or creating a wider sukuk program that could lead to several issues, as European banks seek to diversify…