Recent Posts

Jailed dissident maybe pardoned

TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran’s hardline judiciary said Wednesday it may consider a pardon for dissident writer Akbar Ganji, the country’s highest profile political prisoner who has been on hunger strike for five weeks. “Maybe a pardon can be applied to him. We are considering the matter,” judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud …

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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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