Middle East back issues from August 2007:
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Aug 01, 2007; ... I didn't agree with Britain joining forces with President George Bush to launch a war in Iraq. And I marched, with over a million others, through the streets of London in February 2003 in the hope of urging the Prime Minister to change his mind. He didn't. Although, I have it on good ...
The battle for Iraqi oil
Aug 01, 2007; ... Oil is money, money is power and power is politics, and nowhere more than in beleaguered Iraq. Now, the US wants the Iraqi government to introduce new legislation - a hydrocarbons law - to restore stability. But such legislation is more likely to further fracture the country, rather than usher ...
Expect the unexpected
Aug 01, 2007; ... MILAN VESELY reports on the simmering pot that is Lebanon and widespread fears, fuelled by rumour and suspicion, that the political situation is coming to the boil. 'EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED', is an oft used description for Lebanese politics, this strategically important country of some ...
In the name of the father
Aug 01, 2007; ... In the wake of recent elections, Egypt's upper house of parliament looks very familiar, with the ruling party firmly in control. With apathy now more prevalent than activism, the only political issue that seems to interest Egyptians is if and how the president's son will take over the mantle of ...
Truth, or imagination in the shadowy world of Iraq
Aug 01, 2007; ... In the murky world of spy fiction, the antagonists and protagonists play out physical and mental chess games, their moves and countermoves enthralling the reader. But is truth stranger than fiction, reality more convoluted than make-believe? That could certainly apply to recent events between ...
A wonderful day?
Aug 01, 2007; ... MlCHELLE DE VRlES was just 21 years old when in 1989 she was contacted by the British Foreign Office and told her mother, Daphne Parish, a nurse working in Baghdad, was being held by the cruel and unpredictable regime of Saddam Hussein having been charged with espionage. Understandable then that ...
Turkey's AKP record landslide victory
Aug 01, 2007; ... IT WAS QUITE a victory when, despite all the pre-general election scaremongering about the probability of Turkey becoming an Islamic state, a massive 80% of the electorate - turned out to record a landslide result for the country's Islamist-rooted prime minister Recep Erdogan. The prime ...
The enemy within
Aug 01, 2007; ... A series of terrorist attacks in Britain have put the UK security services on high alert and sparked intense emotional debate among Muslims and non-Muslims on how the threat posed by Islamic fanaticism can best be met. AWEEK BEFORE THE second anniversary of the 7/7 terror attacks, a ...
Persepolis
Aug 01, 2007; ... Persepolis Marjane Satrapi's subversive masterpiece Persepolis seduces audiences in Cannes. THrs YEAR'S CANNES International Film Festival mesmerised viewers with a simple black and white animated French produced film by Iranian born Marjane Satrapi entitled Persepolis. Amidst an ...
Egypt plays arbitrator
Aug 01, 2007; ... Egyptian diplomats are re-starting their efforts to bring Hamas and Fatah together again. But will they be seen by the Hamas powers-that-be as mediators or meddlers? In two special reports - from Cairo and Gaza - JEFF BLACK and MEL FRYKBERG analyse how these developments are likely to play ...
THE SHAHIDS ISLAM AND SUICIDE ATTACKS
Aug 01, 2007; ... THE SHAHIDS ISLAM AND SUICIDE ATTACKS By Shaul Shay published by Transaction Publishers ISBN 0 7658 0250 price $39.95 hardback Since the early 1980s, the world has witnessed many instances of the grotesque instrument of suicide bombings, spreading death, destruction, and fear. It is, ...
THE KINGDOM'S CHALLENGES
Aug 01, 2007; ... PRESERVING RECENT GAINS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS Saudi Arabia, the world's No.1 oil-exporter, remains in a healthy shape, with the exchequer's coffers swelling and output growth well above its long-term trend. This revenue bonanza offers opportunities to tackle socio-economic problems and ...
THE KURDS IN IRAN THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Aug 01, 2007; ... THE KURDS IN IRAN THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE By Kerim Yildiz and Tanyel Taysi published by Pluto Press ISBN 0 7453 2669 2 price £25.00 hardback The Kurds, between 24m and 30m-strong, sharing a common culture and language, are the world's largest stateless nation. This is one of ...
GUANTÁNAMO WHAT THE WORLD SHOULD KNOW
Aug 01, 2007; ... GUANTÁNAMO WHAT THE WORLD SHOULD KNOW By Michael Ratnerand Ellen Ray; foreword by Terry Waite ISBN 184437 046 1 price £8.99 paperback Guantánamo: What the World Should Know teams human rights lawyer Michael Ratner with political journalist Ellen Ray to reveal the truth about the ...
People of "the book" just like us...
Aug 01, 2007; ... Jews, like Muslims and Christians are regarded universally as "people of the book" (people of the Scriptures) and during a tour of some of the region's Jewish communities, LARRY LUXNER found that while much antipathy exists towards Israel and the Zionist policies employed by its government, ...
Gas 'cartel' idea puts the cat amongst the pigeons
Aug 01, 2007; ... Last month The Middle East discussed the early mixed messages emerging from the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Doha, on the idea of a gas producers' cartel. In this issue ED BLANCHE puts flesh on the bones of the idea that has led to considerable international anxiety and, in some cases, ...
ARABIAN FLAVOURS RECIPES AND TALES OF ARAB LIFE
Aug 01, 2007; ... ARABIAN FLAVOURS RECIPES AND TALES OF ARAB LIFE BV Salah Jamal published by Souvenir Press ISBN O 28563718 5 price £14.99 hardback Salah Jamal gives a different flavour to what it means to be a Palestinian. His book takes readers to a place that reveals more about a culture than failed ...
THE UNITED STATES V. I. LEWIS LIBBY
Aug 01, 2007; ... THE UNITED STATES V. I. LEWIS LIBBY Edited and with reporting by Murray Waas Published by Union Square Press ISBN 1 4027 5259 8 price £7.99 paperback Washington scandals come and go, but the one surrounding the investigation into the leaking of covert CIA operative Valerie Flame's ...
THE LAST WORD
Aug 01, 2007; ... Adieu Lebanon Over recent weeks several dozen Lebanese politicians have slipped away from their homes in and around Beirut to fly off to Paris, Amman, London or some other foreign bolt-hole, anywhere to put some distance between themselves and the assassins they believe are stalking ...
INSIDE HAMAS THE UNTOLD STORY OF MILITANTS, MARTYRS AND SPIES
Aug 01, 2007; ... INSIDE HAMAS THE UNTOLD STORY OF MILITANTS, MARTYRS AND SPIES By Zaki Chehab published by IB TAURIS ISBN 9781845113896 price £16.99 hardback What is the real nature of Hamas? Since their astonishing victory in the 2006 Palestinian elections, this has become the most hotly- contested ...
GULF INVESTORS FOCUS ON ARAB & AFRICAN NEIGHBOURS
Aug 01, 2007; ... The Arab oil producing countries in the Gulf are continuing to use huge financial surpluses from oil to increase their international investment portfolios with Arab and African neighbours increasingly the lucky recipients. A recent report by the respected Saudi-based Samba Financial ...
Egypt's "greenest of the green" at risk
Aug 01, 2007; ... The Zabaleen, Cairo's garbage recyclers are under threat. MEL FRYKBERG reports from Cairo. ACROSS FROM THE Moqattam settlement, nestling under the Moqattam hills, lie the remains of the ancient city of Fustat, on the outskirts of modern-day Cairo. Encapsulated in the medieval walls is a ...
Batelco slashes broadband business tariffs up to 50 per cent.(Bahrain Telecommunications Company B.S.C.)(Brief article)
Aug 01, 2007 ... As part of the Business Benefit Campaign, Batelco, Bahrain's leading Internet services provider, announced up to 50% reductions on its Business and Educational inet Broadband packages. With effect from 1st August 07, Business customers can pay up to 50% less in the rental ...
Haifa Wahbi sings for Southern Lebanon.(Sultry Lebanese singer Haifa Wahbi )(Brief article)
Aug 01, 2007 ... Sultry Lebanese singer Haifa Wahbi recently held a live concert at a park in the city of Soor in southern Lebanon, according to the Qatari daily Al Raya. 600 fans came from all over south Lebanon to hear the live performance and to welcome Haifa, showering her with flowers ....
Elissa films her third video clip.(Lebanese singer Elissa )(Brief article)
Aug 01, 2007 ... Lebanese singer Elissa has decided to film a video clip for her song "Kirmalak" (Just for You) from her new alum 'Bastanak" (I'm Waiting for you) after its success across the Arab world. Filming will commence in Lebanon next month. "Kirmalak" is written and composed by Lebanese ...
Hussein Fahmi dares any Syrian Actor to compete with an Egyptian Actor.(Brief article)
Aug 01, 2007 ... Famous Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmi has dared any Syrian actor to stand in front of an Egyptian actor in any film, according to the Qatari daily Al Raya. The handsome Egyptian actor's comments were prompted by recent newspaper reports about how Egyptian drama has lost its edge ...
Dubai chamber organizes first seminar to introduce financial firms to the participation process in mrm business award 2007.(Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum )
Aug 01, 2007 ... dubai chamber organizes first seminar to introduce financial firms to the participation process in mrm business award 2007 Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry organized a seminar dedicated for the financial firms operating at Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) to ...
Etihad guest launches first anniversary promotions.
Aug 01, 2007 ... etihad guest launches first anniversary promotions Etihad Airways' award-winning loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, has unveiled a series of spectacular promotions to celebrate its first anniversary. The 'Birthday Bonanza' prizes include tickets to the Formula 1 grand ...
Fortinet announces global alliance partner program.
Aug 01, 2007 ... fortinet announces global alliance partner program Alcatel-Lucent, AMD, ArcSight, ProCurve Networking by HP and Unisys First to Join New Three-Tiered Program the pioneer and leading provider of unified threat management (UTM) solutions - today announced a three-tiered ...
Jordan: ATV officially launches.
Aug 01, 2007 ... ATV, Jordan's first private, independent TV station, begins its official broadcast today. The station will provide its viewers with an array of films, Arabic and foreign dramas, cultural programs and news bulletins. Moreover, the station will cover children programs, family entertainment ...
Distree events launches secure enterprise summit in conjunction with digital business channel events in russia and the middle east.
Aug 01, 2007 ... distree events launches secure enterprise summit in conjunction with digital business channel events in russia and the middle eastAnnual business channel event returns for fourth year to Russia and third year to the Middle East; Event format expanded to include exclusive two-day event for ...
summer festival at lifestyle.
Aug 01, 2007 ... summer festival at lifestyleMake a purchase worth Dh100 and walk away with a free Dh20 voucher As part of its summer promotion, Lifestyle is offering all its customers the chance to walk away with a little more than they purchased. The regional retailer of home decor and ...
novacel shows its metal-protection films at metalcon,las vegas.
Aug 01, 2007 ... novacel shows its metal-protection films at metalcon,las vegas A world leader in protective films for industrial surfaces, Novacel will be at Metalcon International, the 17th Annual Conference and Exhibition for the Metal Construction Industry, from the 3rd to the 5th October ...
golden mobile announces the winner of the first mercedes c-class during"the nokia - golden mobile summer fiesta".(Mohammad Husam Zakarneh)
Aug 01, 2007 ... golden mobile announces the winner of the first mercedes c-class during"the nokia - golden mobile summer fiesta" Golden Mobile, the leading telecom distributor in the Jordanian market, announced on the 28th of July, 2007 the winner of the first of three Mercedes C-Class cars to ...
gulf bank customer wins salary for life.(Othman Thawab Alsebae)(Brief article)
Aug 01, 2007 ... gulf bank customer wins salary for life Sabhan Branch customer wins draw! Gulf Bank has announced its latest Salary for Life winner, Mr. Othman Thawab Alsebae, who is a customer at the Sabhan Branch. Othman is the fourth of six Gulf Bank customers to win a guaranteed ...
Hyper-connectivity is Nortel's focus at gulfcomms 2007- Nortel to also showcase several innovative technologies-.
Aug 01, 2007 ... hyper-connectivity is nortel's focus at gulfcomms 2007- nortel to also showcase several innovative technologies- Nortel* [NYSE/TSX: NT] will highlight the growing importance of Hyper-Connectivity at this year's GULFCOMMS at Gitex and will demonstrate how its promise of ...
Ibq goes online.(International Bank of Qatar)
Aug 01, 2007 ... ibq goes online The International Bank of Qatar (IBQ) officially went online, today, with the launch of its website www.ibq.com.qa, which closely reflects IBQ's corporate values and unique strategy, featured in both the web-design and content. The website is yet ...
Lufthansa: connecting Doha non-stop with Frankfurt.
Aug 01, 2007 ... lufthansa: connecting doha non-stop with frankfurtDoha customers very satisfied with the flexibility and efficient customer service Lufthansa inaugurated its Doha Frankfurt flights last year via Kuwait and Bahrain and continues to grow and enhance its products from and to the ...
nokia opens its first design studio in india.(Brief article)
Aug 01, 2007 ... nokia opens its first design studio in indiaUnderlines growing importance of India as a global design capitalPartners with Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, has chosen India as the location for the first in a series of ...
qatar airways scoops three skytrax awards.(Best First Class In The World)(Best Middle East Airline)(Best Cabin Crew In Middle East )
Aug 01, 2007 ... qatar airways scoops three skytrax awards Airline Honoured With Best First Class In The World Named Best Middle East Airline For Second Year Wins Best Cabin Crew In Middle East Award For Fifth Consecutive Year Qatar Airways has once again been honoured in ...
Initiatives offer better healthcare technology in Abu Dhabi's western region.(Brief article)
Aug 01, 2007 ... initiatives offer better healthcare technology in abu dhabi's western region New medical units increase the quality of life for patients in the remotest part of Abu Dhabi Emirate The Western Region Development Council (WRDC) and the Healthcare Authority today ...
Dubai world trade centre launches first-ever 'gitex technology week global conference'.
Aug 01, 2007 ... dubai world trade centre launches first-ever 'gitex technology week global conference' IBM-sponsored conference program to feature key seminars and strategic sessions that address hot topics and best practices within ICT industry Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) ...
Emaar, The Economic City signs SR250 million contract with Huta Group.(Brief article)
Aug 01, 2007 ... Emaar, The Economic City (Emaar.E.C), the Tadawul-listed company developing King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), has contracted Saudi Arabia-based Huta Group to undertake the development of water canals within the 168 million sq m mega-project. Dr Abdulraouf Mannaa, Managing ...
Sabah denies offending Rula Saed.(Lebanese singer Rula Saed )(Lebanese legend Sabah )
Aug 03, 2007 ... Rumors has it that the relationship between well-known Lebanese legend Sabah and Lebanese singer Rula Saed is coming to a dead end. Sabah recenlty expressed that she feels that lots of people have taken advantage of their relationship with her to rise fast in the music business and become ...
Will Hamaqi succeed over Amr Diab?(Egyptian singer Muhammad Hamaqi)(Egyptian singer Amr Diab)(Brief article)
Aug 03, 2007 ... Egypt's beaches are packed and reserved for concerts by different artists, who are trying to have as many singing performances as they can throughout the summer. Many Egyptians and Arab tourist are trying to get away from the busy life style in Cairo where it's filled with people to go ...
Laila Elwi fails to hid marriage.(Egyptian actress Laila Elwi )(Brief article)
Aug 03, 2007 ... In complete secrecy, prominent Egyptian actress Laila Elwi married Egyptian businessman Mansour Al Jamal, who resides in Belgium. Mansour is the uncle of Khadija, wife of Jamal Mubarak, son of Egyptian President Husni Mubarak. The marriage occurred after the couple had met ...
Gulf Bank Rewards ABWAB Magazine Interns with Red Accounts.
Aug 04, 2007 ... Every intern working at the magazine this summer was granted a RED account with Gulf Bank and shared in a 1000KD grant that was split between the participating students. The internship was sponsored to help encourage the students in their work at ABWAB, which is Kuwait's first ...
Another 500,000 dirhams and another lucky winner of DSS weekly raffle winners.
Aug 04, 2007 ... The 'Shop and win Millions' Campaign, organized by the Dubai Summer Surprises Office in coordination with Dubai Shopping Malls Group, is still spreading cheer amongst shoppers from different nationalities. The campaign is witnessing a rise in the number shoppers who are thronging to shop ...
Sorouh Real Estate a strategic investor in RealMAROC.
Aug 04, 2007 ... RealCAPITA , the global real estate development company, announced that Sorouh Real Estate, the leading property developer in Abu Dhabi, has become a significant investor in the RealMAROC project - a major development that will be implemented by the company in Morocco to provide economical ...
Cisco provides best work environment in KSA.(kingdom of South Africa)
Aug 04, 2007 ... As part of a unified strategy to deploy optimal environment work within its locations and offices worldwide, Cisco announced today its commitment to providing the best human resources practices in the Kingdom to set up the most ideal workplace and provide the best conditions that help ...
Emirates Islamic Bank announces results for the first half of 2007.(Financial report)
Aug 05, 2007 ... Emirates Islamic Bank has announced the results of the first half of 2007, recording a net profit, excluding the depositors' share, of AED 76 million, an increase of 48 percent on the results of AED 51 million for the same period last year. Total income in the first half of 2007 ...
Leading technology companies withdraw their booths at Gitex.
Aug 05, 2007 ... Several large IT firms have withdrawn their booths at Gitex 2007, the Arab world's largest IT expo hosted in Dubai. Although each manned stands in the past, Microsoft, Intel and LG said they would will participate in other ways this year. Gitex - the Gulf Information ...
Capital Club appoints Michelin-Starred Executive Chef.(appointment of Jeremy Bastiaan)
Aug 05, 2007 ... As construction on its premises in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) nears completion, the Capital Club has announced the appointment of Jeremy Bastiaan as its Executive Chef. With more than two decades of expertise in the hospitality industry, Netherlands native Jeremy joins ...
western region thanks the crown prince.(Brief article)
Aug 05, 2007 ... Mr. Mohamed Hamed Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Western Region Development Council, expresses his sincere gratitude, on behalf of the Western Regional Development Council (WRDC) and the people of the Western Region to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince ...
Ithmaar Bank Appoints Executive Director, Private Equity.(appointment of Michael McKinlay)
Aug 05, 2007 ... Ithmaar Bank announced the appointment of veteran banker Michael McKinlay as Executive Director, Private Equity, responsible for placement of a wide array of private equity investments and funds. Ithmaar Bank is a Bahrain-based investment bank with global reach, having subsidiaries and ...
BNP Paribas strengthens its position in the strategically important.
Aug 05, 2007 ... Mediterranean Basin by taking operational control of Sahara Bank in Libya BNP Paribas was selected as the strategic partner of Sahara Bank by the Central Bank of Libya recently. The Group thus becomes the first foreign bank to develop full service banking activities in Libya, in ...
new singapore country manager.(appointment of Michael Tan at Etihad Airways P.J.S.C.)(Brief article)
Aug 05, 2007 ... Etihad Airways has appointed Michael Tan as its country manager for Singapore.He will be responsible for Etihad's Singapore operations which include the launch of the airline's three flights-a-week services to Abu Dhabi and Brisbane which start on 28 September. Michael brings 35 years of ...
western region thanks the crown prince.(Brief article)
Aug 05, 2007 ... Mr. Mohamed Hamed Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Western Region Development Council, expresses his sincere gratitude, on behalf of the Western Regional Development Council (WRDC) and the people of the Western Region to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince ...
hh sheikh mohammed bin rashid al maktoum lends meac patronage.
Aug 05, 2007 ... HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and the UAE's Minister of Defence, has granted his patronage to November's third biennial Middle East Air Chiefs Conference (MEAC) - the region's premier conference on air defence ...
Istithmar revises offer to acquire Barneys New York for US$ 900 million.(Istithmar PJSC)(Brief article)
Aug 05, 2007 ... Istithmar PJSC, a leading private equity and alternative investment house headquartered in Dubai, announced today that it has revised its offer to acquire Barneys New York, the luxury specialty retailer, from Jones Apparel Group Inc. at ...
Lufthansa German Airlines offers the New Business Class and enhanced networks in Muscat, Oman More flexibility and comfort for Oman business traveler.(Deutsche Lufthansa AG)
Aug 05, 2007 ... More flexibility and comfort for Oman business travelers Lufthansa is growing and enhancing products from and to the Gulf region. Lufthansa offers three times a week flights to Frankfurt via Doha for its Oman passengers. The routes are operated using the Airbus A340-300 offering ...
New CrossGolf Unites SUV and MPV Worlds.(sport utility vehicle)(multi purpose vehicle)
Aug 05, 2007 ... Based on the Golf, the new variant of the world's bestseller, the CrossGolf is set to be unleashed on the streets across the region. It unites the can-do qualities of a compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with the practical versatility of a small Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) into a new ...
Logitech Also Introduces Updated G15 Gaming Keyboard.
Aug 05, 2007 ... Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today introduced the newest addition to its award-winning line of G-series peripherals for PC gaming. The Logitech[R] G9 Laser Mouse takes customization to the extreme, giving PC gamers the ability to modify nearly every part of the G9 mouse for the best ...
aruba extends enterprise networks to mobile users with new follow-me security and enterprise fmc solutions.(Aruba Networks Inc.)
Aug 05, 2007 ... Aruba Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARUN), a global leader in secure mobility solutions, today announced two new software products that afford mobile users the same phone and secure network access they enjoy at work when they are away from the office. The new Mobile Access Point software ...
Jeremy Bastiaan adds more taste to Capital Club's kitchen.(appointment of Jeremy Bastiaan)
Aug 05, 2007 ... As construction on its premises in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) nears completion, the Capital Club has announced the appointment of Jeremy Bastiaan as its Executive Chef. With more than two decades of expertise in the hospitality industry, Netherlands native Jeremy joins ...