New Libya cabinet wins US praise, angers regions
TRIPOLI: A new government line-up in Tripoli drew praise from Washington Wednesday as a "significant step" towards democracy but barbs from Libya's regions highlighted the challenge of unity after 42…
Two shot dead in renewed Shia protests in Saudi
RIYADH: Two men were shot dead as protests erupted among the Shia minority in Saudi Arabia's oil-rich east, the government said on Thursday, in clashes that prompted leaders from both…
Moroccan elections challenged by voter mistrust
RABAT: It should be a moment of excitement: Moroccans are choosing a parliament in elections Friday prompted by the Arab Spring's clamor for freedom. Yet there are few signs here…
Israel PM reaffirms importance of peace with Egypt
JERUSALEM: Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday stressed the importance of peace with Egypt, as apprehension grew ahead of Egyptian elections expected to produce big wins for the Muslim Brotherhood. "Israel…
Uneasy truce in Tahrir Square as protesters regroup
CAIRO: Just south of Cairo's Tahrir Square, down a pockmarked and rock-strewn street, a military crane builds a concrete wall to staunch the flood of deaths on the frontline of…
Prominent columnist briefly detained; prosecution interrogates protesters
CAIRO: Renowned Egyptian-American columnist Mona Eltahawy was briefly detained inside the Interior Ministry by security forces for 12 hours Wednesday night, alleging sexual assault by police forces. "Five or six…
43% of Egyptians see military countering gains, says poll
WASHINGTON: Forty-three percent of Egyptians believe their country's military rulers are working to slow or reverse the gains of the Tahrir Square uprising, a public opinion survey released Wednesday suggests.…
Arabs to ask UN for support to resolve Syria crisis
CAIRO: Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo have given Syria until Friday to agree to let observers into the country or face sanctions, adding they would call on UN support…
Human rights council forms fact-finding commission to investigate Tahrir clashes
CAIRO: The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) announced Thursday the formation of a fact-finding commission to investigate the clashes in Tahrir Square. The commission will be headed by Mohamed…
Rival Palestinian leaders say they narrowed gaps
CAIRO: The long-estranged leaders of the two rival Palestinian political movements said Thursday they significantly narrowed differences and opened a new page in relations in reconciliation talks in Cairo. Despite…