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.
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.
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.
With a tainted image, Karzai takes oath
Karzai is sworn in as president amid growing concern over the violence and corruption plaguing his country.
Iraqi exiles praise vice president’s election law veto
Tareq al Hashemi’s decision to veto Iraq’s election laws was welcomed yesterday by many of the Iraqi exiles who feared their voices would be lost in the vote.
Army faces friction over evacuations
Israel's leaders say the nation's security is in danger as longas refuseniks continue to defy orders to dismantle Jewish outposts in the West Bank.
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.
Bekaa body may finally end hostage riddle
Investigators are carrying out DNA tests on the remains of a man thought to be the journalist Alec Collett, kidnapped in Lebanon in 1985.
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.
Gilo expansion sabotages peace talks
Palestinian officials say plans to build 900 housing units in East Jerusalem are a direct challenge to international community.
Tide of global trade rises in Suez
Egypt sees signs of hope as revenue from the canal – an indicator of the health of commerce – nears the pre-crisis record of $5.3bn.
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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Iran says it will not send uranium abroad
Government decision expected to anger US, which had called on Tehran to accept deal that would delay its ability to make bombs
Kahane tribute may damage peace talks
Right-wing legislator plans to mark the death of the American rabbi, who founded the banned anti-Arab party Kach, may damage peace plans.
Popularity puts the pressure on Petra
As more tourists visit, conservationists have expressed concern over erosion while locals complain visitors are ignoring local facilities.
Iraq VP vetoes part of election law
Iraq’s Sunni Arab vice president has vetoed part of an election law over the allocation of seats to displaced Iraqis.
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.
