Worldwide

Journalists' arrests in Turkey threaten plot investigation

Mar 8, 2011

The probe into Ergenekon, a right-wing organisation that prosecutors say has plotted to bring down the Turkish government by force, is threatened with derailment after the arrests of several journalists brought accusations of an attack on press freedom Read article Journalists' arrests in Turkey threaten plot investigation

Egypt's excluded minorities push for a better deal

Mar 8, 2011

Young people, women, Copts, Bedouins and others want more influence and freedom in the post-Mubarak Egypt, and an end to discrimination. Read article Egypt's excluded minorities push for a better deal

Robert Gates says US should maintain Afghanistan presence after 2014

Mar 8, 2011

US defence secretary says he believes Afghan authorities are interested in a small presence by American troops after the planned end of combat operations in three years' time. Read article Robert Gates says US should maintain Afghanistan presence after 2014

The Saudi women banned from marrying because father won't let them

Mar 8, 2011

Many Saudi men defy Sharia and treat women as property, refusing to let them marry and threatening to kill their daughters if they seek help outside the family. Read article The Saudi women banned from marrying because father won't let them

Fears grow of major Qaddafi counter-attack

Mar 8, 2011

Loyalist forces pound key oil port as rebels warn: 'If the West does not intervene with tactical air strikes, Qaddafi could put the oilfields out of commission for a long time.' Read article Fears grow of major Qaddafi counter-attack

Opposition in Yemen works up to 'Friday of No Return'

Mar 8, 2011

Demonstrators say they are studying several options for an escalation of protests against President Ali Abdullah Saleh, including a 'Friday of No Return' protest when all Yemenis will take to the streets. Read article Opposition in Yemen works up to 'Friday of No Return'

Sultan of Oman removes 10 ministers and office that runs economy

Mar 8, 2011

This is a victory for us, say leaders of protests in Oman, as three top officials depart, including the government minister overseeing security affairs. Read article Sultan of Oman removes 10 ministers and office that runs economy

Rights activist Haitham al Maleh, aged 80, to be freed in Syria amnesty

Mar 8, 2011

A former judge and lawyer who has received international recognition for his defence of human rights, Mr al Maleh, sentenced to three years in prison last July under emergency laws for 'weakening national morale, is expected to be freed from jail as part of an amnesty for thousands of prisoners announced by Syrian president Bashar al Assad. Read article Rights activist Haitham al Maleh, aged 80, to be freed in Syria amnesty

Kabul grows more fearful as attacks on civilian targets rise

Mar 8, 2011

With Taliban suicide bombings growing, Afghans say they have changed the way they move about Kabul, avoiding roads close to shopping districts, major banks and other locations frequented by foreigners, as well as adjusting the hours they do business in the city. Read article Kabul grows more fearful as attacks on civilian targets rise

India's Supreme court approves 'passive euthanasia'

Mar 7, 2011

The judgement came during a hearing into the case of Aruna Shanbaug, who has been in a vegetative state in a Mumbai hospital since being raped and strangled with a chain 37 years ago. Read article India's Supreme court approves 'passive euthanasia'

Rebels claim to have seized Ivory Coast town

Mar 7, 2011

The town of Toulepleu, near Liberia's border, was the scene of heavy fighting on Sunday between forces backing the political rivals who both claim to be Ivory Coast's president. Read article Rebels claim to have seized Ivory Coast town

Sarkozy opens can of worms with call for debate on Islam in France

Mar 7, 2011

French president's suggestion that France should consider relaxing the law on funding so that a mosque could be provided in every sizeable town alarms many and looks to benefit far right. Read article Sarkozy opens can of worms with call for debate on Islam in France

Oman Air employees strike for higher wages

Mar 7, 2011

Strikers threaten that if their demands are not met, fights may be cancelled, as protests continue around the country. Read article Oman Air employees strike for higher wages

The National Conversation

As the establishment of the new King Sejong Institute for language and culture at Zayed University shows, South Korea's rising tide has made waves even here in the Gulf.

National Editorial

Xi Jinping is known for his deft touch. If, as expected, he becomes the leader of the Communist Party and president of China in 2012, he may have his hands full.

National Editorial

Young people in Tunisia need a vision a vision that is not utopian, but which charts a course that is better than where they stand right now.

HA Hellyer