Egypt crackdown calls into question army’s reform pledges
CAIRO: A clampdown on human rights groups in Egypt has called into question the ruling military's pledges of reform, drawing a torrent of criticism of its handling of the transition…
Arabs dream of building democracy as 2012 begins
TRIPOLI: Millions of Arabs dream of attaining democracy in 2012, aiming to build on gains from the deadly protests that ousted two dictators and ended strongman Moamer Qaddafi rule with…
Mufti says citizenship, women’s rights cornerstone of nation-building
CAIRO: “National unity, women and ethical media are the cornerstones of Egypt’s renaissance and the way out for Egypt from this critical period,” said Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa in a…
After many ups and downs, stocks end flat for 2011
NEW YORK: The US stock market ended a tumultuous year right where it started. In the final tally, despite big climbs and falls, unexpected blows and surprising triumphs, all the…
Libya says no review of ENI oil, gas deals
TRIPOLI: Libya on Sunday clarified that the review of contracts of Italian oil major ENI signed with the previous regime of Moamer Qaddafi will not involve its oil and gas…
Treasurys end year as one of best 2011 investments
NEW YORK: Investors clamored for Treasurys in 2011, giving the market its best return since 2008, even after the US government lost its sterling AAA credit rating. The turmoil in…
Arab body says monitors should quit Syria promptly
CAIRO: An Arab League advisory body called on Sunday for the immediate withdrawal of the organization’s monitoring mission in Syria, saying it was allowing Damascus to cover up continued violence…
Libyan rebel chief warns Egypt over pro-Qaddafi TV
TRIPOLI: A powerful Libyan militia leader warned Egypt on Saturday he would use force to close its embassy and shut the border if the military rulers failed to cut off…
US says Egypt agrees to stop raids
WASHINGTON: Egyptian authorities agreed Friday to halt raids against non-governmental pro-democracy groups as senior Obama administration officials stepped up pressure for them to stop, US officials said. Defense Secretary Leon…
Christian arrested over anti-Prophet posting after clashes
CAIRO: Egyptian authorities have detained a Coptic Christian student accused of posting a drawing of Islam's prophet on Facebook that triggered two days of violence in southern Egypt. Gamal Massoud…