Global briefing
Week in review: Al Qa'eda denounced by Libyan group
- Jihadist ideology is now under attack from its erstwhile proponents. A Libyan group has issued a new religious document denouncing the tactics used by al Qa'eda as illegal under Islamic law.
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Keeping the Haj safe for pilgrims
With the swine flu virus rife, Hamida Ghafour looks at the measures in place to protect those setting out for Mecca.
Refugee camps struggle to cope as Yemeni conflict escalates
Thousands of Yemenis have sought refuge in overcrowded camps as efforts against al Houthi rebels escalate.
Four women shaking the corridors of power
When four women won seats in Kuwait’s 50-member parliament in May, it was an important victory for women’s rights in the Arab world.
School reforms pass the test
Innovation may soon be part of the scholastic identity in Qatar, where an ambitious, six-year-old reform programme has begun bearing fruit.
These Hogs were born to be mild
More than 340 bikers from the United States, Europe and the Middle East gathered in Manama, Bahrain, recently for the 10th Harley Owners Group (Hog) rally.
Sarkozy visit to Saudi has dual purpose
Talks with King Abdullah to tackle concerns – including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Iran – as well as raise France’s profile in region.
Kuwaiti parliament pushes for debt relief
With the number of loans totalling almost half the population, many Kuwaitis are drowning in debt as calls for an unconditional bailout increase.
Pilgrims told to get jab before Haj
Concerned that the event will exacerbate the swine flu pandemic, the government is recommending that participants get vaccinated beforehand.
Protesters mount pressure on Kuwaiti prime minister to quit
Protesters mount pressure on the Kuwaiti prime minister to resign, after demonstration held by a group formed to address political crisis.
Japanese man kidnapped by tribesmen in Yemen
A man working for a Japanese development agency in Yemen was taken hostage on Sunday along with his Yemeni driver, a diplomatic source said
Saudi forces push back al Houthi rebels
Navy ground forces have driven off Yemeni rebels who attempted to occupy a mountain on the kingdom's border.
25,000 more Yemenis forced to flee by conflict
The UN warns of an escalating conflict in northern Yemen that has now spilt over into neighbouring Saudi Arabia and sent an estimated 25,000 more civilians fleeing their homes.
Today's comment
A spiritual analysis of extremism
Jihad Hashim Brown : Westerners need to stop thinking they are celebrities living out pop-modern lives for us on a stage for all their eastern fans to wish they were them.
Your Prophet is your Islam
Omid Safi: Whenever I ask non-Muslims about the Prophet Mohammed: the response is invariably one of deafening silence.
Cold feet as I prepare for journey of a lifetime
Hadeel al Shalchi: By this time next week I hope to be in the final stages of possibly the most challenging duty of my faith – the Haj.
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The healing benefits of a witch’s brew
Oman’s wealthy target a town’s alternative medicine practitioners for health and money matters, or simply for removing a spell.
Protest marks Kuwait’s constitution anniversary
Kuwaitis celebrated the 47th anniversary of the signing of the constitution with speeches and displays protesting the creation of laws that they say are curbing their freedoms.
Qatar Q&A show’s value beyond debate
The Doha Debates, a Qatari television programme that gives students the chance to put experts on the spot, has revealed the region's rich intellectual tradition.
Arab leaders worried as Iran criticises Saudi offensive in Yemen
Remarks by the Iranian foreign minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, are lkely to be taken as unwanted interference in Arab matters.
Spotlight
The legal legacy of a ‘hedonist’
- In an unprecedented case, the former prime minister Ehud Olmert faces trial for graft, while some of his ministers have been sentenced.
Frontiers
Why the historian is wearing flippers
- Prehistoric European cultures existed along coastlines that have since been reclaimed by the sea. Archaeologists are turning to the ocean floor to join the missing pieces of human civilisation.
Dispatches
Bad blood between Egypt and Algeria runs deeper than football
- Violence is latest incident in escalating diplomatic row between Egypt and Algeria, whose two World Cup qualifying matches this week inflamed decades-old tensions.
The week
- 14.11.2009 to 20.11.2009 Jet fighters took to the Dubai skies, five people survived two months adrift on open seas and Apple entered talks to allow music downloads in the UAE.
Review
- World Young Egyptian women, Ursula Lindsey reports, are taking to blogs and publishing books to give voice to their frustration with the indignities of single life, the pressure to marry and the stigma of divorce.
