Recent Posts

Barrier threatens Jerusalemite dreams

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — The cranes and bulldozers building a barrier to suicide bombers in this disputed city are also raising barricades to the Palestinian dream of a contiguous state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel says security needs have forced it to build 80 kilometres of eight-metre-high concrete walls …

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US embassy warns of possible attacks

RIYADH (AFP) — The US embassy in Riyadh warned in a statement on Wednesday that it had indications of possible new terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia. “The American embassy in Riyadh advises all American citizens living in Saudi Arabia that it has received indications of operational planning for a terrorist …

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New constitution could erode women’s rights

BAGHDAD (AP) — Shiite members of the committee drafting Iraq’s new constitution are pushing for a greater role for Islam in civil law, members said Wednesday, a proposal that could erode women’s rights in such matters as marriage, divorce and inheritance. Meanwhile, the head of the drafting committee said Wednesday …

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Tough tasks ahead for Lebanon’s new government

BEIRUT (AFP) — Lebanon’s new government, which includes a member of the Hizbollah movement, faces the tough tasks of uniting disparate factions, patching up ties with Syria and revitalising the economy. Prime minister-designate Fuad Siniora unveiled Tuesday a 24-member Cabinet, in which the energy portfolio was given to Mohammed Fneish, …

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Iraqi constitution almost ready

BAGHDAD (AFP) — Iraq said Wednesday its post-Saddam constitution would be ready within two weeks despite sustained rebel attacks that saw the killing of two Sunni members of the charter’s drafting committee. Another 15 people lost their lives on Wednesday, including eight killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up …

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Israel assassinates Hamas leader

GAZA CITY — Israel assassinated a Hamas leader in southern Gaza yesterday amid fears that a full-scale invasion of the Strip was back on the cards. Rockets were also fired at a car in northern Gaza, and six Israelis were injured by Palestinian mortar fire at Israeli targets in and …

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Islamists, Abbas on tightrope

RAMALLAH — Islamic group Hamas and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas are treading an all-out collision course that could move from rhetoric to the battlefield, Palestinian analysts warn. An informal truce brokered by Abbas and the main armed factions last March is unravelling amid esclating violence, putting mounting Israeli pressure on …

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