Abbas presses Palestinian UN bid
UNITED NATIONS: President Mahmoud Abbas has told the United Nations chief he will seek full UN membership for a Palestinian state, setting the stage for a showdown that could upset…
Death toll hits 60 as violence rocks Yemen capital
SANAA: Gunfire and shelling rocked Sanaa for the third straight day on Tuesday as the toll from the worst outbreak of violence in Yemen's capital in months spiralled to 60…
Three killed in Ankara blast, 15 injured, says minister
A powerful bomb attack killed three people and injured at least 15 in the centre of the Turkish capital Ankara Tuesday, interior minister said. "Three citizens were killed and 15…
New Libya replaces Qaddafi’s tent at UN
UNITED NATIONS: For decades Libyan leader Moammer Qaddafi was an outlandish fixture at the UN General Assembly with his tent and rambling speeches, but this year those who ousted him…
Israel fuels instability, says Jordan’s king
AMMAN: Jordan's King Abdullah II has warned that Israel's stance in peace talks with the Palestinian is fuelling instability in the Middle East, in remarks published Tuesday in The Wall…
Philip Roth opens up on art, sex and death
By Emma Charlton / AFP When the young Philip Roth warned his parents to brace for a media assault with the release of "Portnoy's Complaint" in 1969, his mother broke down…
Narrowing gender gaps enhances productivity: report
CAIRO: Countries that provide better opportunities for women can raise overall productivity, make institutions more representative and advance development prospects, according to a World Bank report. Focusing on gender equality…
A pretend display of Egyptian graffiti at disappointing Townhouse exhibit
Graffiti has evolved into a fascinating method of self-expression in Egypt these days, emerging calmly a few months before the revolution then exploding with the events of January 25. Commemorating…
Palestine’s state of mind
By Daoud Kuttab RAMALLAH: The idea of Palestine becoming a permanent member of the United Nations originated, say Palestinians, with none other than US President Barack Obama. Speaking at the UN…
Gulf states in renewed push for rail projects
ABU DHABI: Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are pushing ahead with multi-billion dollar railway projects, and key contracts are set to be awarded soon as the energy-rich…