Egyptian forces on alert as cyber-activists incite to strike

By DPA Cairo : Thousands of security forces were deployed around Egypt Sunday for fear of an outbreak of unrest after opposition activists launched a week-long cyber-campaign calling for civil disobedience and strikes in protest of rising food prices and poor wages. Egyptian opposition activists have launched a civil disobedience campaign they termed "Stay Home" using information technologies, such as the internet networking site FaceBook, blogs, mobile phones and emails.

UN helped Jamat-ud-Dawah gain foothold in Pakistani Kashmir

By Lalit K. Jha, IANS, United Nations : The Pakistan-based Islamic group Jamat-ud-Dawah, which India wants the UN Security Council to brand as a terrorist outfit, was ironically helped by the UN in gaining a foothold in Pakistani Kashmir following the 2005 earthquake. India claims the Jamat-ud-Dawah is a front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was branded a terrorist organisation by the UN in 2002, and was involved in the Nov 26 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed at least 179 lives.

Bahrain trade unions, businessmen for talks over strikes

By IANS Dubai : Leading trade unionists and businessmen in Bahrain have called for tripartite talks regarding labour strikes hitting the country's construction industry after thousands of overseas workers, including Indians, went on strike this month. They said these strikes would not only hit the construction sector but the economy as a whole, according to media reports here.

S Korea to withdraw all troops from Iraq by Dec. 20

By Xinhua, Seoul : The South Korean Defense Ministry said Wednesday that all South Korean troops stationed in Iraq will be pulled out from the Middle East country by Dec. 20 this year. "There are no changes to the basic plan to withdraw the Zaytun unit before the end of December," said Won Tae-jae, spokesman for the ministry, at a daily press briefing. The South Korean troops will transfer all its missions to U.S. forces in Iraq and start pulling out in early December, Won said.

UAE warns against selling diseased animals

By IANS/WAM, Dubai: The UAE government has warned livestock traders against selling or trading in diseased or feeble animals.

FAO: Feeding Bangladesh’s growing population amid rising climate challenges

By NNN-FAO, Dhaka : At first glance it looks like another of Bangladesh's hundreds of rivers − that is, until the half-submerged houses and blackened trees come into view.

Four Al Qaeda fighters killed in Yemen

Aden: Four Al Qaieda militants were killed in a US drone attack in Yemen's southeastern province of al-Bayda Monday, a military official told Xinhua. "Missiles...

No direct access to A.Q. Khan, Pakistan tells US

By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS, Islamabad : Pakistan has rejected the demand of US lawmakers for direct access to nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan, saying it alone can probe into allegations that he proliferated the country's nuclear secrets. "We have made it clear, at every level, that no outside authority can interview Dr. Khan," a senior official of the foreign office told IANS. He said the issue had been raging for almost four years and "we have been saying that only Pakistani officials can question (Khan) and no one else can be allowed".

We don’t know Osama dead or alive, says US official

By IANS, Washington : There are no reports that Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden is alive or dead but the US is making all efforts to trace him, State Department spokesman Robert Wood said. The official made the remark while replying to reporters regarding a statement by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari who said citing intelligence that bin Laden might be dead but had no evidence. The US was still searching for bin Laden on the assumption he was alive, Geo TV said Tuesday, citing the US official.

Israeli Arab charged with joining jihad groups

Jerusalem : Israel security agency Shin Bet Thursday announced that earlier this month it arrested an Israeli Arab on suspicion of joining Al Qaeda-affiliated...

Islamic Jihad says not to be first to break ceasefire

By Xinhua, Jerusalem : Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement will neither formally sign an Egypt-brokered ceasefire deal with Israel nor be the first to break it, Israeli daily Ha'aretz quoted a senior Jihad member as saying Thursday. All 12 Palestinian factions has reportedly accepted the Egyptian proposal, which would offer Israel a period of lull in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, in exchange for the opening of the crossing points into the coastal territory, with a possible extension to the West Bank.

Fighting the Taliban with a remote control

By IANS, New Delhi : Every morning Major Morgan Andrews of the US Army leaves his suburban Las Vegas home and finds himself deep in battle, killing insurgents on the other side of the world, within half an hour. Major Andrews is one of the skilled "pilots" who are fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan without leaving their base in the Nevada desert. He mans a drone -- a precision unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) -- with the help of a mouse, a keyboard, a zoom lens with cross-hairs and a computer panel to blow up hostile targets.

Pakistan: President, PM condole Czech enjoy’s death in Marriot attack

By NNN-APP, Islamabad : The Pakistani government on Monday condoled with Czech Republic on the tragic demise of its ambassador Ivo Zdarek, who was killed in a terrorist attack at Marriott Hotel. President Asif Ali Zardari in his message to Czech President Vaclav Klaus expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Czech envoy. He said, “We strongly condemn this despicable act in which a number of innocent people have lost their lives and many others were injured.”

Iranian President to visit Iraq

By SPA Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will leave tomorrow for Iraq on a one-day visit to the country. The Iranian news agency reported that Ahmadinejad visits Iraq in response to an invitation from his Iraqi Counterpart Jalal Talbani. During the visit, Talbani and Ahmadinejad are expected to sign a number of memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreement. It will be the first visit for an Iranian president to Iraq in the last 29 years.

Rusia to maintain contact with Iran over its nuclear programme

By NNN-KUNA, Moscow : Russia has said that it will continue contacts with Iran to encourage it be involved in negotiations regarding Tehran's nuclear programme. Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko expressed regret Wednesday that the Iranians did not provide a clear answer to a bundle of incentives proposed by Europe. He said the P5 1 countries have all possible options to move ahead vis-a-vis the Iranian nuclear file.

US warns of attack in Indonesia’s Bali

By DPA, Jakarta : The US embassy in Jakarta Thursday warned of a possible attack on New Year's Eve on Indonesia's resort island of Bali. The embassy said in a circular posted on its website that the information was received from Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika. "There is an indication of an attack to Bali tonight," the warning said, quoting the governor's message. "Please don't panic, but put your security system to full alert," the warning said. Australian officials said Thursday, however, that the warning of a possible attack was just that.

Six die in Peshawar suicide bombing

By IANS, Islamabad : Six people were killed and 38 wounded Monday when a suicide bomber rammed his motorcycle loaded with explosives into a bus in Peshawar, police said.

Haneya welcomes Abbas’ readiness for talks with Hamas

By Xinhua, Gaza : Deposed Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haneya on Tuesday welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' statements over readiness for talks with the Islamic movement. Haneya said in a statement faxed to the media that he welcomes any efforts for conciliation, renewing call to the Arab League to engage in more serious efforts for the sake of Palestinian national unity. "Hamas' government is ready to start a dialogue on the base of no lose or victory" between the Palestinians, according to Haneya's statement.

Hasina, Zia trade charges in parliament

By IANS, Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused opposition leader Khaleda Zia of "fomenting trouble" that led to the border guards' mutiny while Zia said Hasina should resign for failing to handle the rebellion. Zia demanded that Hasina resign as the defence minister for her failure to anticipate and then handle the February mutiny by the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) personnel that led to the killing of 80 people, including 55 Bangladesh Army officers. "Dont force us to take tough decisions," Zia said while appearing in parliament after a long hiatus.

Air strike kills 20 Taliban militants in Afghanistan

By IANS, Kabul : At least 20 Taliban militants were killed in air strikes on the militants' hideout in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province, authorities said Saturday. "The international troops' warplanes targeted the suspected hideout of the militants in Urgon district Friday evening, killing over 20 rebels at the spot," administration spokesperson Hamidullah Zuwak told Xinhua.

Fresh Israeli air strikes push Gaza toll to 91

By IANS, Gaza : Newly launched Israeli air strikes killed three more Palestinians in the Gaza Strip Monday, taking the toll to 91 on the sixth day of the ongoing conflict, Xinhua reported.

Pakistan: new federal cabinet sworn in

By NNN-APP Islamabad : The federal cabinet of the new government comprising 24 ministers took oath of their offices on Monday. President Pervez Musharraf administered oath to the cabinet at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate Muhammadmian Soomro, and civil and military officials. Among 24 ministers of the newly sworn-in cabinet, Pakistan Peoples Party and Muslim League (Nawaz) make the major and almost equal share of the roll, with 11 and nine ministers respectively.

Truck crushes nine-year-old Indian boy in UAE

By IANS, Dubai : A nine-year-old Indian schoolboy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was crushed to death when a truck ran over him at a construction site. Ricky Mathew Verghese, a Grade 4 student at the Delhi Private School in Sharjah, was on his way to a tuition class Monday evening when the accident took place. The driver, carrying a concrete mixer, was reversing and unloading the truck when Ricky came under the wheels. Ricky leaves behind his parents and an elder sister who studies in the same school. His father works in UAE Exchange money exchange and remittance centre.

One killed, five injured as helicopter crashes in Tajikistan

By RIA Novosti Dushanbe : One person has been killed and five others have been injured after a helicopter with foreign tourists aboard crashed in south-east Tajikistan, the republic's interior ministry said on Sunday. The helicopter with eleven tourists aboard crashed on Sunday 80 km (50 miles) east of the administrative center of Khorog, in the valley of the Gunt River, the ministry said.

Turkey targets rebels’ infiltration

By SPA, Ankara, Turkey : Turkey's military says its warplanes and artillery units have struck Kurdish rebel positions in Northern Iraq. The military says it targeted rebels who were trying to Infiltrate into Turkey, in northern Iraq's Zap, Avasin-Basyan and Hakurk regions. The areas, which are close to the border with Turkey, were hit on Friday and early Saturday. All planes returned safely to their bases, the military said in a brief statement Saturday, according to a report of the Associated Press.

No decision made yet in Iraq on US draft deal – Iraqi

By NNN-KUNA, Baghdad : Iraq's Political Council for National Security discussed the country's draft security deal with the United States in a meeting held Friday evening, according to the Chief of the Iraqi Presidential Office Nasir Al-Ani. In a press conference following the meeting, Al-Ani said that the encounter was full of suggestions and productive feedback regarding a number of points in the draft proposal.

Tehran to host Int’l Congress on School Effectiveness, Improvement

By IRNA, Kuala Lumpur : Tehran will host International Congress on School Effectiveness and Improvement in 2014. Head of the Tehran Education Department made the remarks in the 23rd International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. Referring to the shining presence of the Iranian students in global Olympiads and being pioneer in scientific, industrial and research technologies, Zakaria Yarzlou cited the event as the best venue to introduce the Iran’s education system.

Suspect in Bhutto’s rally bombing handed over to police

By IRNA Islamabad : An Anti-Terrorism court on Saturday handed over a suspect of twin suicide bombing in the rally of slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto to police for questioning till March 27, court officials said. Over 140 people were killed and around 250 injured in suicide attacks in welcoming procession of Benazir Bhutto when she returned Karachi on October 12 when at the end of her eight-year exile. Qari Saifullah Akhtar was produced in the court under tight security after he was brought to Karachi from Lahore by plane.

‘Terrorists want India, Pak to be at each other’s throats’

By NNN-PTI, Washington : Terrorists involved in the Mumbai attacks wanted India and Pakistan to be at "each other's throats" so that extremists can flourish, a top Pakistani diplomat has said. "All these extremists want India and Pakistan to be at each other's throats so they can flourish," Pakistan's envoy to the US Husain Haqqani said cautioning both the countries not to take any step which could help the militants.

10 killed in Egypt’s gasoline explosion

Cairo : At least 10 people were killed and 37 suffered injuries Saturday in an accidental explosion of several barrels of gasoline at a...

Pakistan protests death of two nationals in Indian jails

By IANS, Islamabad : Pakistan has protested to India over the deaths of two of its nationals, including an elderly woman, in Indian jails and demanded a probe into the matter. The foreign office has taken up the issue with the Indian High Commission here, the Pakistani mission in New Delhi and with the Indian external affairs ministry, Dawn reported Saturday. The bodies of Rashidan Bibi, 60, and Abdul Aleem, 28, were Friday handed over to Pakistan by the Indian authorities at the Wagah border. Aleem had been in Indian custody since 2001 and Rashidan was arrested in 2006.

OIC Condemns Threats To Target United Nations

By Bernama New York : The 56-member Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) has condemned threats by terrorists to target the United Nations, stressing the world organization's role in advocating peace, advancing respect and creates an understanding among the people. Its Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu reiterated the organisation's "unambiguous and firm support" to the United Nations and its "universal and commendable role" in catering to the good of humanity at all levels.

Pakistan demands Kasab’s statement, details of his handlers

By IANS, Islamabad : Pakistan wants an "authenticated copy" of the confessional statement of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone terrorist caught alive during the Mumbai terror attack, and the intercepted voice recording identified by Kasab as that of his handlers, a media report said Tuesday. It has also sought the eyewitness account of constable Arun Jadhav - the only policeman to survive a terrorist attack which killed ATS chief Hemant Karkare and two other senior officials Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar.

Shiite, Sunni political blocs sign pact to maintain Iraq’s unity

By Xinhua Baghdad : Some of Iraq's Shiite and Sunni parliamentary blocs signed on Sunday an understanding aimed at protecting the country's unity and stressing central control over oil reserves. "These are political blocs which oppose the oil wealth be out of the control of the central government and have their own point of view toward the future of Kirkuk," Salih al-Mutlak, head of the Iraqi National Dialogue Front, told Xinhua.

Five Pakistani fishermen nabbed in Kutch

By IANS, Gandhinagar: Border Security Force (BSF) personnel Saturday nabbed five Pakistani fishermen after chasing them in the Sir Creek area of Kutch in Gujarat, an official said. "The incident marks a stepped up movement of neighbouring fishing craft in the area. The BSF has also stepped up its vigil," the official said. This is the third incident in the last four days of Pakistani fishing boats being caught prowling in Indian waters. Three boats were seized within a week.

UN chief urges Israel, Palestine to avoid unilateral steps

United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon Thursday urged both Israel and Palestine to exercise prudence and avoid unilateral steps that would "diminish...

After creating stir, Jaswant is mum during Jinnah book launch

By IANS, New Delhi: After creating a storm by his praise of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaswant Singh Monday clammed up on the subject during the release of his book on the architect of Pakistan. After a panel of seven speakers praised his book, 'Jinnah - India, Partition, Independence' at the launch function here, Jaswant Singh merely said - "Authors should not speak. They are supposed to be read."

Hindraf wants a dialogue with Malaysian PM

By IANS, Kuala Lumpur : In the eye of a political storm since November, a body of Malaysian Indian activists that has five top leaders in jail wants a meeting with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to "put an end to problems facing Indians". Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader P. Waythamoorthy said from London that he was ready to return home if the prime minister met him or his jailed brother P. Uthayakumar for a closed door meeting in the "political and economic interests of the Indians".

Ten Bangladeshis die in Bahrain fire

By IANS, Manama : Ten Bangladeshi workers died Sunday in Bahrain when a fire broke out in their apartment.

Air strikes kill 9 suspected militants in Afghanistan

By Xinhua, Kabul : Air raids against Taliban fighters in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province left nine insurgents dead on Thursday, deputy provincial police chief Faridullah Khan said. "The NATO-led force carried out air raids against militants in Hazartak area outside Zabul's provincial capital Qalat this morning killing nine rebels," Khan told Xinhua. He added bodies of the militants and few of their motorbikes had been left on the ground.

Four killed in Iraq bomb blasts

By IANS, Baghdad : At least four people were killed and 24 injured after two roadside bombs exploded near a mosque in Iraq, Xinhua reported.

Pakistani province to arm 30,000 civilian crime busters

By IANS, Islamabad : After buying peace with the Taliban by agreeing to impose Shariat laws in seven districts, the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government is to arm 30,000 civilians to create village defence committees (VDCs) and also establish an elite police force (EPF) to take on criminal gangs operating in the province. Station house officers (SHOs) across the province would recommend the names of civilians for the VDCs and the selected individuals would be given rifles after scrutiny by a committee headed by the respective district coordination officers.

Iran’s new nuclear chief urges mutual trust

By Xinhua, Tehran: Iran's new Atomic Energy Organisation chief Ali Akbar Salehi Saturday urged more efforts to gain mutual trust in order to end the disputes over the country 's nuclear programme, local English-language Press TV reported. "We hope that, instead of a continuation of the hostilities over the past six years, more efforts will be made to obtain mutual trust. So that the case lasting for six years will be closed as soon as possible," Salehi was quoted as saying in his first official interview since his appointment with the state broadcaster IRIB.

90 Afghans dead as NATO airstrike hits hijacked fuel trucks

By DPA, Kunduz (Afghanistan) : Ninety people were killed Friday when a NATO airstrike hit two Taliban-hijacked oil tankers in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz as the militants were distributing fuel to civilians, Kunduz's governor said. The militants stopped the two oil trucks, which were bound for German forces stationed in Kunduz, Thursday night on the highway connecting Kunduz with the neighbouring province of Baghlan, Governor Mohammad Omar said.

Suicide bomber hits police checkpoint, wounds 30 in W Iraq

By Xinhua, Ramadi : A suicide car bomb targeting a police checkpoint outside Ramadi City, capital of the western Anbar province, wounded 30 people, including policemen, a provincial police source said Tuesday. The suicide bomber blew up his explosive-laden car while crashing it into a police checkpoint in the Soufiyah area, east of Ramadi at about 8 a.m. (0500 GMT), the souerce told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

UAE-Pakistan aid project produces short film

By IANS/WAM, Abu Dhabi: The UAE-Pakistan Assistance Project has produced a documentary film entitled "Spirit of Solidarity".

ISAF soldier dies of wounds in Afghanistan

By KUNA, Kabul : A soldier of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) died of wounds he suffered during an attack in southern Afghanistan, the military said here on Wednesday. In a statement released from NATO headquarters in Kabul, the military said the soldier was injured in an attack by insurgents in Nahre Saraj district of Helmand province on July 29. Expressing grief over the demise of the soldier, the statement said name and nationality of the soldier would not be released prior to the relevant national authority's doing so.

Will bring Benazir killers to justice: Nawaz Sharif

By IANS, Islamabad : Pakistani opposition leader Nawaz Sharif has vowed to bring to justice former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's killers if he comes to power, Dawn News reported.

5,000 Nepalis in plight in Libya, says report

By Sudeshna Sarkar, IANS, Kathmandu : Tens of thousands of Nepalis working in the Middle East and north Africa were mired in fear and mounting tension following sweeping unrest across the region.

No India hand in Peshawar, Kabul attacks: Pakistani editorial

By IANS, Islamabad : No Indian group could be blamed for Wednesday's deadly attacks in Peshawar and Kabul that claimed over 100 lives as they were planned "within a few miles" of where they occurred, an editorial in a leading English daily said Thursday. Another wondered whether the Peshawar attack was an attempt to cause the national mood to swing against ongoing military operations against the Taliban in Pakistan's restive northwest.

Mamata asked to clarify Trinamool leaders’ role in terror group funding

Kolkata : BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh Thursday asked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to clarify the role of a Trinamool Congress MP...

Security Council urges greater efforts to combat Afghanistan’s illicit drug trade

By NNN-UNNS, United Nations : The Security Council, concerned at the “high level of opium cultivation, production and trafficking” in Afghanistan, today called on States to bolster cooperation to counter this illicit practice which is thwarting the country’s security and development.

Islamic economic order sure to gain momentum, hike status — Turkish politician

By Mohammad Al-Mutairi, KUNA, Ankara : The fourth World Islamic Economic Forum, hosted in Kuwait, is sure to bring the Islamic economic order more exposure, popularity, and momentum worldwide, a Turkish political figure told KUNA, in an interview, Tuesday. Assistant to the Chairman of the Turkish Felicity Party, Ertan Yulek, said holding such gathering for a fourth time is indication of growing interest by Muslim as well as other states in Islamic economic principles and solutions for today's economic concerns.

Malaysian PM bars top officials from probing Ibrahim

By IANS, Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has barred two top officials from the probe against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, charged with sodomy, since the latter has accused them of complicity. Officials involved in the current probe against Ibrahim will not report to their bosses - Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail and Police Inspector General Musa Hasan, Badawi announced Saturday, the New Straits Times said.

India’s Muslims welcome Modi’s gesture to Pakistan

By Mohd Asim Khan, New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) India’s Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi’s gesture of inviting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony has raised hopes of a long-lasting peace between the arch rivals among Muslims of this country.

Trial against Hasina deferred as Bangladesh prepares for polls

By IANS, Dhaka : A Dhaka court has deferred till Jan 7 - well after the Dec 18 parliamentary elections - the trial of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, accused of receiving kickbacks in the purchase of eight MiG-29 combat aircraft from Russia when she was in office 1996-2001. All cases against Hasina and her political rival and another former prime minister Khaleda Zia stand adjourned till after the polls as part of the military-backed caretaker government's effort to create "a conducive atmosphere" for the polls.

Sarkozy stresses France’s support, commitment to Lebanon

By Xinhua, Beirut : Visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy vowed here Saturday that France is committed economically, culturally, and emotionally to Lebanon. Sarkozy stressed his country's support to Lebanon while talking with newly-elected Lebanese President Michel Suleiman upon his arrival at the Beirut airport on Saturday morning for a six-hour official visit. Sarkozy told Suleiman that "you have a big responsibility, and France will always support Lebanon and its people."

Taliban leader charged for Bhutto’s killing

By Xinhua Islamabad : Pakistani police Saturday formally charged the top Taliban leader in the country for planning the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, a top official said. The police filed preliminary charges in the court against Baitullah Mehsud, who has been named by the Pakistani government in the Dec 27 killing of Bhutto in a suicide and gun attack during a public rally. Four others were also charged.

Over 100 Shia rebels killed in Yemen

By DPA, Sana'a (Yemen) : More than 100 Shia rebel fighters have been killed in fierce clashes with government forces in northwest Yemen during the past two days, the government said in a statement Sunday. The statement, faxed to DPA, said two field commanders of the Houthi rebel group were among those killed in the Harf Sufian district of the Amran province. "More than 100 bodies of Houthis were found on the sides of roads in and outside Harf Sufian district," the statement said. It identified the two slain Houthi leaders as Mouhssen al-Qaoud and Saleh Jarman.

UAE tops in MENA in Global Enabling Trade Report

Geneva : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was ranked the top country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and 16th internationally...

Gunmen kill 10 at Nigerian pub

By IANS, Abuja: At least 10 people have been killed and several others seriously injured by unidentified gunmen at a drinking joint in Nigeria's Plateau state, Xinhua reported.

20 killed as bus catches fire in Pakistan

By IANS, Islamabad : At least 20 people were killed and several others injured when a bus caught fire in Pakistan's Punjab province, a media report said.

Deployments Strain US Army

By Prensa Latina Washington : Repeated deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan are affecting the US Army, which is plagued by desertions and suicides, among other factors, a high-ranking military officer said. Quoted by USA Today, Gen. George Casey, the Army chief of staff, mentioned several problems that the Army has to deal with, including the declining quality of Army recruits, retention of midlevel officers, desertions and suicides. He said that his primary concern was the loss of captains, because the Army invests about 10 years to develop them.

Prince Charles reiterates importance of Mideast real estate sector

JEDDAH, Feb 24 (KUNA) -- Prince Charles of Wales reiterated here on Sunday the great importance of real estate sector in the Middle East not at the financial level, but in other areas like social and cultural ones. In a recorded message before participants in the Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF), Prince Charles reviewed his vision on the development of urban centres through what he called "critical mix" between the post and heritage.

UAE, China open trade talks

By IANS, Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China started their economic partnership talks here in the backdrop of the global financial crisis and recession, WAM reported Friday. The meeting, attended by government officials industry leaders investors from both the countries, took stock of the global situation and ways to minimise its impact on their bilateral trade. The two sides agreed that the present situation offers valuable opportunity for both the country to expand and strengthen their partnership.

Three policemen killed in southwest Pakistan

By DPA Islamabad : Unknown gunmen opened fire on a police patrol Thursday in southwest Balochistan province, killing three officers, officials said. One policeman died on the spot and two others succumbed to their injuries at the hospital after the attack in the provincial capital Quetta, Superintendent of Police Abdul Hameed Khosa said.

Four killed in a blast in Syria

Damascus: At least four people were killed and nine others were injured Saturday when a car bomb exploded near an aid convoy in the...

Afghan government obliges NATO to get clearance for air strikes

By IRNA, Kabul : The Afghan government on Monday obliged foreign troops including NATO and the United States not to bomb suspected areas without getting clearance from respective officials to avoid civilian casualties. The government ministers demanded a status of forces agreement, which would stipulate that the authority and responsibilities of international forces be negotiated, and they said that aerial bombing, illegal detentions and house raids by international forces must be stopped.

Suicide bombing kills at least 40 in Iraq

By DPA, Baghdad : A woman in the Iraqi town of Iskandariyah killed at least 40 people and left wounded at least 83 more, mostly women and children, when she detonated explosives strapped to her body Friday, the police said. According to the police, the woman concealed the explosives under her abaya, a long, traditional gown, and infiltrated a crowd of women and children on pilgrimage to Karbala, some 60 km south of Baghdad.

UAE launches free hospital for kids

By IANS, Abu Dhabi : Over one million children from across the world will now be able to receive free health care in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after the government established the first ever free hospital for children. The hospital has been built under the UAE's "Giving" campaign and aspires to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged children worldwide, officials said Tuesday. The 120-bed hospital consists of specialised wards for paediatrics, gynaecology, emergency, surgery, intensive care units, where a team of 50 doctors, technicians and other staff are set to work.

UAE, Montenegro establish diplomatic relations

By Xinhua Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE)and the Republic of Montenegro have established diplomatic relations of the ambassadorial level, the official Emirates News Agency reported on Saturday. The diplomatic relations between the UAE and Montenegro start from April 4, 2008, a joint statement by the two countries was quoted as saying. The joint statement was signed Friday in New York by UAE's Permanent Representative to United Nations Ahmed Abdul Rahman AlJaramain and his Montenegrin counterpart Nebojsa Kaludjerovic.

Israel ‘cuts’ water supplies to West Bank during Ramadan

Ramallaha : Israel's national water company on Wednesday cut crucial water supplies to large areas of the occupied West Bank, leaving tens of thousands...

Obama says US needs to pull focus away from Iraq, back to Afghanistan

By NNN-KUNA Washington : Senator Barack Obama, a leading Democratic U.S. presidential candidate, on Wednesday said Iraq must be sent a signal that the United States will not remain there forever, and that if elected president, he wants to put his focus on Afghanistan. In a "Fox and Friends" interview the day after he narrowly lost the New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary to former first lady and senator Hillary Clinton, Obama was asked about the success of the U.S. troop surge ordered into Iraq more than a year ago by President George W. Bush.

Pakistan-Iran bus services to be launched on April 22nd

By IRNA Islamabad : Pakistan-Iran bus service will commence on April 22, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. The inaugural bus would leave Quetta for Mashhad carrying 40 delegates from Pakistan to Iran including media personnel and officials, the Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said at the weekly press briefing. Sadiq said special arrangement will be made for the security of passengers using the bus service. Initially eight buses a week, four from each side, will operate between the two countries, the spokesman said.

Pakistani daily slams neglect of Katasraj temple pond

By IANS, Islamabad : The drying up of a sacred pond abutting the 900-year-old Katasraj temple complex in Pakistan is failure "in the form of wilful neglect and exploitation", said a daily.

Pakistan asks Interpol to help nab Sikh woman’s killer

By IANS, Islamabad : Authorities in Pakistan have contacted the Interpol to arrest a suspect who escaped to Germany after killing a Canadian Sikh woman, a court was told.

Gaddaffi’s cousin defects to Egypt: report

By IANS/RIA Novosti, Moscow : Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's cousin and one of his closest aides, Ahmed Gadhaf al-Dam, has defected to Egypt in protest against the clampdown on protesters.

Aussie troops to boost training role in Afghanistan

By NNN-Bernama Melbourne : The Australia government is to adopt a stronger role in training Afghan soldiers so that they can secure territory which traditionally revert to insurgent control as soon as coalition soldiers withdraw, says Australian Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon. He said the new training team to be sent to the country would number 70 and include soldiers for security plus experienced personnel to instruct members of a 600-strong Afghan National Army Battalion in military skills. Work already had started on this transition.

Abu Dhabi to host healthcare investment meet

By IANS, Abu Dhabi : To boost private sector investment and ownership of healthcare infrastructure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a new healthcare investor meet will be held here Monday. The First Abu Dhabi Healthcare Investor Conference will bring together a diverse group of top decision makers from the local, regional and international investment community with healthcare business executives and regulators to discuss investment opportunities in the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Gaza demo targets UK arms sales to Israel

By IRNA, London : A mass demonstration was being held in Brighton, southern England, Monday to mark the first anniversary of Israel’s massacres of more than 1,400 Palestinians in Gaza. The protest, part of a series to mark the anniversary, was targeting the manufacture of weapons components at the local EDO MBM factory, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American multi-national ITT, which supplies essential parts for the Israeli air force.

Sharif condoles India’s quake deaths, lauds rescue efforts

New Delhi : Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express condolence over the deaths in India...

Abbas security forces crackdown on Hamas in West Bank

By Xinhua, Ramallah : Islamic Hamas movement on Monday accuses Palestinian security forces of President Mahmoud Abbas for arresting its members and supporters in the West Bank. In a statement Hamas said it is the largest arrests carried out by the security forces in West Bank since Hamas movement routed Abbas security forces and took control of Gaza Strip last summer.

1,232 killed in Iraq violence in November: UN

Baghdad : A total of 1,232 Iraqis were killed and 2,434 injured in terrorist attacks and violence across Iraq in November, according to a...

India, Pakistan foreign secretaries to meet Aug 25

New Delhi : Foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan are to meet in Islamabad Aug 25, in a major forward movement in reviving stalled...

Bomb blast kills five in Pakistan

By Xinhua, Islamabad : At least five people were killed in a roadside bomb blast in northwestern Pakistan Saturday, private Dawn News channel reported. The incident occurred when a car was hit by a roadside bomb in Khawzakhela area of Swat district of North West Frontier Province, said the report. Details about the incident were not immediately available. Pakistan's security forces have been fighting for months against militant groups in the Swat Valley, a stronghold of pro-Taliban militants.

Obama backs women’s rights in speech to Muslim world

By DPA, Cairo : In a speech to the world's 1.5 billion Muslims from Cairo Thursday, US President Barack Obama called on predominantly Muslim countries to support the education and employment of women. "I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal," Obama said. "But I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous."

Bangladesh crisis casts shadow over cross-border trade with India

By IANS, Kolkata : The ongoing unrest in Bangladesh has significantly slowed down its cross-bordet bilateral trade with neighbouring India.

Olmert says no peace with Palestinians but after cessation of terrorism

By KUNA Ramallah : There will be no peace with the Palestinians but after the cessation of terrorism, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday. "We made it clear to the Palestinians during meetings with them that as long as there is terrorism from Gaza it will be difficult to reach an understanding with them," Olmert told a joint news conference with visiting US President George Bush. Olmert, talking in details about rockets launched by the Palestinian militants from Gaza at Sderot, said these missiles posed a serious problem against the Jewish state.

13 killed, 55 wounded in Pakistan suicide bombings

By IANS, Peshawar : At least 13 people were killed Friday when a suicide bomber struck near the office of the Pakistani spy agency ISI in this North West Frontier Province (NWFP) capital and another detonated himself at a police station in the province's Bannu area. Pakistan has been struck by a series of terror attacks since Oct 5, when the latest wave of violence was unleashed by Taliban which is battling the army in mountainous South Waziristan. Peshawar itself has seen seven attacks in this period, killing 211 people and injuring more than 400, including Friday's attack.

UAE, Turkmenistan sign bilateral agreements

By IANS, Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkmenistan have signed bilateral agreements for cooperation in various fields, WAM news agency reported Tuesday. UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Malikgulyyewi Berdimuhamedow, attended the signing ceremony of the two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).

Bush regrets bellicose tones over Iraq

By DPA, London : US President George W. Bush expressed regret Wednesday over the use of aggressive language over Iraq and said he should have used a "different rhetoric". In an interview published in the Times newspaper, Bush said his stance over Iraq had made the world believe that he was a "guy really anxious for war". His use of phrases such as "bring them on" and "dead or alive" had indicated to people that "I was, you know, not a man of peace," Bush said.

Pakistan seeks more information on 26/11, India terms it insincere

By IANS, Islamabad : Pakistan said Monday it needed more information on the Mumbai terror attacks and New Delhi expectedly reacted in anger, accusing Islamabad of insincerity in prosecuting the perpetrators of the carnage. A statement issued here after Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani chaired a meeting of the cabinet Defence Coordination Committee said the evidence India has furnished, pointing to involvement of elements from Pakistan in the Mumbai mayhem, was insufficient.

Attack on Sderot injures two Israelis — Radio Israel

By KUNA Gaza : Two Israelis were injured Thursday in a missile attack on Sderot City, near Gaza Strip, Radio Israel said. An Israeli Army spokesman said two missiles were fired on Sderot this morning from north Gaza and that one exploded near a vehicle causing injury to two of its passengers. The spokesman added ambulances rushed to the scene of the explosion and took the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment. Ezzidine Al-Qassam Brigades, military wing of Hamas, had earlier this morning claimed responsibility for firing two other missiles on Sderot.

Former Pakistani PM to meet president-elect

By Xinhua, Islamabad : Former Pakistani Prime Minister and chief of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif will meet president-elect Asif Ali Zardari on Monday, private Geo TV channel reported. They will held a meeting and exchange greetings, said the report. Nawaz Sharif will be accompanied by PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq, Chief Minister of Punjab province Shahbaz Sharif, General Secretary Iqbal Zafar Jhagar and Acting Parliamentary leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. Zardari has already invited Sharif to attend his oath-taking ceremony.

Israeli warplanes injure three Palestinians in Gaza

By KUNA Gaza : Three Palestinian militants were injured by Israeli warplane raids in north Gaza Strip on Sunday night, said Palestinian military officials on Monday. According to local radio stations, the gunmen were members of Hamas' military wing, Izzideen Al-Qassam Brigades. On Sunday, Israeli forces launched an offensive against Gaza's Jabalia camp with tank and aerial support. The forces raided a number of houses to hunt down gunmen.

Healthcare sector in Middle East creating more jobs

By IANS/WAM, Dubai : Job opportunities in the healthcare sector in the Middle East and North Africa region are expanding at the rate of 14 percent per year, a report said.

Pakistani bomb disposal expert killed in blast

By IANS, Islamabad : A bomb disposal expert was killed Friday in Pakistan's Peshawar city while attempting to defuse an explosive device, Geo News reported.

Palestinian rocket fire kills one, injures 5 in Israel

By RIA Novosti, Tel Aviv : Rocket fire from Palestinian militants on Saturday killed one person and injured five in southern Israel, Israeli emergency services said. "In the town of Netivot, a rocket hit a residential building. We have one dead, one critically wounded and another four or five people slightly injured," an emergency service spokesman said. The rocket fire was a response to Israeli airstrikes earlier Saturday that killed at least 140 people in the Gaza Strip and left several hundred wounded.

Sudan warns of ramifications if al-Bashir arrested

By DPA, New York : Sudan has warned that it would use "all options" available if the International Criminal Court (ICC) were to issue an international arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir, who was charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity in the ethnic war in Darfur. The ICC at The Hague was scheduled to decide this month whether to issue the arrest warrant requested by its prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo. The African Union and Islamic leaders oppose the warrant saying it would complicate the peace process in Sudan.

Zardari vows to defend democracy

By IANS, Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has vowed to defend democracy in the country.

Iran: Gas-OPEC formation at hand

By NNN-FNA, Tehran : Ministers from the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) are expected to discuss an official charter during a June meeting in Russia. In an expert-level meeting in Tehran Monday, the GECF agreed on an official charter which will be submitted for approval to the GECF ministerial meeting, due to be held in Moscow from June 2-4, the head of the Iranian delegation, Hossein Kazempour Ardebili, told Shana news agency. GECF had met in Tehran on April 28 to discuss the charter for a gas organization similar to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Israel test-fires long-range missile for propulsion system test

By Xinhua Jerusalem : Israel's security establishment on Thursday successfully fired a long-range ballistic missile, testing a rocket propulsion system as part of its missile development program, local media reported. According to a Jerusalem Post report, the missile was test fired Thursday morning from the Palmahim Air Force Base in the center of the country. "A successful missile launch was carried out within the framework of examining rocket propulsion," the Defense Ministry later said in a brief statement to the media.

Transfer of power to take place soon: Soomro

By APP Lahore : Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro has said that election process was held in a peaceful and transparent manner and transfer of power would take place soon.Briefly talking to newsmen after attending Talents Scholarships distribution ceremony among students of public sector universities in the provincial metropolis from Baitul Maal at Punjab University here on Saturday,he said, “decisions pertaining to different issues would be taken by new leadership.”

Now a TV with an inbuilt Quran

By IANS, Dubai : A leading global consumer electronics major Tuesday launched what it claims to be the world's only television with the holy Quran built in. LG Electronics unveiled the new plasma series TV with the built-in Quran in Saudi Arabia Tuesday to mark the ongoing Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The TV allows viewers to read the Quran, search and bookmark passages and listen to scriptures, an LG statement said. It also includes LG's 'Time Machine DVR' technology for recording and playing back TV shows.

Jihad: Kidnapping Israeli soldiers open option

By Xinhua, Gaza : Military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement on Saturday said all armed Palestinian groups should kidnap and capture Israeli soldiers. "Capturing the Israeli soldiers is an open option for all military wings of the Palestinian factions," al-Quds Brigades of the Islamic Jihad movement said in a statement. The statement referred to a prisoner exchange between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group in July, saying such swap "proved their effectiveness in forcing the Israeli government to respond to the captors' demands."

High turnout marks peaceful Bangladesh polls

By IANS, Dhaka : Bangladesh seemed poised for a peaceful return to democracy with its much-delayed ninth general election Monday witnessing a high turnout of voters. The balloting was by and large peaceful with stray violence and malpractices reported. Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed, heading an interim military-backed government, said he looked forward to handing over power to the winner.

Pakistan considering Sarabjit’s case: minister

By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS, Islamabad : Pakistan was considering options of releasing Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh, arrested on charges of terrorism and facing death penalty, Law Minister Farooq H. Naek said Sunday, also calling for release of Pakistanis jailed in India. "We are studying the case and looking into ... if there are any possibilities of releasing Sarabjit," Naek told journalists. "This issue (release of prisoners from either country held in the other) needs to be settled for better environment between the two countries," said the minister.

Rice defends war on Iraq

By Xinhua, Stockholm : US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Thursday defended the US-led war on Iraq in 2003, dismissing allegations by a former White House press secretary that US President George W. Bush misled Americans into the war. Asked how the US can lead an international consensus on rebuilding Iraq in the context of charges by Scott McClellan, Rice said she would not comment on a book that she has not read. But the case for war was clear, she said. Rice was in Stockholm for an international conference on Iraq.

35 militants killed in Pakistan

By IANS, Islamabad : Security forces Friday gunned down 35 militants in northwest Pakistan's upper Orakzai areas while one troop was also killed, the Geo News reported.

US slams Iran for closing human rights office

By DPA, Washington : The US Monday criticized Iran's regime for shutting down the office of a human rights group led by Nobel-laureate Shirin Ebadi. "It's troubling", said White House spokesman Tony Fratto. "We believe that these individuals are incredibly courageous to stand up in a society like Iran for the rights of their fellow citizens." Iranian police Sunday sealed off Ebadi's office in northern Tehran, alleging the group did not have a legal permit and was using the centre "as ground for propaganda against the (Iranian) system".

Gillani reiterates Pakistan’s ‘unwavering support’ for Kashmiris

By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS, Islamabad : Pakistan wants a Kashmir solution in accordance with the wishes of the people and will continue to provide "full and unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support to the cause of Kashmiri people", Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani said here Monday. In a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik at his office here, Gillani said Pakistan wants an expeditious, just and peaceful Kashmir in accordance with the wishes of the people of the state.

Al Qaeda blames Obama for death of hostages in Yemen

Sanaa: Al Qaeda terrorists Thursday blamed US President Barack Obama for the deaths of two foreign hostages in Yemen and claimed that it was...

The boy who crossed border to become a Shah Rukh Khan

By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS, Islamabad : Some dreams can go horribly wrong. Nasir Sultan, 15, a resident of a semi-tribal area in North West Frontier Province (NWFP), wanted to act in films like his favourite Bollywood star, Shah Rukh Khan. He crossed the border to chase his dream. He is now in a jail in India. Sultan, a class 10 student, is a resident of Dir in NWFP that is witnessing intense fighting between the militants and security forces.

IAEA finds no nuclear material in Syria

By Xinhua, Vienna : The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no trace of nuclear material in Syria's Al-Kibar so far, but it would continue sampling in this area to analyze, said Mohammed ElBaradei, IAEA director general, in Vienna Monday. ElBaradei also pointed out at an IAEA council meeting that Syria has not provided IAEA supplement information so far about its related nuclear activities as requested.

Many feared dead in US drone attack in Pakistan

By IANS, Islamabad : Several people, including civilians and Islamic militants, were feared killed in a US drone strike in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region bordering Afghanistan early Friday morning, Geo news reported. The suspected US drone carried out missle attacks on Danday Dar Khel area in Miranshah, a town in North Waziristan, the report said, citing police sources who believe several civilians could have been killed in the attack.

Pakistan beefs up security amid suicide attack fears

By Xinhua, Islamabad : Pakistan on Tuesday issued warning notice demanding the provincial governments to beef up security amid fears of possible suicide attacks in some cities. Pakistan's interior ministry said five suspected suicide bombers of a banned outfit had left northwestern Pakistan's Swat valley for suicide attacks, according to the website of The News newspaper. The reports said the attacks could target sensitive installations and police in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar.

Pakistani parliament to discuss bill on UN probe into Bhutto’s murder

By Xinhua Islamabad : Pakistan's parliament will take a resolution for UN probe into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto next week. The resolution seeking investigation of the Bhutto's assassination from the United Nations (UN) would be tabled in the National Assembly next week, Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz told reporters. Bhutto, also former leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP),was killed in a gun and bomb attack last December while attending a political rally.

US admonishes Israel, criticizes Hamas over attacks

By DPA, Washington : The United States has urged Israel restraint in its military operations in the Gaza Strip, but simultaneously offered sharp criticism of Hamas, the organization effectively governing the salient. White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Israel needs to avoid civilian deaths in its operations against Hamas. But, in the same statement, Johndroe also lambasted Hamas for its attacks on Israel and its support for terrorism.

Pakistani Taliban welcome Prime Minister’s dialogue offer

By IRNA Islamabad : Pakistani Taliban on Sunday welcomed dialogue offer from the Prime Minister with the militants but said hat Jihad against United Stats will continue in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday asked Pakistani militants to lay down arms and join the democratic path for negotiation with the government. "We welcome Prime Minister's dialogue offer. Such talks can establish peace in the country", Deputy Chief of Tehrik Taliban Pakistan Maulana Faqir Muhammad told a public meeting at Enayet Kaley in Bajure in the tribal region.

Militants attack NATO supplies in NW Pakistan

By Xinhua, Islamabad : Suspected militants early Sunday attacked trucks and tankers supplying fuel and food to foreign forces in Afghanistan, destroying 30 tankers and killing a guard. All trucks and oil tankers caught fire and fire fighters were called but most of the vehicles and supplies were destroyed when militants attacked them at a terminal in Peshawar, capital city of North West Frontier Province, the News Network International (NNI)news agency reported.

Bush Middle-East Tour Fails, US Daily

By Prensa Latina, Washington : US President George W. Bush's tour of the Middle East was a failure, showing his unsuccessful policies and the problems he would leave to his successor, The New York Times daily said on Tuesday. According to an editorial of the newspaper, the president left Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt without making any progress in the objectives planned. After seven years out of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Bush spoke in Jerusalem about his vision in relation to the solution to the problem and the negotiations started in Annapolis.

Pakistani President leaves for Rome after hectic 6-day visit to N.Y.

By NNN-APP, New York : President Asif Ali Zardari left Sunday night for Rome for a three-day visit to Italy after a hectic six-day stay in New York as the head of Pakistan’s delegation to the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The commercial flight, with the Pakistani leader on board, took off from New York’s John F. Kennedy airport at 10:45 P.M. (local time) (08:30 A.M. PST Monday).

Obama, Cameron show unity against IS threat

Cardiff: President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron have emphasised the importance of unity to deal with violence by the Islamic State...

Power crisis: Pakistan plunges into darkness

Islamabad: Pakistan faced a major power breakdown early Sunday and most of the cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta witnessed a large blackout. The...

British Troops Bombed in Afghanistan

By Prensa Latina, Kabul : Britain lost one man and two were injured when their vehicle hit a road-side bomb in north Sangin, Helmand, south Afghanistan, raising British fatalities to 97 since the invasion began in 2001. British military sources said the blast occurred as the troops returned to their base from different operations in Musa Waleh. The wounded were ferried to Camp Bastion for urgent medical aid.

US-led coalition attacks IS-held refineries in Syria

Beirut : Warplanes of the US-led international coalition have struck several oil refineries under the control of Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in the...

Pakistani PM Gilani says he, not Zardari, is running government

By DPA, Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday said he, and not President Asif Ali Zadari, is running the country. Zadari is under growing pressure to relinquish his sweeping powers that the premier is envisaged to have in the country's original constitution. "I should tell you that I am the chief executive and the chief executive is the head of the government," Gilani said in an interview with DPA.

Government offers peace talks to rebels in Pakistan

By DPA Islamabad : The new chief minister of Pakistan's restive south western Baluchistan province said Wednesday his government would hold peace talks with the armed nationalist rebels, who have waged a war against security forces for the last three years. The Baluch rebels have been demanding a greater share of the province's oil and gas wealth and more autonomy for the region for many years.

30 militants, nine soldiers killed in Pakistan

By IANS, Islamabad : Thirty militants and nine security personnel were killed Monday in fighting in northwest Pakistan, officials said. Fighting started when militants attacked a security check post at Mashti Meela in lower Orakzai. About 40 insurgents and five soldiers were injured in the clash, Xinhua reported. Pakistan's armed forces have been in action for over a year now against the Taliban in the country's restive northwest.

Israel kills 8 children playing near Gaza refugee camp

Gaza City : At least eight children were among 10 people killed at a Gaza City refugee camp, medics said, with witnesses saying several...

Landmine explosion in Pakistani tribal agency kills 4 elders

By KUNA, Islamabad : Four tribal elders were killed and six were wounded Wednesday in a landmine explosion in the troubled Bajaur tribal agency of Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan. The tribal elders were traveling in a vehicle when it hit a landmine in Salarzai district of the Bajaur tribal agency, security sources told KUNA. They said the explosion killed the tribal elders on the spot and wounded six passers-by. Sources added that three of the wounded were in critical condition.

Arab FMs meet on Mediterranean union proposal

By Xinhua, Cairo : Some ten Arab foreign ministers began their meeting here on Saturday to coordinate stances on a "Union for the Mediterranean" initiative proposed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the state Egyptian MENA news agency reported. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit is leading the Egyptian team to the meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki was quoted as saying.
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