FEATURES

• 2009-08-31

  UAE schools prepare to combat swine flu before school year begins

  

  Abu Dhabi education officials are taking precautionary measures to ensure that students returning from summer vacations abroad do not bring the swine flu to school with them.

• 2009-08-31

  Stolen Picasso painting turns up in Iraq after 20 years

  

  An Iraqi detective unit specialising in stolen valuables tracked down a Picasso painting stolen in Kuwait in 1990.

• 2009-08-31

  Saudi King Abdullah orders release of 17 Shiite prisoners

  

  In applying the Ramadan tradition of granting amnesty, the Saudi monarch ordered the release of 17 Shiites imprisoned since 2000 in the hope of easing border tensions with Yemen.

• 2009-08-31

  Hijacked Egyptian fishermen return from captivity victorious

  

  After nearly five months of captivity in Somalia, 34 Egyptian fishermen were welcomed home by cheering crowds. They overpowered the pirates who had kidnapped them in a daring escape on Aug. 13 and sailed home in their hijacked vessels along with eight of the Somali kidnappers, who will be tried in Egypt.

• 2009-08-31

  Egyptian antiquities researched and restored at home and abroad

  

  Researchers in California use computerised tomography imaging scans to learn about a 2,500-year-old mummy, while Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities is working to restore the most important religious sites in the country.

• 2009-08-29

  Hezbollah cell members in Egypt plead not guilty

  

  The 22 men arrested on charges of collaborating with Hezbollah to plot attacks in Egypt pled “not guilty” on the first day of their trial, which was postponed until October.

• 2009-08-29

  Malaysian airline offers flights to Abu Dhabi for US$26

  

  Air Asia X, a private long-haul Malaysian airline, will start offering flights between Kuala Lumpur and Abu Dhabi as its first step in entering the Middle Eastern market.

• 2009-08-29

  Bahrain to bulldoze 4,000-year-old burial sites

  

  Heritage officials and developers are in a tug-of-war over a plan to bulldoze and remove 4,000-year-old burial sites in central Bahrain to construct residential units, a motorway and a park.

• 2009-08-28

  Abu Dhabi ranks as world’s second most expensive city for business travellers

  

  The average cost per night for a single occupancy room in an Abu Dhabi hotel for a business traveller is US$380, making the capital of the United Arab Emirates the second most expensive business destination in the world.

• 2009-08-28

  UAE nuclear deal receives U.S. endorsement

  

  A nuclear agreement between the UAE and the U.S. has yet to receive Senate approval, but insiders contend it will face no serious opposition there.

• 2009-08-28

  Saudi GDP expected to grow next year

  

  According to the National Commercial Bank, declines in oil prices and tighter credit will lead to a decline of one percent in Saudi Arabia’s GDP this year. Growing confidence in the economy, however, is likely to contribute to a three percent increase in the real GDP growth rate in 2010.

• 2009-08-28

  Taliban denies responsibility for Kandahar blast; NATO expresses doubt

  

  The Taliban have denied responsibility for the largest bomb attack in Afghanistan in over a year. Those killed were overwhelmingly civilians.

• 2009-08-28

  Saudi team roster for Bahrain matches announced

  

  Saudi Arabia’s Portuguese coach, Qusai Basero, has selected 26 players to join the national team’s eastern region training camp, which is already underway, to prepare the team to meet their Bahraini counterparts in upcoming matches.

• 2009-08-27

  Tombs of Egypt's Pharaohs may disappear within 500 years

  

  Humidity, fungus and the breath of thousands of visitors to Egypt's famed Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings are causing serious damage.

• 2009-08-27

  Lebanese people salute Afghan resolve to pursue democracy

  

  The Lebanese public followed the Afghan elections with interest, although concerns remain focused on the government crisis at home.

• 2009-08-27

  Half of Saudi men lead unhealthy lifestyles

  

  Arab Centre for Nutrition Director Dr Abdullah Musaiqir suggests that 53 percent of men in the kingdom live “lazy” and sedentary lives, a cause for increased concern in the kingdom, where obesity rates have risen in recent years.

• 2009-08-26

  Nancy Ajram selected UNICEF goodwill ambassador

  

  UNICEF has chosen Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram to become a goodwill ambassador to the Middle East.

• 2009-08-26

  Killings rattle Pakistan Taliban

  

  The struggle within Pakistan’s Taliban leadership intensified as members of the militant group killed several people close to slain commander Baitullah Mehsud, Pakistani government officials said Aug. 23.

• 2009-08-26

  Government ban on travel to Mecca angers Egyptian pilgrims

  

  More than 300 Egyptians organised a sit-in at Cairo International Airport to protest restrictions imposed by the government on pilgrims travelling to Mecca.

• 2009-08-26

  President Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah claim victory in Afghan election

  

  The leading candidates in Afghanistan’s presidential election have both claimed victory, but the country’s Independent Election Commission announced Aug. 26 that both have roughly 40 percent of the ballots counted from only ten percent of the nation’s polling stations.

• 2009-08-26

  Syrian President visits Tehran

  

  After several months of speculation that Syria would move to end its international diplomatic isolation, President Bashar Al-Assad's recent visit to the Iranian capital of Tehran is a setback, indicating Syria's intention of maintaining close ties to Iran.

• 2009-08-26

  Series of blasts marks Baghdad’s bloodiest day this year

  

  The Aug. 19 blasts that rocked Baghdad and the fortified Green Zone highlight the limits of Iraqi security forces’ preparedness and capabilities.

• 2009-08-25

  Formation of Lebanese unity government stalled

  

  Attempts to form a government are facing further challenges two months after Saad Al-Hariri was designated Prime Minister.

• 2009-08-25

  UAE, China conclude memoranda of understanding

  

  The memoranda reaffirm the UAE and China’s joint commitment to strengthen economic, political, military and technological cooperation.

• 2009-08-25

  Iraq and Syria pledge to improve bilateral cooperation

  

  Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki recently visited Syria to examine and discuss security issues and to improve joint economic cooperation.

• 2009-08-25

  Historic opportunity awaits Bahraini team

  

  Bahrain may qualify for the 2010 World Cup in home and away matches against Saudi Arabia next month.

• 2009-08-25

  Egyptian President Mubarak met with President Obama and U.S Secretary of State Clinton during visit to Washington

  

  On Aug. 18, during his first visit to the U.S. capital in five years, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met with President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to discuss security issues in the region.

• 2009-08-24

  Yemeni president receives U.S. Senate delegation

  

  A U.S. Senate delegation led by Arizona Senator John McCain met Aug. 16 with Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to discuss the deteriorating security in the country. The delegation pledged support for the Yemeni government’s fight against terror.

• 2009-08-24

  Rebel leader killed as fighting continues in northern Yemen

  

  Hussein Qamza, a prominent figure in Abd Al-Malek Al-Hawthi’s Shiite rebel group, was killed by government forces fighting against the insurgents in Saada.

• 2009-08-24

  Terrorist cells uncovered in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

  

  Saudi security authorities announced the arrest of a cell of "followers of a deviant ideology" and supporters of its criminal activities. The cell was working to spread its ideology and exploit charities to finance its activities.

• 2009-08-24

  Fatah Al-Islam terrorists attempt to escape Lebanese prison

  

  Lebanese Commandos tracked and apprehended a Fatah Al-Islam terrorist 24 hours after his successful escape from Roumieh Prison.

• 2009-08-24

  Afghan election officials urge patience on ballot returns

  

  The two top candidates in Afghanistan's presidential election have claimed victory, although election officials say it is too early to know who has won.

• 2009-08-22

  “Summer 840,” a play about liberation, restaged after 22 years

  

  Premiered 22 years ago at Casino du Liban, the late artist Mansour Al-Rahbani’s play, Summer 840, was restaged Aug. 8-12 at the finale of the Byblos International Festival in Jbeil.

• 2009-08-22

  Members of Kuwaiti cell accused of 2002 attack

  

  Following extensive investigations, Kuwait arrested six members of an Al-Qaeda cell accused of planning an attack against an American military base and of involvement in the 2002 attacks on American Marines in Kuwait.

• 2009-08-22

  Jordan qualifies for 2010 Basketball World Cup

  

  The Jordanian national team, under the leadership of American Rashim Wright, took third place in the 25th Men’s Asian Cup for Basketball by defeating Lebanon, which earned it a reserved spot in the 2010 Basketball World Cup in Turkey.

• 2009-08-22

  Egyptian fishermen overpower Somali pirates who hijacked them

  

  In a bold and courageous manoeuvre, Egyptian crew members from two ships hijacked in April overcame their Somali captors and reclaimed the ships.

• 2009-08-22

  Iraq cancels national census amidst simmering ethnic tensions

  

  Iraqi officials cancelled the country’s first national census in over two decades, amidst lingering tension between Arabs and Kurds in the northern Iraqi governorates over land.

• 2009-08-21

  Afghan vote declared a success

  

  The Afghan government and the principal opposition candidate declared the country's second presidential election a success despite indications that Taliban threats and attacks had kept some voters at home in southern and eastern Afghanistan.

• 2009-08-21

  Groups in Lebanon strive to dispel AIDS stereotypes

  

  HELEM and other Lebanese gay rights groups are speaking out about the growing misconception that AIDS is a "homosexual disease." They are working to educate the public about the nature of the AIDS virus through seminars and awareness campaigns.

• 2009-08-21

  Gulf job market shows signs of recovery

  

  A new report has revealed signs of recovery in the Gulf job market, which was badly hit by the global financial crisis. New jobs are available in construction, finance and hospitality.

• 2009-08-21

  Kuwaiti fire turns wedding into funerals

  

  A fire that swept through a wedding tent for female guests Aug. 16 killed 41 including five children. It was the second such tragedy in six months.

• 2009-08-21

  Afghans defy Taliban to vote in Kandahar, elsewhere in the south

  

  Five years ago, high turnout in Afghanistan’s Pashtun belt helped carry Hamid Karzai to the presidency. Insecurity and voter apathy made it harder in the Aug. 20 election.

• 2009-08-21

  Egypt reasserts role as peace broker in Sudan

  

  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak sent more peacekeeping forces to the devastated Darfur region. A high level Egyptian diplomat also visited Khartoum recently to reaffirm that Egypt is ready to play the role of peace broker between the Sudanese government and rebel factions threatening Sudan's stability.

• 2009-08-20

  NATO-led coalition predict low risk of Afghan election being disrupted

  

  Less than one percent of Afghanistan's polling stations are at risk of being attacked by insurgents despite a spike in violence two days before elections, the NATO-led coalition of forces said on Aug. 18.

• 2009-08-20

  UN envoy Kai Eide: election organised by Afghans themselves

  

  UN Special Representative for Afghanistan Kai Eide visited the polling stations in Kabul at Zarghona Secondary School in the Qala-i-Fatullah area of the city on Aug. 20.

• 2009-08-20

  Sporadic attacks in Afghanistan did not prevent voters from casting ballots

  

  Sporadic attacks on Afghan towns were reported as polls opened on Aug. 20 for an anxiously awaited presidential election that Taliban fighters have vowed to disrupt, but the UN says the turnout is encouraging.

• 2009-08-20

  Comments from the scene: Afghani elections

  

  Journalists and UN workers report that voting is underway despite sporadic violence.

• 2009-08-20

  Egyptian president's son uses the internet to reach out to young people

  

  Gamal Mubarak, son of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, recently responded to questions during an online internet forum related to economic reforms, social welfare and government corruption, a move many see as an attempt to introduce himself to Egypt's younger generation.

• 2009-08-20

  Crime in Saudi Arabia increased by 14 percent last year

  

  According to a recent report, crime in Saudi Arabia increased by 14 percent in 2008. Drug and alcohol crimes are driving the sharp rise in statistics.

• 2009-08-20

  American security delegation in Syria for talks

  

  Following up discussions held in June, a senior U.S. security delegation met with Syrian diplomats in Damascus to discuss regional security, particularly in Iraq.

• 2009-08-20

  UAE Red Crescent launches annual Ramadan charity campaign

  

  The Red Crescent in the UAE hopes to distribute US$8 million to needy families in more than 60 Arab and Islamic countries during the month of Ramadan. It will also provide two meals and traditional gifts to the poor during the holy month.

• 2009-08-20

  28 Lebanese environmental associations protest at nature site

  

  Lebanese environmental associations are demanding an injunction against construction to preserve nature sites around the Kfardebian Bridge.

• 2009-08-19

  Deaf UAE students receive scholarships to study in U.S.

  

  Six deaf students from the United Arab Emirates have received Al Nahyan scholarships for four years to study at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut.

• 2009-08-19

  Lebanon’s Al-Hariri resumes quest for national unity government

  

  After a brief respite in France and preoccupied by thoughts of Walid Jumblatt’s frustrating departure from the March 14 alliance, Saad Al-Hariri has returned to the challenge of forming a government.

• 2009-08-19

  Phase one of Gulf electricity linkage project complete

  

  Arabian Gulf states successfully completed an operation to link the electricity systems of Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, the project will link the electricity systems of all six GCC member states in a unified grid.

• 2009-08-19

  Restoration of oldest Jewish synagogue in Lebanon begins

  

  Restoration of the Magen Abraham Jewish synagogue, the oldest in Lebanon, began earlier this month. The walls of the synagogue are eroded, and its roof collapsed, exposing its internal structure.

• 2009-08-19

  Presidential candidates take campaigns to Kandahar

  

  Although President Hamid Karzai remains the favourite to win Thursday’s presidential election, Abdullah has risen above the 30 other remaining candidates in the field and provided the only credible challenge to the incumbent.

• 2009-08-19

  Karzai confronts two rivals in broadcast election debate

  

  Three candidates in the Afghan presidential election, including incumbent President Hamid Karzai, faced off in a nationally broadcast debate.

• 2009-08-18

  Syria condemns latest violence in Iraq

  

  Long criticised for turning a blind eye to terrorists crossing its poorly-protected border into Iraq, Syria has had a change of heart and openly condemned the recent violence there.

• 2009-08-18

  Egypt’s largest automaker reports second quarter profits

  

  Among the world’s declining number of automakers, GB Auto has had a good year thus far despite lower sales.

• 2009-08-18

  Mubarak congratulates Ahmadinejad on re-election

  

  The Egyptian president congratulated the Iranian president despite frosty relations between the decades-long adversaries.

• 2009-08-18

  Two killed in dispute over non-demarcated area near Lebanese-Syrian border

  

  Two men have been killed, one Lebanese and one Syrian, and three others wounded, in disputes over land ownership between the people of the Lebanese town of Aarsal and the Syrian town of Al-Maara.

• 2009-08-18

  Saudi Al-Hazm Club crowned Abha Tournament champion

  

  The Saudi Al-Hazm Club claimed the championship of the second Abha Tournament Aug. 13, following its victory over Abha Club via a penalty shootout in the final match, attended by more than 10,000 spectators.

• 2009-08-17

  Egypt's junior national squash team wins world title

  

  The four girls of the Egyptian junior national team returned home wearing laurels after defeating Hong Kong at the Junior World Cup Squash Championship in India, their fourth win in the competition since 1999.

• 2009-08-17

  Lebanese, tourists protest power outages

  

  Lebanese residents and tourists in a number of areas are protesting electrical power outages. They are blocking roads and burning tyres in Akkar and Jiyeh, demanding that the Lebanese government increase the number of hours it is available.

• 2009-08-17

  Four senior Iranian intelligence officials dismissed as part of Ahmadinejad purge to sideline challengers

  

  President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed four senior Iranian Intelligence Service officials to strengthen his grip on the powerful institution, and to sideline those who challenged the repressive acts during the popular protests that followed the June 12 presidential election.

• 2009-08-17

  Egyptian Premier League launches new season

  

  Football fans are eagerly awaiting upcoming matches between the two most popular clubs in Egypt, Zamalek and Al-Ahly. Both started the season powerfully, winning their opening matches.

• 2009-08-17

  Syria attracts investors from Gulf and beyond

  

  Recent diplomatic developments and economic reform measures have made Syria one of the most attractive investment locations in the Middle East for Gulf region investors to place their funds.

• 2009-08-17

  Expatriates in Kuwait anticipate abolition of sponsorship system

  

  Expatriates working in Kuwait recently suffered a wave of dismissals. The Kuwaiti government has promised to address a number of the problems they have complained about.

• 2009-08-17

  Yemeni insurgents blockade Sanaa-Saada road

  

  Rebels have erected barricades across the main access road to prevent government reinforcements from reaching the province of Saada.

• 2009-08-17

  Saudi Arabia shuts down LBC office in Jeddah

  

  Saudi Arabia has ordered the closure of Lebanese channel LBC’s office in Jeddah for “practising without a licence” and arrested broadcaster Mazen Abd Al-Jawad, who shocked Saudi conservatives.

• 2009-08-17

  Kuwaiti authorities uncover new terrorist network

  

  Kuwaiti authorities uncovered a terrorist network that was planning to blow up Camp Arifjan – which is used by American troops – and other sensitive sites in the country.

• 2009-08-14

  UAE poll indicates public lacks confidence in healthcare

  

  More than 70 percent of citizens and residents polled indicated that they would seek medical care abroad before seeking assistance in the UAE, reflecting a broad lack of confidence in healthcare in the UAE.

• 2009-08-14

  Middle East among world's top 10 confectionery markets

  

  The Middle East is one of the largest confectionary markets in the world, consuming US$113 billion in sweets at a rate that is predicted to increase between 15-20 percent a year over the next decade.

• 2009-08-14

  Abu Dhabi, Dubai take rivalry into space

  

  Competition between Abu Dhabi and Dubai has gone cosmic, with Dubai recently launching a satellite and Abu Dhabi signing a space tourism deal.

• 2009-08-14

  Shatha Hassoun performs in Baghdad

  

  The winner of “Star Academy 4” performed in two sold out concerts in Baghdad, paying an emotional first visit to her “heart’s home.”

• 2009-08-14

  Dubai World scales back investments in Africa

  

  Just three months ago, the executive director of Dubai World, one of the most prominent investment conglomerates in Dubai, said that the company expected to see exponential growth thanks to emerging markets in Africa centred on tourism.

• 2009-08-13

  CT scanning facilitates study of ancient Egyptian mummies

  

  Egyptologists are praising the magnificent features of CT scanning. The technology allows scientists to explore inside the bodies of mummies without removing the layers of embalmment that protected the mummies from the deteriorating effects of weather for centuries.

• 2009-08-13

  Al-Wahdat retain Super Cup

  

  Al-Wahdat defeated Shabab Al-Urdon 2-1 to win the Super Cup at Amman Stadium for the second year in a row.

• 2009-08-13

  Future of Afghanistan's pop culture plays out on TV

  

  Hundreds of excited music fans waited in line to attend Afghanistan's premier pop music TV event, the finals of “Afghan Star.”

• 2009-08-13

  Iraqi government orders demolition of Baghdad blast walls

  

  Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki has ordered the demolition within the next 40 days of concrete blast walls erected in 2007 to protect the streets of Baghdad from car and roadside bombings.

• 2009-08-13

  Iraq asks Iran for information on three missing Americans

  

  Iraqi authorities are concerned about the fate of three Americans arrested in Iran while hiking through mountainous caves near the border. American officials say they are tourists who made "a simple mistake."

• 2009-08-12

  Sultan of Oman visits Iran for first time in 30 years

  

  Sultan Qaboos of Oman was in Teheran for a three day visit for the first time since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

• 2009-08-12

  Iran bans travel to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan

  

  Iran issued a comprehensive ban on travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the holy month of Ramadan. Iranian Muslims will not be able to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year amidst fears of swine flu infection.

• 2009-08-12

  Iraqi government moves to impose controls on Internet

  

  The Iraqi government is launching a campaign against Internet Web sites that incite violence or display pornographic images. Civil rights activists, however, say that represents a dangerous move towards the government imposing political censorship.

• 2009-08-12

  UAE affirms commitment to combating racial discrimination

  

  In a report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, United Arab Emirates officials presented their accomplishments in combating racial discrimination.

• 2009-08-12

  Road fatalities soar in Lebanon

  

  Lebanon’s Interior Minister recently considered ways to reduce the rising toll of road deaths in meetings with traffic authorities and other concerned institutions.

• 2009-08-11

  Lebanese Druze leader Jumblatt denies rumours of Hezbollah deal

  

  Jumblatt, who recently resigned from the ruling March 14 alliance, stated that he wishes to remain independent and has no desire to join Hezbollah’s opposition bloc.

• 2009-08-11

  Swine flu infections, deaths rise in Middle East

  

  WHO officials affirm that Saudi Arabia is the Middle Eastern country most affected by the swine flu virus, with reports of 595 cases of the infection and four deaths in just eight days, leading to concerns about the safety of millions of Muslims expected to make the Hajj pilgrimage this fall.

• 2009-08-11

  UK promotes EU-Syria pact

  

  Despite EU member states’ reservations about Syria’s human rights record, UK officials are pressing Syria to sign a partnership agreement with the EU to shore up its crumbling economy.

• 2009-08-11

  UAE swimmers smash national records at World Swimming Championship in Rome

  

  New coach Paul Van Lieshout said his team can become one of the world's best if the swimmers commit themselves fully to hard work, which they apparently did earlier this month in smashing 10 national records at the World Championships in Rome.

• 2009-08-11

  Death of Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud a blow to militants

  

  Pakistan's Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud was killed by a CIA missile strike, a militant commander confirmed Aug. 7. His death was a severe blow to extremists threatening the stability of Pakistan.

• 2009-08-11

  Middle Eastern professionals overworked

  

  At least 30 percent of professionals in the Middle East are overworked to the point that they cannot commit to regular mealtimes and exercise, causing weight gain and a general deterioration of their health.

• 2009-08-10

  Dubai duty free shopping sales rated world’s highest

  

  A survey of airport duty free shopping around the world placed Dubai Airport in the top spot, with a gross turnover of US$1.1 billion in 2008, more than both London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon airports.

• 2009-08-10

  Ascot hosts first purebred Arabian horse race in UK

  

  Purebred Arabian horses ran for the president of the UAE Cup, held for the first time at the Ascot racecourse in England. Thirteen purebreds competed for a US$100,000 prize before 30,000 people.

• 2009-08-10

  Al-Maliki promises justice for victims of chemical attacks in Halabja

  

  Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki promised to pursue the implementation of sentences against those who ordered the chemical bombardment of thousands of Kurds in the late 1980s during the regime of Saddam Hussein. At present the sentences are pending and have not been carried out.

• 2009-08-10

  Washington summit cements Kuwaiti-U.S. alliance

  

  The Kuwaiti emir’s recent visit to the United States confirmed the Gulf country’s status as an influential Arab and Islamic voice of moderation.

• 2009-08-10

  Iraqi dust blankets UAE

  

  Suffering from a severe drought, Iraq’s ecosystem is characterised today by a massive, dense cloud of dust that looms over the skies of the UAE.

• 2009-08-08

  Tareq Aziz receives additional sentence

  

  Former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tareq Aziz, who is already serving a 15-year prison sentence for his involvement in the killing of Iraqi merchants, was sentenced to an additional seven years on charges that he forced the displacement of the Kurdish minority in Iraq.

• 2009-08-08

  Newsweek cites Abu Dhabi ruler as one of 50 most influential figures in the world

  

  Newsweek has included Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in its list of the 50 most influential figures in the world, noting his sophisticated financial policies, his efforts to make Abu Dhabi a cultural centre and his charismatic personality.

• 2009-08-08

  Oman launches new e-government initiative

  

  A new system, e-Purse, allows Omani national identification or residency cards to include cash balances via an embedded microchip that provides a safer, more efficient and effective way to make electronic payments.

• 2009-08-08

  Iraqi Prime Minister meets President of Kurdish region

  

  Despite ongoing political wrangling between the Iraqi central government and the Kurdish regional government, Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki conducted amicable talks with Kurdish President Masoud Barazani to resolve disputes related to the distribution of land and oil.

• 2009-08-08

  Turkey informs Lebanon of efforts to resurrect Syrian-Israeli negotiations

  

  Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited Beirut to inform senior Lebanese officials of his country’s attempts to resurrect Syrian-Israeli negotiations.

• 2009-08-07

  Jumblatt withdraws from March 14 alliance

  

  Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has left the March 14 alliance, a move that has shaken Lebanese political circles.

• 2009-08-07

  Reptile wreaks havoc on Cairo-bound flight

  

  A “small crocodile” running up and down the aisle of a Cairo-bound flight recently sent passengers into a frenzy. No one claimed ownership of the creature, which turned out to be a lizard.

• 2009-08-07

  UAE puts first Middle East satellite in orbit

  

  The successful launch of the UAE’s DubaiSat-1 makes it the first country in the Middle East to participate in space exploration. The satellite will assist with monitoring climate change, urban planning initiatives and improving disaster relief efforts.

• 2009-08-07

  Bombings in Iraq kill 29, wound dozens more

  

  In one of the most violent series of bombings in recent months, 29 Iraqis were killed and more than 100 others wounded as they prayed at mosques in central Baghdad and surrounding areas on July 31.

• 2009-08-07

  Three soldiers, Al-Qaeda leader killed in Yemeni clashes

  

  Yemen’s security situation is becoming increasingly worrisome. Al-Qaeda rebels continue to flow across the border seeking to exploit both the violence that has marked Shiite rebel operations in the northern half of the country and the increasing ruthlessness of separatist movements in the south.

• 2009-08-06

  UAE orders swine flu vaccination for schoolchildren

  

  Despite its recent announcement that swine flu vaccines will not be available before the end of September, the UAE Ministry of Health launched a health awareness initiative that coincides with a campaign to vaccinate all schoolchildren over the age of five this fall.

• 2009-08-06

  Saudi Arabia ranks first for humanitarian aid

  

  A new UN report ranked Saudi Arabia number one for the percentage of GDP applied to international humanitarian aid in 2008. It specified that 0.19 percent of the country's gross domestic product was spent for that purpose. While small, the percentage is well ahead of that for the U.S. and European countries.

• 2009-08-06

  Al-Faisali claim Jordanian FA Shield for sixth time

  

  After crushing Al-Arabi 4-0 in the final of the Jordanian FA Shield at King Abdullah Stadium in Amman, Al-Faisali are once again the undisputed champions of Jordan.

• 2009-08-06

  Boys rescued from Taliban tell sad accounts

  

  In a voice barely above a whisper, I.H. stared at his feet as he recounted how the Taliban kidnapped him and a classmate as they played in the street.

• 2009-08-06

  Syrian, Lebanese armies celebrate anniversaries

  

  The Lebanese army recently celebrated a historic anniversary at the Fayadiyeh Military Academy, with the graduation of 155 army and security officers.

• 2009-08-06

  Giza Zoo declared archaeological park

  

  Giza Zoo, more than 100 years old and once considered the pearl of African zoos, has been declared an archaeological site in accordance with Egyptian law.

• 2009-08-05

  IMF says Egypt can expect decreased economic growth this year

  

  Despite expectations that the country’s growth will be only 4 percent this year, an IMF study says that Egypt has succeeded in weathering the global financial crisis relatively well.

• 2009-08-05

  Iraq sets November date for second round of oil licence bidding

  

  The second batch of Iraq’s oil licences will be auctioned in November.

• 2009-08-05

  Al-Hariri strives to form new government

  

  Saad Al-Hariri faces challenges from rival factions as he attempts to form a new Lebanese unity government. Some security analysts assert that the relative peace Lebanon has enjoyed over the past year will be undermined if a strong government is not formed soon.

• 2009-08-05

  Rembrandt's works to go on display in Oman

  

  Later this month, Muscat will host an exhibition of 100 of Rembrandt's greatest works – the first display of his art in the Middle East.

• 2009-08-05

  Two more British hostages killed in Iraq

  

  The families of two British hostages recently received the dreaded news that their loved ones were killed by their abductors.

• 2009-08-04

  Iran puts 30 on trial for opposition ‘conspiracy’

  

  Iran’s hardline rulers put 30 people arrested in the turbulent aftermath of the June 12 presidential election on trial on July 31 for offences against the state.

• 2009-08-04

  UAE pearls: The white treasure that predated black gold

  

  Long before the discovery of oil in the Arabian Gulf, the region’s lucrative pearl beds provided the UAE a rich stream of revenue.

• 2009-08-04

  U.S., Yemen discuss military cooperation

  

  Commander of the U.S. Central Command Gen David Petraeus recently met Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa to review the increasingly unstable security conditions in Yemen that threaten to destabilise the entire Arabian peninsula.

• 2009-08-04

  Gulf Cooperation Council's foreign assets drop in first half of 2009

  

  Gulf Cooperation Council foreign assets are declining as sovereign wealth funds and central banks lose their appetite for risky U.S. dollar investments.

• 2009-08-03

  Dubai leads in UAE war on electronic waste

  

  In light of damning environmental reports, UAE officials are waking up to problems generated by hazardous electronic waste.

• 2009-08-03

  U.S. Defence Secretary Gates, Jordanian King Abdullah meet

  

  King Abdullah of Jordan and U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates reaffirmed the strength and solidity of Jordanian-U.S. relations amidst concern about a possible reduction in U.S. military assistance to Jordan.

• 2009-08-03

  20 Iranian demonstrators face trial

  

  The trial of 20 protesters detained in Iran’s post-election demonstrations has begun.

• 2009-08-03

  Egypt's Omar Suleiman cited as most powerful Middle East intelligence chief

  

  Egyptian Omar Suleiman ranked first in a new assessment of the most powerful intelligence directors in the Middle East based on his allegiance to President Mubarak and ruthlessness in quashing the Islamic opposition in Egypt.

• 2009-08-03

  Egypt discusses water distribution with Nile River basin states

  

  In the shadow of growing riparian problems, Egypt finds itself in conflict with leaders of Nile basin states who seek a more equitable distribution of the river’s water and reduction in Egypt’s water consumption.

• 2009-08-01

  American envoy Mitchell in Middle East to move peace process forward

  

  American envoy for the Middle East peace process George Mitchell was in Syria on his second visit since the middle of June to discuss bilateral relations, the peace process and, most importantly, Israeli-Syrian negotiations.

• 2009-08-01

  Iranian police use force against graveside rally

  

  Iranian police fired tear gas and beat anti-government protesters with batons to disperse thousands at a graveside memorial July 30 for victims of post-election violence, witnesses and state television said.

• 2009-08-01

  Iranian presidential office confirms dismissal of Minister of Intelligence

  

  A media official at the Iranian presidential office confirmed that Minister of Intelligence Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejeie has been dismissed and asserted that reports of the dismissal of three other ministers are untrue.

• 2009-08-01

  Hazem Al-Braikan: from suspect to victim

  

  The Kuwaiti people were shocked by the shooting death of well-known businessman Hazem Al-Braikan.

• 2009-08-01

  Egypt refers Hezbollah cell members to Supreme State Security Court

  

  The 26 members of a Hezbollah cell arrested in the Sinai Peninsula in April will appear before a special Egyptian court on charges of espionage and terrorism. Egyptian security forces continue their quest to find other members of the cell that is highly active in the country.

• 2009-08-01

  Ruler of Dubai's Facebook page provides space for direct communication; no appointment needed

  

  Even though Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, the ruler of Dubai, has a personal web site and web sites for his official and private institutions, he chose to open pages on Facebook and Twitter to facilitate communication with him.