Closing America’s growth deficit
By Michael Spence MILAN: As the American economy continues to sputter three years after the global financial crisis erupted, one thing has become clear: the United States cannot generate higher rates…
Dreams unleashed in Palestine
By Nora Murad JERUSALEM: At the Women’s Society in Burqa, a Palestinian village of 6,000 residents 30 minutes northwest of Nablus, women greeted us with three kisses each — right cheek,…
China makes Arab trade push on ancient Silk Road
By Sebastien Blanc / AFP YINCHUAN: As European and US economies falter, China is making a trade push with the Arab world, where businessmen say recent political changes will further open…
Bourses to react to Fed, Europe; Egypt banks in focus
DUBAI: After a week of dull trading, Gulf stock markets may regain some direction in the coming week in response a policy decision by the US Federal Reserve and developments…
Egypt firms struggle as political uncertainty hits economy
CAIRO: When the chief executive officer of Mobinil, one of Egypt's largest telecommunications firms, tries to plan his budget for 2012, he struggles to balance a string of economic and…
Teachers continue strike for sixth day in Sinai
AL-ARISH: Teachers in South Sinai continued their partial and full strikes for the sixth day mainly in preparatory and secondary schools despite attempts by officials in the Education Directorate, the…
El-Beshri’s emergency law statements trigger debate
CAIRO: Justice Tarek El-Beshri’s explosive statements on Al Jazeera Mubashir Misr challenging the legality of the army council’s decision to extend the emergency law, has divided activists and politicians in…
Doctors protest outside Cabinet to press for demands
CAIRO: Doctors protested outside the Cabinet headquarters Thursday to reiterate demands of better healthcare, better pay and security at hospitals. About 200 doctors representing hospitals across the country were joined…
Political powers, civil society call on SCAF to transfer power by April 30
CAIRO: Forty-five political groups, civil society organizations, unions and syndicates launched "The Popular Consensus" initiative Thursday calling on the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to hand over power…
Transport workers continue open-ended strike
CAIRO: Thousands of public transportation workers continued an open-ended strike in Cairo on Thursday, protesting against alleged corruption and demanding better wages. The striking workers drove their buses in a…