February, 2006

• 13 February

  The New Situation of Iraq

  With its election, Iraq has entered a new atmosphere for which it should be congratulated. In my trip to Emirate, I came across an official board from Iraq in the lobby of the hotel who had come there to extend their condolence on behalf of Iraq.

  Read More »
• 13 February

  Insult to Religious Sanctities and the Future of the World

  The issue of insult to the holy prophet of Mohammad (pbuh) in some western newspapers has had a widespread effect in the world. There are some points to be mentioned here:  1. There is no doubt that one of the most serious elements that can create widespread unity in the …

  Read More »
• 13 February

  Olmert softens tone on Russia-Hamas talks

  OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Russia’s plans to talk to Palestinian election winner Hamas drew a low-key response on Sunday from Israeli interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, according to remarks attributed to him by a government official. “I think the Russian position is mistaken, as I have stated.

  Read More »
• 13 February

  Solana in Mideast to limit fallout of cartoons

  EUROPEAN UNION foreign policy chief Javier Solana embarks on a Mideast charm offensive Monday to calm protests over controversial Prophet Mohammad cartoons, and to limit the diplomatic fallout from the row.

  Read More »
• 13 February

  UK investigates video of soldier abuse

  LONDON (Reuters) — A British newspaper released a video on Sunday apparently showing British soldiers savagely beating Iraqi teenagers in 2004, prompting Prime Minister Tony Blair to promise a full investigation.

  Read More »
• 13 February

  Shiites tap Jaafari for PM

  BAGHDAD (AP) — Shiite lawmakers Sunday tapped incumbent Ibrahim Jaafari to be Iraq’s new prime minister, endorsing the physician and longtime exile for a second term by a single vote — thanks in large part to support by a radical anti-US faction.

  Read More »
• 11 February

  Washington quietly backs Iran reformers

  WASHINGTON — Akbar Ganji has a term for the dangers of challenging Iran’s Islamic government: “Playing with death.” Ganji is perhaps Iran’s best known political prisoner. A veteran of hunger strikes and long bouts of solitary confinement, Ganji has been imprisoned since 2001 after writing that regime allies were responsible …

  Read More »
• 11 February

  Islamists make strong showing in Kuwait gov’t

  KUWAIT CITY (AFP) — Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah on Thursday issued a decree approving a 16-member new Cabinet that includes three Islamists and saw the exit of two leading liberal ministers. Six ministers in the new government are members of the ruling Al Sabah family — …

  Read More »
• 11 February

  Sudan, Chad sign peace deal

  TRIPOLI (AP) — The leaders of Sudan and Chad have signed a peace agreement to end increasing tension, pledging to deny refuge to each other’s rebel groups and to normalise diplomatic relations. The agreement, signed late Wednesday, was reached after a day of talks hosted by Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi. …

  Read More »
• 11 February

  US sets up new Iraqi prison system

  WASHINGTON (Reuters) — The United States, which came under fire for abusing detainees in Iraq, has spent millions of dollars creating a new prison system there as part of a programme to revamp the criminal justice system from top to bottom. A Bush administration official, who asked not to be …

  Read More »