CIA chief sees ‘near strategic defeat of Al Qaeda in Iraq’
By DPA,
Washington : Michael Hayden, US Central Intelligence Agency director, sees the terrorist network Al Qaeda as on the run in Iraq and the Arabian peninsula and losing support across the Muslim world.
After two full years on the job, Hayden in an interview published in the Washington Post Friday voiced concern that resolve against international terrorism is waning due to a sense of safety that has returned, nearly seven years after the attacks against New York and Washington that killed 3,000 people Sep 11, 2001.
Taliban flees villages, suffers hundreds of casualties: Governor
By DPA,
Kandahar : Hundreds of Taliban insurgents were killed or wounded as NATO and Afghan forces drove out militants who had recently infiltrated several villages in the southern province of Kandahar, its governor said Thursday.
"The district is totally cleared of the Taliban," Assadullah Khalid said at a press conference in Kandahar city, referring to the nearby Arghandab district.
He did not give the exact toll but said several Pakistani fighters were among the dead.
Iraq seeks good neighborly relations with Kuwait – official
By IRNA
Kuwait City : The Iraqi government seeks to establish good neighborly relations with Kuwait based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and independence of the country, Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi said here on Tuesday after visiting the Big Mosque in the country's capital.
The Iraqi politician is in Kuwait on a visit.
"Our relations should be built on the basis of abandonment of the mistakes and absurdity committed by the overthrown regime of Saddam Hussein that brought trouble and suffering to both peoples," Hashemi said.
‘India needs patience, perseverance, long-term engagement in Afghanistan’
New Delhi : India will do everything in its power to "continue to enable" conditions in Afghanistan so that the people there are able...
Pakistani troops fire on intruding US helicopters
By NNN-AfghanNews,
Islamabad : Pakistani troops fired on two U.S. helicopters that intruded into Pakistani airspace on Sunday night, forcing them to turn back to Afghanistan, a senior Pakistani security official said on Monday.
It was the second such incident in a week, and reflects frayed relations with the United States over Pakistan's failure to act more forcibly against Islamist fighters in the tribal lands bordering Afghanistan.
The number of missile attacks by U.S. drone aircraft in the remote tribal areas has multiplied in recent weeks.
Four killed in suicide attack in Pakistan
Islamabad: At least four people, including three soldiers, were killed and a dozen others got wounded in a suicide attack on an army check...
Al-Maliki criticises US vice president over federalism
Baghdad : Iraq's outgoing Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki Wednesday criticised US Vice President Joe Biden for promoting the idea of a federal system in...
Egypt’s defence minister inspects Tahrir Square
By IANS,
Cairo : Egypt's Defence Minister Mohamed Hussein Tantawi and commanders of the Egyptian army Friday inspected Cairo's Tahrir Square, a media report said.
UN, UAE charity to launch primary education programmes in Sudan
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) based charity Dubai Cares has announced a joint venture with the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) to launch primary education programmes in Sudan, WAM news agency reported Thursday.
The two organisations plan to build new school facilities, renovate damaged school buildings, train teaching staff and provide educational supplies in southern Sudan.
The programmes are expected to benefit around 700,000 children in the next ten years.
Indonesia’s death toll from bird flu tops 100
By RIA Novosti
Jakarta : A 32 year-old man died from the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain in Jakarta on Wednesday, bringing Indonesia's death toll from the virus to 101, the Jakarta Post newspaper said.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, the death is the third in the past three days as a 23 year-old woman and a nine-year-old boy died in hospital on Sunday.
An investigation into the source of the infection is currently underway, but it was reported that the boy lived near a poultry market.
Germany names special envoy on Afghanistan: report
By IRNA,
Berlin : German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has reportedly named Germany's Ambassador to India Bernd Muetzelburg to become the special envoy on Afghanistan, the Hamburg-based Der Spiegel news magazine said Saturday.
The German diplomat is to coordinate the policies on Afghanistan and Pakistan with his American counterpart Richard Holbrooke following a US request, the report added.
A spokeswoman for the German Foreign Ministry confirmed there were plans by her
ministry to create such a post but stressed there had been no formal nomination yet.
‘Minor’ explosion outside Mukherjee hotel; officials play down incident
By Ranjana Narayan, IANS,
Wall Street plunges amid concerns over Libya crisis
By IANS,
New York : US stocks dropped for a second straight day Wednesday as investors were concerned about Libya turmoil and the growing Middle East unrest, Xinhua reported.
Election observers free to visit polling stations
By SPA
Islamabad : Election observers will be free to visit polling stations and offices of the returning officers to monitor polling process during the Feb 18 parliamentary elections, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Secretary Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad says.
He discussed with a two-member delegation comprising Glenn Cowan from Democracy International and Gregory Minjack from Capital Links from Washington the matters relating to the international observers and their security, said an official statement.
Hamas supporters demonstrate against Israeli blockade
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Thousands of Islamic Hamas movement's supporters demonstrated on Thursday against the ongoing Israeli blockade near Erez crossing on the border between northern Gaza Strip and Israel.
Witnesses said that several dozens of demonstrators tried to reach the crossing area of Erez, adding that Israeli soldiers stationed at the crossing opened warning shots to prevent them from approaching the crossing area.
Six major countries to discuss Iran this week
By Xinhua,
Washington : Senior officials from the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany will meet here Friday to discuss the Iran nuclear issue, the State Department announced Tuesday.
The six countries will try to find new way to persuade Iran to halt its sensitive nuclear work, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.
The scheduled meeting follows U.S. call on Monday for Iran to stop enriching uranium and other reprocessing activities or face the possibility of further sanctions.
Improve railways’ efficiency: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Railways should quickly get its locomotives repaired to improve efficiency and transportation of goods in the country, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.
Iran wants expanded ties with all states except Israel
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said here Sunday that Iran wants expansion of relations with all nations and countries, except the illegitimate Zionist Regime.
President Ahmadinejad told representatives and ambassadors of more than 100 countries based in Tehran that spirituality, ethics, human dignity, fraternity, kindness, passion and mutual respect are bases of such relations.
British Pakistani Christians demand abolition of blasphemy law
By IANS,
London/Islamabad : British Pakistani Christians Tuesday urged Islamabad to abolish the country's blasphemy law, saying unscrupulous elements had misused it against the minority community to cause law and order problems.
A delegation of the Pakistan Christian Alliance Europe led by councillor James Shera, a former mayor of the central English town of Rugby, met Pakistan High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan in London and expressed disquiet over the violence against the Christian community in Gojra in Pakistan's Punjab province that has left seven people dead.
Foes in Lebanon pledge no resort to weapons
By NNN-KUNA,
Beirut : Both sides of Lebanon's political divide pledged Thursday to refrain from use of force to settle their disputes, Chief of the Arab Ministerial Committee and Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin-Jassim Bin-Jabr Al-Thani announced here.
"This is part of the accord mediated by committee during its two-day mission in Lebanon," Sheikh Hamad reaffirmed in statements to the press after reading the text of the accord.
More Pakistani Hindus arrive in Rajasthan
By IANS,
Jodhpur : Exodus of Hindu families from Pakistan continues with the arrival of 45 more people in Rajasthan from the neighbouring country, police said Monday.
Seven militants killed in northwestern Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least seven militants were killed and several injured in the overnight military operation in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region bordering Afghanistan, media reports said Tuesday.
Security forces pounded the militants' hideouts in Damadola, Badaan, Safray and Kaga areas of Mamond in Bajaur tribal agency where Pakistani troops have been engaged in fierce clashes with Taliban and Al Qaeda militants since last August, the News Network International news agency reported.
Indonesian authorities rescue 198 people on high seas
By Xinhua,
Jakarta : A boat carrying 198 people, all from Myanmar's minority Rohingya community, was found stranded Tuesday morning off the coast of Aceh province in Indonesia, an official said.
Nasruddin Abdullah, an official of the provincial government said: “The boat was one of nine wooden boats that have left Myanmar some 21 days ago due to security reasons.”
"The boat was found by local sailors at around 2 a.m. this morning (Tuesday), some 24 km from East Aceh, with 198 people on board. Twenty of them were in critical condition," he said.
12 killed in Pakistan hotel bombing
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 12 people were killed and 17 injured Thursday evening in a blast at a hotel in northwest Pakistan bordering Afghanistan, a media report said.
Pakistan, US to revive and upgrade strategic dialogue
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and the US have agreed to revive their strategic dialogue and raise it to the ministerial level, with the fourth round to be held here in October during the visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Clinton and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will co-chair the dialogue.
"The US decision to have Clinton as co-chair of the dialogue marks the upgradation of talks as far as Washington is concerned," Dawn reported Friday.
Bush’s era is over: Ahmadinejad
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Wednesday said in a speech that US President George W. Bush's era was over and he could no longer harm Iran.
"Your era is over, and thank God you will no longer be able to even harm one centimetre of Iranian land," Ahmadinejad said in a speech in Shahre-Kord, western Iran.
Bush said in Tuesday's European Union (EU)-US summit in Brdo, Slovenia, that the world should get tougher with Iran if the Islamic republic refused to suspend uranium enrichment, and he expressed understanding for talk in Israel about possible military action.
The United States and Syria should talk
By Theodore H. Kattouf, CGNews,
The recent compromise on power sharing in Lebanon spares the country further bloodshed, and allows its people to return to a modicum of normalcy. However, the underlying causes of the conflict remain, and Lebanon continues to be an arena where external powers play out their rivalries. Unless and until Syria and the United States reach a grand bargain, the Lebanese will continue to pay the price.
PFLP calls for release of old prisoners in future Hamas-Israel prisoners swap
By Xinhua
Ramallah : An official from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) on Saturday called on Palestinian militant groups to stress for releasing old prisoners in any future prisoners swap deal with Israel.
"If talks led to real exchange, the priority must be given to old prisoners, women, and the prisoners from Jerusalem and the territories which were occupied in the 1948," said Khaleda Jarrar, a lawmaker from PFLP.
Iraqi asylum seekers end protest at British base in Cyprus
By Xinhua
Nicosia : Seven Iraqi protesters who seek asylum ended their six-day demonstration at a British military base in southern Cyprus on Monday.
The asylum seekers climbed down a 14-meter fire service tower, from where they had threatened to throw themselves off unless they got British passports.
Local media reported that the British base authorities succeeded in starving the seven down instead of the use of force.
Pakistan Peoples Party likely to name PM in two days
By Xinhua
Islamabad : The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is expected to finalize its candidate for the post of prime minister in a couple of days, official Associated Press of Pakistan reported Tuesday.
The consultation process started by PPP's co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to finalize the name of candidate has entered the final stage, said the report.
Zardari held consultations with the newly elected members of the National Assembly from five divisions of Punjab province.
SCO should find solutions for regional issues: Zardari
By IANS,
Yekaterinburg : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said Tuesday that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should help find solutions to regional problems and proposed a special mechanism for his country's involvement in three key areas - security, energy and trade.
There was need to find concrete solutions instead of stop-gap arrangements, Zardari said while addressing the ninth SCO summit in this Russian industrial city, adding SCO must help finding solutions to regional problems, Online news agency reported.
Hamas: discussions on border reopening made headway
By Xinhua
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Thursday said discussions on reopening a crossing point between Egypt and the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip have made progress.
"An essential progress was made in the talks between Hamas and the Egyptian officials regarding Rafah crossing," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said.
A final agreement, however, on the mechanisms of running the passage was not reached, he said.
Israeli troops held for thefts from Gaza aid flotilla
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Three Israeli soldiers have been arrested on suspicion of selling equipment stolen from passengers on board the Gaza-bound aid flotilla which the navy intercepted in a deadly May 31 raid.
The cache of stolen goods is believed to include up to six portable computers and several satellite phones that had belonged to passengers on board the Turkey's Mavi Marmara.
Military police detained the soldiers Monday, The Sydney Morning Herald said Friday, citing a report in a local daily.
Bahrain non-oil investment firm posts $651.9 mn net income
By IANS,
Dubai : Mumtalakat, the investment company of the Bahrain government, has announced that it posted net income of 245.8 million Bahraini dinars ($651.9 million) from the time it was formed in 2006 to the end of 2007.
The company, in a statement, said that it generated net income of BD245.8 million from total revenues of BD1.8 billion ($4.8 billion) between June 29, 2006, and Dec 31, 2007.
Total assets stood at BD5.3 billion ($14 billion) at the end of the period, with shareholders' funds increasing to BD3 billion ($7.9 billion).
Pakistan Islamic party condemns selling of national land to U.S army
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Jamaat-e-Islamic Pakistan and Leader of the independent opposition group in the Senate has strongly condemned selling of national land to U.S army and has termed it as almost an act of treason.
Jamaat deputy chief Senator Professor Khurshid Ahmad said that the government has reportedly sold land to the U.S army near the town of Tarbella in the northwest.
Khurshid also submitted an adjournment motion in the Senate Secretariat to raise the issue in the upper house of the parliament.
Iranian navy detects US aircraft carrier in drill zone
By IANS,
Tehran : The Iranian naval forces have detected a US aircraft carrier in the area of its ongoing military exercises, said Iranian Navy's deputy commander Seyyed Mahmoud Mousavi.
Five Azerbaijan troops killed in road crash
By IANS,
Baku: At least five Azerbaijan soldiers were killed and six seriously injured when their vehicle rammed into a tree and overturned, the government said.
Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold key security talks
Islamabad : Top Pakistani and Afghan defence officials are scheduled to hold key security talks in Islamabad Thursday, officials said.
Afzal Aman, Director General Military...
Pakistanis travelling to Malaysia must register with High Commission
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : All Pakistanis visiting Malaysia should register themselves with the Pakistan High Commission here to ensure their safety and well being d
uring their stay in the country.
The High Commissioner for Pakistan, Lt General (Rtd) Tahir Mahmud Qazi, in a statement here, Thursday said that all Pakistanis visiting Malaysia were required to register themselves with the Pakistan High Commission, on arrival.
Pakistani minister says no consent given to US for raids in Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Information Minister said Monday President Zardari has not given any form of consent to United States or allied forces to carry out strikes inside Pakistan.
Zardari told the Wall Street Journal that the U.S missile strikes in Pakistani tribal regions is under an understanding between the two countries.
"Unilateral actions by the U.S often serve as a setback to our joint efforts against terrorism, " Sherry Rehman said in a statement as Zardari statement has evoked strong resentment in the country.
Karzai sees foreign troops withdrawal by 2014
By IANS,
Kabul : Afghan forces will be ready to take responsibility from foreign troops for fighting the Taliban within four years, President Hamid Karzai has said.
Opening an international conference here Tuesday, Karzai said: "I remain determined that our Afghan national security forces will be responsible for all military and law enforcement operations throughout our country by 2014."
The handover process could begin as soon as next year, The Telegraph reported.
Iraqi police foil suicide bomb attack northeast of Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Iraqi policemen foiled a suicide bomb attack attempt in a town in Diyala province on Sunday and killed the woman attacker, a provincial police source said.
"A woman wearing an explosive vest tried to enter the town council of Wajihiyah, but policemen guarding the building shot herdead before she reaches her target," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Jihad says it did not join Hamas in talks with Egypt
By Xinhua
Gaza : Islamic Jihad movement on Sunday denied reports that it had joined Hamas in talks with Egyptian officials about ceasefire with Israel and lifting the siege on Gaza Strip.
"We are not part of the talks that are being held now... the issue is limited to Hamas and our Egyptian brothers," said Khaledal-Batsh, a leader of the radical group.
Free Education For All, Says Abdullah
By SPA
Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia : Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government will ensure that all Malaysians receive free education, reported Bernama.
He said the government placed strong emphasis on education as it was important in efforts to create a progressive community who would be able to continue with the country's development in future.
Monday marks Ramadan 1 in Yemen, Algerian, UAE
By NNN-KUNA,
Capitals : Several Arab countries have announced on Saturday evening that Sunday, August 31, will mark the last day of Sha'ban month, 1429 Hijri calendar (the Arabic lunar calendar).
Ramadan 1, 1429 H, will fall on Monday, September 1, 2008, according to separate statements issued by the new moon sighting authorities of Yemen, Algeria and the United Arab Emirates.
The new moon of the holy month of Ramadan has not been seen this evening in the State of Kuwait, so Sunday will mark Sha'ban 30.
Pakistan’s minority community is fighting back: Daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's minority community, which has been pushed into a corner after repeated attacks, is now fighting back, said a daily Monday.
Rs.10.2 bn for deficit-stricken Pakistan Railways
By IANS,
Islamabad, Aug 6 (IANS) The Pakistan government has approved Rs.10 billion for the railways to help it overcome a Rs.52.5 billion deficit, Geo News reported.
Refugee child dies off coast of Samos, 24 rescued
By SPA,
Athens : A four-year-old child died in an attempt by a group of refugees to cross the sea between Turkey and the Greek island of Samos, dpa quoted local media as saying.
The Greek coastguard managed to rescue 24 people from the water after the dinghy in which they were travelling sank, according to a local radio broadcaster.
Greek officials said the would-be immigrants, from various Near Eastern countries, had paid 500 euros (637 dollars) per person to human traffickers to make the crossing.
Israel resumes fuel supplies to Gaza
By RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv/Gaza : Israel resumed fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip Tuesday, a defence ministry spokesman said.
Israel closed Nov 5 all crossings into Gaza as border violence intensified following violations of a ceasefire deal. The fuel shortages forced Gaza's sole power plant to shut down Monday, causing blackouts in Gaza.
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak signed a decree allowing a limited resumption in fuel supplies to Gaza, saying the deliveries would resume in full as soon as Palestinian militants stopped firing rockets on Israeli territory.
Campaign colour in poll-bound Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Processions, rallies and door-to-door campaigns... all the festivities associated with elections have returned to Bangladesh after 19 months of curbs in the run up to the civic polls Aug 4.
Campaign for four municipal corporations and nine municipalities began in urban Bangladesh as soon as the Election Commission distributed poll symbols. Amidst the blaring of loudspeakers, printing presses began working to the full, producing posters and leaflets, the Daily Star said Tuesday.
Bangladesh: Chief Advisor determined to see pro-reform, democratic government after December polls
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka : Chief Adviser of Bangladesh caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed reiterated his determination that a pro-reform and democratic government would take the responsibility of running the state after the general elections to be held in December this year.
"It is the responsibility of all to implement whatever has been reflected through the Road Show across the country for building a prosperous and democratic Bangladesh," he said while addressing as the chief guest the concluding ceremony of the 50-day campaign here on Saturday.
US thanks “friend” Musharraf, asks new regime to maintain war on terror
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Calling former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf "a friend to the US" and one of the world's "most committed partners in the war against terrorism", Washington Monday asked the new government in Islamabad to redouble its focus on stemming extremism.
"We strongly support the democratically elected civilian government in its desire to modernise Pakistan and build democratic institutions," said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in a statement on the resignation of the former military ruler who last year shed his army uniform at America's behest.
German intellectuals slam US, Israeli military threats against Iran
Berlin, Aug 28, IRNA -- German intellectuals on Saturday called for an end to US and Israeli military threats to Iran. They criticized the United States for orchestrating UN sanctions on Iran over nuclear program.
More than 40 prominent German personalities, among them politicians, lawyers, artists, publishers and journalists, urged the UN Security Council in a petition to deal with ongoing US and Israel threats against Iran, saying it was a 'clear violation of the UN Charter.'
Suicide attack kills three in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A suicide bomber Monday blew himself up in front of the district government compound in Kandahar city in south Afghanistan killing three people on the spot, said an official.
Zalmai Ayubi, spokesman for Kandahar provincial government told reporters the incident occurred at around 11.30 a.m. (0700 GMT) when a suicide bomber with explosive material strapped onto his body walked into the compound and tried to break through the security ring at the gate.
Bangladesh may get custody of Mujib killer from Canada
By IANS,
Dhaka : The passport of Major (retd) Noor Chowdhury, one of the 12 former Bangladeshi Army officers convicted for killing former president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman 34 years ago, has been seized in Canada.
Dhaka now hopes to get his custody, it was revealed here Monday.
State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam said Chowdhury, who has been living in Canada, will be brought back to the country, private television channel Ntv reported.
Abbas blames Hamas for bombing Fatah leaders’ properties
Gaza : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday accused the Islamic Hamas movement of carrying out Friday's bombing attacks against properties of his Fatah Party's...
Afghanistan making progress in security: British official
By IANS,
United Nations : Britain's permanent representative to the UN has praised steps taken towards making Afghanistan more secure, a media report said.
OIC adopts Jeddah declaration, seeks increased Islamic solidarity
Jeddah: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Thursday welcomed the Jeddah declaration, which seeks to strengthen economic and political solidarity among member states, the...
Militants kill govt. official in Pakistan
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Local Taliban militants Thursday killed a government official and a suspected informant for the US intelligence in Pakistani tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.
A local senior government official was killed when militants attacked his vehicle in Dosli area of North Waziristan tribal agency, security officials told KUNA.
They said militants sprayed bullets at his vehicle, killing the official and his driver on the spot.
Muslim women advise on extremism in UK
LONDON, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- Leading Muslim women in the UK were being brought together Wednesday to advise ministers in a new tactic to root out extremism, it was announced here.
The Muslim Women's Advisory Group is to be launched after the British Government came under pressure to help women in the Muslim community gain a greater say, the BBC said.
The group of 19 women assembled by Britain's Communities Secretary Mrs Hazel Blears is to work as part of a grassroots counter-terrorism strategy.
However, some warn they face a tough time winning community trust.
World Bank report labels Kuwait, Jordan top education reformers in Arab
By NNN-KUNA
Washington : A World Bank report ranked Jordan and Kuwait as top educational reformers in the Arab world, and the representative of Kuwait at the Bank said the report's findings was a reflection of the Gulf state's seriousness to improve the level of the education in the country.
The report, released by the World Bank this week, said Jordan and Kuwait were "top performers" in terms of access, efficiency and quality of education.
Obama for Iraq, Afghanistan Shift
By Prensa Latina,
Washington : US presidential candidate Barack Obama reaffirmed his wishes to withdraw from Iraq and redeploy in Afghanistan the some 180,000 troops if he wins the elections, says The New York Times.
Senator Obama (D.-Ill.) said the US presence in Iraq goes against both people's and US security interests and challenged President George W. Bush strategy as "a project to stay" in Iraq.
Fatima Bhutto, Jeffrey Archer on top of bestseller list
By IANS,
New Delhi : Pakistani author Fatima Bhutto still holds sway over the non-fiction category with her book "Songs Of Blood And Sword", while Jeffrey Archer was at the top of the fiction category with his "And Thereby Hangs A Tale".
The top 10 bestsellers in each category are:
Non-fiction
1. "Songs Of Blood And Sword"
Author: Fatima Bhutto
Publisher: Penguin Viking
Price: Rs.699.00
2. "Gandhi: Naked Ambition"
Author: Jad Adams
Publisher: Quercus
Price: Rs.699.00
3. "The Big Short"
Author: Michael Lewis
Publisher: Allen Lane
Pakistan cardiac drug that killed over 100 tainted: Report
By IANS,
Islamabad : One of the heart medicines that caused over 100 deaths in Pakistan's Punjab province was contaminated, said a media report citing a British laboratory report.
Hand grenade attack in mosque kills in Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : At least one person was killed and 15 injured in a mosque in an explosion in a Pakistani northwestern city on Tuesday, witnesses said.
An unidentified man threw a hand grenade at Madni mosque in the city of Dera Ismail Khan, in North West Frontier Province, when the people were offering evening prayers.
Dr. Ashiq Saleem, Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital, said four of the injured are in critical condition.
Witnesses said that around 150 people were offering prayers when they were attacked.
Over 20 killed in two explosions outside Pakistan”s weapons factory
By KUNA,
Islamabad : More than 20 people were killed and nearly 40 others were wounded in two huge explosions, believed to be suicide attacks, outside a weapon-production factory in eastern Pakistan on Thursday, said police.
The incident occurred outside the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) in Wah Cantonment area of Taxila city, about 50 kilometers from Islamabad.
Police sources told KUNA that two suicide bombers blew themselves up, one at the main gate of the POF and the other at the back gate, at the time when a large number of workers were leaving the factory.
Lebanese govt reiterates support of Arab initiatives
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : The Lebanese government on Friday reiterated its support for the Arab initiative calling to give priority to the election of the Army Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman as president of the republic.
Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs Jean Augaspian in a statement to reporters that the meeting discussed the visit of Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa to Beirut to re-launch the Arab initiative and to allow for speeding up the process of electing a president before next February 11.
Three Karachi airport attack suspects indicted
Islamabad: A Pakistani court on Saturday indicted three people for their involvement in a Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)-claimed attack on Karachi's Jinnah International Airport in...
Situation in Pakistan very serious
By NNN-PTI,
New Delhi : Warning that the situation in Pakistan is "very serious", India's Defence Minister A K Antony on Monday said terrorism is "spreading" in that country and asserted that India is prepared to meet any challenge from Taliban militants
"The situation in Pakistan is very serious and terrorism is spreading," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Territorial Army Day parade here
22 killed in Baghdad bomb attack
Baghdad : At least 22 people were killed and 45 were wounded in a car bomb explosion in the capital Baghdad Tuesday, a source...
Journalist couple killed in Dhaka
By IANS,
Dhaka : Two Bangladeshi journalists -- a husband-wife duo -- were Friday night found murdered at their home in Dhaka, police said Saturday.
Iran, Venezuela joint Economic Commission to kick off next week
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : The Venezuelan Ambassador to Tehran Arturo Anibal Gallegos said on Saturday that Iran-Venezuela Joint Economic Commission Meeting is to be held in Caracas next week to discuss bilateral agreements.
He told that the two-day joint commission to be held at the level of foreign ministers will be started on April 21st.
The joint commission is to follow up implementation of agreements already signed between the two countries, he said.
Afghanistan presidential poll begins
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghans began voting in the country's second ever presidential election Thursday under the shadow of Taliban-led violence.
Though unprecedented security arrangements have been in place, reports said that four rockets hit Kandahar city in southern Afghanistan minutes before the voting centres opened.
According to the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan, about 17 million registered voters are eligible to elect a president and 420 provincial council members for the country's 34 provinces.
Kuwaiti Amir: full confidence in PM
By NNN-KUNA,
Kuwait : The Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah reiterated Thursday his full confidence in the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, whom he tasked two days back with the formation of the new government.
Speaking to "Al-Qabas" newspapers, the Kuwaiti leader added, "However, my confidence in some people has been shaken."
He added, "I do not intervene in the cabinet formation. I review the list of names and approve the formation, but I have not imposed anything on Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad."
e
Eight killed in Pakistan clashes
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least eight people were killed in a clash between Islamist rebels and a pro-government tribal militia in Pakistan's restive northwestern region, officials said Sunday.
Fighting erupted late Saturday and continued through Sunday morning in the Khwazai area of the Mohmand tribal district, bordering the Afghan province of Kunar.
Militants attacked the house of a militia leader, Ajmal Khan, in Wacha Jor village, about 35 km from the district's main town Ghalanai.
S. Korean-Arab ties markedly improved – Kuwaiti representative
By KUNA,
Seoul : General Supervisor of Kuwait's Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiya Sheikha Hessa Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah said on Monday ties between the Arab world and South Korea have tangibly improved at various levels.
Sheikha Hessa, addressing inauguration of the Korean-Arab Society, said the establishment of the association would boost understanding and expand scope of mutual cooperation between the Koreans and the Arabs.
What Palestinians and the world could learn from South Africa’s BDS movement
By Priyanka Borpujari,
On July 9, despite the chill in the winds, about 200 people gathered outside St George's Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa. This is the Anglican cathedral that Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu uses as a religious, and political, seat. Outside the stone structure was a passionate shout to Israel to stop the blood-spill in Palestine: little girls with their heads covered coughed between the slogans, young men exchanged their keffiyeh as they carried the Palestinian flag. In doing so, the crowd joined thousands across the world in protesting against the violence in Gaza.
Afghan failure could lead to collapse of Nato, academics warn
By IRNA
London : Nato's faltering operations in Afghanistan could have wide implications not only for the transatlantic alliance but also for the EU being left without an effective security organisation, according to two European academics.
Benjamin Schreer of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs and Asle Toje of the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies said that political analysts have already declared Nato as "mortally wounded" in the face of Afghan's deteriorating security.
Obama, Tunisian PM to meet in early April
Washington: US President Barack Obama and Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jemaa will meet at the White House April 4, a government official said Tuesday.
The...
Islamic Proximity confab to be held in London
By IRNA,
London : The second international conference on Proximity Among Islamic Schools of Thought will be held here on Saturday at the Islamic Center of England (ICE).
The one-day conference, themed 'Proximity; Discourse in Support of the Holy Qur'an and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)', aims to forge unity among different Islamic sects.
Head of ICE, Abdolhossein Moezzi, said in a press conference Thursday, that consolidation in ideology and religion is a basic principle in Islam.
Five killed, 34 injured in Peshawar blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least five people were killed and 34 others were injured Monday night in a bomb blast at a market in northwest Pakistan's Peshawar city.
30 killed in Egypt road accident
Cairo : At least 30 people were killed and 15 injured Monday in a road accident in Egypt's Aswan province.
The accident involving three mini...
Pakistan bars US diplomats from travel without permission
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani police Wednesday refused to allow American diplomats to go out of the port city of Karachi without proper travel documents, local media reported.
Dubai reduces call rates to flood-hit Pakistan
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : One of the main telecommunications providers in Dubai has decided to cut down call rates to Pakistan, as a gesture to help Gulf citizens contact their families and friends in the flood-hit country at an affordable price.
Telecommunications provider du has reduced its international call rates to Pakistan till Aug 23. This special offer provides reduced rates on calls made to Pakistan at any time of the day from a du mobile or landline phone.
UAE sends health mission to flood-hit Pakistan
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Wednesday sent two teams of medical professionals to protect people in Pakistan's flood-affected areas from water-borne diseases.
The team of the UAE Red Crescent Authority will work in coordination with the mission of United National Children's Funds (Unicef).
Saleh Al Taiei, Deputy Secretary General of the RCA for Relief and Projects, said the mission aims to immunise over 625,000 people from several water-borne diseases.
10 militants killed in Pakistan
Islamabad: At least 10 militants were killed by the Pakistan Rangers during two intelligence-based operations in the Sindh province, media reported on Wednesday.
The operations...
Four killed in Karachi
By IANS,
Islamabad: Three bodies bearing gunshot wounds were found and a woman was shot down in Pakistan's port city of Karachi, Geo News reported Saturday.
French FM hopes for Palestinian state by 2008
RAMALLAH, Feb 16 (KUNA) -- French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said Saturday that hopes were up for the establishment of a Palestinian state by the end of 2008.
In an interview with Palestinian Al-Quds newspaper, Kouchner called for Palestinians and Israelis to abide by the agreements reached in the Annapolis conference held in the US. Israel must cease building settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem for the sake of peace, said Kouchner who also affirmed that Palestinians on their part must end all hostile activities against their neighbors.
Hospitals barred from discharging those injured in Lahore blast
By IANS,
Lahore : The police have barred hospitals in Lahore from discharging those injured in a car bomb blast Wednesday that killed an estimated 40 people and wounded over 100.
The wounded people would be released after investigations, police sources told Geo TV.
The car, which was packed with about 100 kg of explosives, went off just outside the three-storeyed Rescue-15 Building that collapsed with the impact of the blast.
The building that housed emergency police is located close to the provincial headquarters of Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence.
Ban telephones Zardari on Mumbai terror attack
By IANS,
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday spoke to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari over telephone on the Mumbai terror attacks, an official said.
Michele Montas, spokesperson for the secretary-general, told reporters at the UN headquarters that Ban telephoned Zardari to discuss with him issues related to the terrorist attack on Mumbai last week that killed as many as 183 people, including several foreign nationals.
Details of the phone call were not immediately available.
Pakistani kills wife, four kids
By IANS,
Islamabad: An unemployed man strangled his wife and four children in a village in Pakistan's Sindh province, a media report said.
Indian, Pakistani troops still engaged on LoC
By KUNA,
New Delhi : Firing between Indian and Pakistan troopers continued Tuesday along the Line of Control (LoC), a day after Pakistan violated the ceasefire.
"Firing is continuing today along the LoC. This is the sixth ceasefire violation along the LoC in the past three weeks by Pakistan troopers," Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt. Col. Goswami told reporters today.
Pakistan elections to be held in 2013: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Free, fair and transparent elections will be held on time in 2013, said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani who stressed that the government was not facing any threat.
Pakistan denies ISI’s role in Kabul bombing
By IANS,
New Delhi : India Tuesday again conveyed its concerns on cross-border terrorism and ceasefire violations even as Islamabad denied any role of its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the July 7 bombings of the Indian embassy in Kabul.
"No. No. No. Incorrect," Pakistan's National Security Adviser Mahmud Ali Durrani said when asked asked to comment on reports alleging that Pakistan's ISI masterminded the Kabul blasts.
"I had a very good meeting with the Foreign Minister ... things are going okay," he said.
US condemns recent bombings in Pakistan, reaffirms support in curbing violence
By NNN-APP
Washington : The United States has condemned recent bombings in Pakistan and reaffirmed its support for the South Asian ally in confronting extremist violence.
“We are concerned by the continuing violence in Pakistan and condemn those recent suicide bombings, including one that took the lives of a number of individuals in the Federally Administered Territories who were meeting to try and talk about what they could do to oppose al-Qaeda and the Taliban there,” State Department deputy spokesman said.
Iran to allow full foreign ownership of state-run companies
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran will begin to allow foreign firms to purchase Iranian state-run companies, with the possibility of obtaining full ownership, Iran's satellite Press TV said on Monday.
Iran will allow foreign companies and nationals to purchase unlimited shares of state-run enterprises which are in the process of being sold off, director of Iran's Privatization Company Gholamreza Heidari Kord Zangeneh was quoted as saying.
UAE gives equipment to hospital on Libya-Tunisia border
By IANS/WAM,
Tunis : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has delivered medical equipment to a hospital in a Tunisian town on the border with Libya.
Drone strike kills five more in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least five people were killed in a US drone strike launched early Sunday morning in Pakistan's northwest tribal area of North Waziristan, said media reports.
Tunisia pardons 1,900 prisoners
By IANS,
Tunis: Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki has granted pardon to 1,900 prisoners including 29 foreigners, the official TAP news agency reported.
12 killed in Somali presidential palace attack
By IANS,
Mogadishu: At least 12 people, including permanent secretary of the Somalian prime minister and an ex-intelligence commander, were killed Friday in an attack...
Allow people’s will in Gilgit: EU members tell Pakistan
By IANS,
Brussels : Some members of the European Parliament have expressed "great concern" over Pakistan imposing its rule in Gilgit Baltistan rather than allowing the people to decide their political future.
The EU members have formed a group called "Friends of Gilgit-Baltistan", which will "monitor very carefully all developments that take place" in the strategic border region, a part of the Pakistan-administered Kashmir where elections for its first assembly are scheduled Nov 12.
Israel Arrests another 80 Palestinians
By Prensa Latina
Tel Aviv : The Israeli army arrested 80 Palestinians on the Gaza Strip Monday to submit them to interrogation, the information office of the armed institution confirmed.
The arrests were made during an Israeli assault in southern Gaza, where one civilian and three Hamas militants died.
Though operations against the territory controlled by Hamas since June continue, the Israeli military radio informed that bilateral negotiations for an exchange of prisoners are achieving progress.
Israeli forces storm house of Demona attacker
By KUNA
Ramallah : Israeli forces stormed Thursday the house of one of the Palestinian activists that staged the city of Demona attack earlier this week, in which an Israeli was killed and another was wounded.
Palestinians security sources said Israeli forces stormed the home of Mohammad Al-Harbawi, one of those who executed the attack on February 4, in Hebron and confiscated his mobile phone and interrogated his neighbors.
Clashes broke out between the forces and Palestinian youth, leading to the injury of three Palestinians.
Iran tells IAEA it is building 2nd uranium enrichment plant
By RIA Novosti,
Vienna : The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed on Friday that Iran has informed the UN nuclear watchdog it is building a second uranium enrichment plant.
"On 21 September, Iran informed the IAEA in a letter that a new pilot fuel enrichment plant was under construction in the country," IAEA official spokesman Marc Vidricaire said.
Iran told the watchdog that no nuclear material had been introduced to the new plant, and enrichment levels would only be high enough to produce nuclear fuel, not a bomb.
Several killed in attack on Lahore police centre
By DPA,
Islamabad : Militants raided a police training centre in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore with assault rifles and hand grenades Monday, killing and injuring several recruits and taking dozens hostage, police officials and media reports said.
Hundreds of policemen had surrounded the building and were exchanging fire with the attackers for more than an hour.
Geo television reported that 15 people, most of them policemen, were killed and 10 injured.
UN Chiefs “offensively anti-Islamic” video, appeals for calm
By APP
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Friday strongly condemned the Internet broadcast of a video made by the Dutch politician Geert Wilders, describing it as “offensively anti-Islamic,” while calling on those upset by the film to remain calm.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson after Thursday night’s airing of the film, Ban said “there is no justification for hate speech or incitement to violence. The right of free expression is not at stake here”.
130 Hamas fighters killed in ground offensive: army
By ANTARA News,
Jerusalem : The Israeli army claimed on Tuesday that it had killed 130 Hamas fighters since launching a ground offensive in Gaza at the weekend.
"In the last two days at least 130 Hamas terror operatives were killed in battles with IDF ground forces in the Gaza Strip," an army spokesman was quoted by AFP as saying.
The claim could not be immediately verified.
Israel poured ground forces into Gaza late Saturday, a week after unleashing a massive air and naval bombing campaign against Hamas targets in the enclave aiming to stop rocket fire.
Dhaka envoy new head of Unctad body
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's permanent representative in Geneva, Debapriya Bhattacharya, has been elected president of the Trade and Development Board (TDB) of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) for one year.
The first from his country to be elected by the 193-member assembly, Bhattacharya took charge Monday, the Daily Star reported Tuesday.
TDB is the highest policy making body after the quadrennial ministerial conference of Unctad.
Dhaka can take lessons from Beijing, says Rasheda
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : Adviser for Women and Children Affairs Rasheda K Chowdhury described Dhaka-Beijing friendship as an excellent one since time immemorial in terms of trade and commerce, culture and history and said, Bangladesh could take lessons from China.
Bangladesh should follow the strategies of China to move towards economic prosperity as Beijng had shown amazing economic achievement in agriculture, industry and human resources development, she said at a discussion at a city hotel on Saturday afternoon.
Gunmen kill four in Iraq
By Xinhua
Tikrit (Iraq) : Four people, including a relative of a senior official, have been shot dead by unknown gunmen in the northern Iraqi province of Salahudin, an official at the US and Iraqi liaison office said.
"Salim Jabbar Mutar, brother of the head of the Tikrit city council, along with three people was killed Thursday when gunmen opened fire on their car in the al-Dhibaie area, southwest of Tikrit," the official told Xinhua.
Development of any society will come through collective efforts by men and women, says...
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Development of any society would come through collective efforts by men and women to improve the quality of their lives, Rula Ghani, the First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, said here on Wednesday.
“It is through relentless activism, dedication and blind courage that women could help change the mindsets of people,” Ghani said delivering her keynote address at a two-day SAARC conference on ‘Gender, Community and Violence: Changing Mindsets for Empowering the Women of South Asia’ here.
Egyptian president supports Sarkozy’s proposal for Mediterranean Union
By DPA
Paris, April : Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak Tuesday reiterated his support for the proposal by his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, for a union of European nations and countries along the Mediterranean rim.
Sarkozy's foreign affairs advisor Jean-David Levitte told journalists that Mubarak had told the French president of his "resolute support" for the Union for the Mediterranean during a working dinner with Sarkozy.
Iran, Pakistan to hold joint naval drill
Tehran : A Pakistani fleet of warships docked in southern Iran is to hold a joint drill with the Iranian navy in the strategic...
More Israelis, Palestinians willing to compromise: Poll
By IANS,
Jerusalem : A growing number of Israelis and Palestinians are inclined to accept compromises that would enable their governments to reach a peace agreement, a survey has said.
Pakistani firing leaves five dead; India says responding to provocations
Jammu/New Delhi: Five civilians, including a young girl, were killed and 29 others injured Monday in unprovoked firing by Pakistan across the international border...
Illegal Phensedyl manufacturing unit busted near Bangladesh border
Kolkata : The Border Security Force on Friday arrested a man for running an illegal unit manufacturing Phensedyl syrup near the Bangladesh border in...
1.7 million throng Hindu shrine in Malaysia
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Over 1.7 million Hindu devotees Monday thronged Lord Subramaniam's temple at the Batu Caves near the national capital to celebrate the annual Thaipusam festival.
Crowds of devotees and tourists swelled through the night even as the deity's silver chariot left Batu Caves at 4 p.m. Sunday for the Sri Maha Mariamman temple here to mark the end of the festival.
About 10,000 devotees followed the chariot back on foot, New Straits Times said.
Mumbai-style Kabul attacks masterminded in Pakistan: Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : The head of Afghanistan's intelligence department Thursday said the Mumbai-style attacks on government offices in Kabul, killing 26 people, were master-minded by militants based in Pakistan.
Amerullah Saleh said his agency was looking for 21 suspects in connection with Wednesday's attacks on three government buildings.
Afhgan officials have been saying that insurgents are getting training and equipment from elements in Pakistan. They believe that Wednesday's attacks in Kabul show a new tactic by the Taliban, who have previously only attacked one target at a time.
Pilgrims reach Mina this morning
By SPA,
Mina : SPA's mission in the Hoy Places has spotted the presence of a great number of delegates of Arab, Islamic and international information media organs, who have been very active in covering comprehensively this year's Hajj and the performance of its various rituals.
It also witnessed the smooth and easy movements of pilgrims despite their huge numbers and also the number of a large number of vehicles.
IAEA chief hopes Iran-US talks would start soon
By IRNA,
Vienna : The IAEA chief here on Monday expressed hope that Iran-US talks would start in the next few weeks.
Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Mohamed ElBaradei made the remarks while addressing diplomats and politicians in Austria’s parliament.
He expressed hope that the new US administration would make progress in resolving the international standoff surrounding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
Musharraf consults with aides after political parties announce govt.
By KUNA
Islamabad : A day after Pakistans two main political parties announced intention to form a coalition government at the center and restore sacked judges within 30 days of government formation, President Pervez Musharraf Monday held consultations with close aides and legal advisors.
The high-level meeting was attended by Attorney General Malik Muhammad Qayyum, his legal advisors including Sharif-u-Din Pirzada and other close aides, official sources told KUNA.
UAE to help develop Palestinian economy
By IANS,
Bethlehem : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its support for the development of the Palestinian economy at the Palestine Investment Conference here, WAM news agency reported Friday.
"The UAE's presence in the three-day gathering will provide it with information on investment opportunities in Palestine that will be passed to the private sector in the UAE so as to explore business opportunities and establish joint ventures with Palestinian investors," said Mohammed Abdulaziz Alshihhi, Undersecretary of the UAE ministry of economy.
US-led coalition: 22 militants, 1 NATO soldier reported dead in Afghanistan
By SPA,
Kabul : The U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan says its warplanes have killed about 22
militants in the country's troubled east, reported ap.
A coalition statement says Afghan police called for help when gunmen attacked government offices in the Sarobi and Gomal districts of Paktika province Tuesday night.
It says an estimated 22 militants were positively identified and killed after its warplanes arrived.
Russia raps EU sanctions against Iran
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow: Russia Tuesday slammed the latest unilateral US and EU sanctions on Iran, saying that the move not only disregarded the UN Security Council but also undermined joint efforts on the regulation of Tehran's nuclear programme.
"We have repeatedly said that we consider unacceptable the practice of imposing unilateral or collective sanctions on Iran, which go beyond the boundaries of the UN Security Council's sanctions," Andrei Nesterenko, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman, said.
Iraqi Journalist Trial Postponed
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : Lawyers of Muntadhar al-Zaidi, the Iraqui journalist who threw his shoes at US president George W. Bush, confirmed that the trial scheduled for Dec 31 was postponed after an appeal was filed at the Annulment Court.
The public hearing that should have taken place Wednesday was adjourned for a new date, noted Ahlam al-Lami, member of the group of lawyers defending the journalist accused of attacking a foreign head of state.
Pakistani PM: PM house target of suicide attack
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that the Prime Minister House was the target of Saturday's truck suicide bomb attack, which killed 53 people.
Speaking to reporters at the Lahore Airport in eastern Pakistan, Gilani said that the terrorists wanted to hit the Prime Minister House as important personalities including the president and the army chief were present to attend the dinner after a joint session of the parliament.
"They could not do it due to tight security arrangements," he said.
Russia calls for ceasefire in Gaza
By DPA,
Moscow : Russia has called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip following Israel's ground offensive that started late Saturday, Russian media reported Sunday.
Moscow was seriously concerned about the situation, President Dmitry Medvedev told Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on the telephone Sunday, according to the Itar-Tass news agency said. The two leaders again emphasized the importance of the planned meeting of the so-called Middle East Quartet in Moscow, the report said. No date has been given for the meeting.
Egyptian court postpones trial of Morsi, 130 others
Cairo: A criminal court in Egypt Saturday postponed the trial of ousted president Mohamad Morsi and 130 other defendants in a jailbreak case till...
Iranian general talks tough against aggression
By DPA,
Tehran : An Iranian general warned Wednesday that any aggressor of Iran would return home with artificial legs, Fars news agency reported.
"If you dare to come towards Iran, you will bring artificial legs and sticks with you because you will definitely have no legs when you return home," said General Mohammad Hejazi, deputy commander of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards.
Pakistani minister Rehman Malik likely to visit India
By IANS,
Islamabad : Interior Minister Rehman Malik is likely to visit to India on an invitation from visiting Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, a media report said Sunday.
Suspected US drone strikes kill eight in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least eight people were killed and four injured in two suspected US drone strikes in Pakistan's northwestern tribal district of North Waziristan Sunday, security officials said.
An unmanned drone aircraft fired three Hellfire guided missiles into a compound in the Alora Mandi area of North Waziristan, a known safe haven of Taliban and Al Qaeda militants launching cross-border raids on NATO-led international forces in Afghanistan.
Moussa condemns int”l silence at Israeli violence
CAIRO, Jan 5 (KUNA) -- Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa condemned Saturday the international community's silence at the Israeli atrocities committed against Palestinians, warning that the situation would become worst if the violence were allowed to continue.
He called in a press release the international quartet to immediately intervene in stopping attacks against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.