IRAN: World powers ponder draft nuclear resolution as ElBaradei pleads with Tehran
Late-breaking developments today in the international standoff over Iran's nuclear program: The Times has obtained a draft United Nations Security Council resolution  scolding Iran for its nuclear research program. Also, at a press appearance, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei, who ends a 12-year tenure next week, practically with pleaded Iran to

IRAN, ISRAEL: Flexing muscles, turning up rhetoric in preparation for possible war
Things are not looking good for the possibility of a peaceful resolution between Israel and Iran over the latter's nuclear ambitions. Oil prices rose and hearts sank across the region this week as Iran began

EGYPT: Soccer rift makes Mubarak's oldest son a hero
If one Egyptian has benefited from the conflict between Egypt and Algeria following the two countries' soccer games in the World Cup qualifications, it would be President Hosni Mubarak's son Alaa, whose popularity among his countrymen has been on the rise following his dramatic statements against Algerian fans and officials. Alongside his younger brother, Gamal, a leading member of the ruling National Democratic Party, Alaa ( a b

DUBAI: Now, she can look pious in hijab and cool in her shades
Want to observe Islamic dress code while staying trendy in Dubai and Saudi Arabia’s scorching desert heat?  Put on a pair of gold encrusted BQ shades --  the world’s first sunglasses especially tailored f

IRAQ: TV commentator who criticized government is shot
Baghdad is buzzing about the shooting Monday night of a prominent TV commentator who regularly criticized the government on his show "Without Fences" on the privately owned Al-Diyar TV station. Imad Abadi was shot in the head and neck by gunmen using a pistol equipped with a silencer at about 8 p.m. as he rode in his car in the Salhiya neighborhood not far from Baghdad's Green Zone. He managed to keep driving to an Iraqi checkpoint, and doctors today said his chances of recovery are good. "For sure it is the