Razor wire returns Oct 18, 2009
The fact is that 80 per cent of the world's refugees are hosted by developing countries: Pakistan, Syria, Iran and Jordan. Among the developed countries, the US received 49,600 applications for asylum, France 35,400, Canada 34,800, Britain 30,500, and Italy 30,300. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Dawn in Damascus Oct 17, 2009
Once the center of the Islamic world, the Syrian capital is celebrating a cultural and economic rebirth despite authoritarian rule ... When more and more hands join in, a side door opens, and in walks President Bashar Assad the real one, not an actor whose family has ruled Syria for longer than I have been alive ... He sits at the next table and seems to be celebrating the fact that his latest book banned in Syria was short-listed for the inaugural Arab Booker Prize. (Concierge.com)
'Only a matter of time before terrorists use weapons of mass destruction' Oct 17, 2009
The fear that terrorist groups might be able to acquire WMD from rogue states such as Iran or Syria explains Washington's determination to confront Iran over its nuclear programme ... The regime of President Assad in Syria also seriously threatens western security, he says. (Yahoo News -- Biological and Chemical Weapons)
Jordan tightens Iraqi immigration Oct 16, 2009
In addition to those in Jordan, there are another million refugees in Syria, which introduced its own stricter rules on residency for Iraqis earlier this month. In both countries the influx has triggered prices rises in housing and goods and overcrowding in schools. (Yahoo News -- Jordan)
Friends No More? Why Turkey and Israel Have Fallen Out Oct 15, 2009
From Syria to Iran, the government has aggressively pursued closer ties with its neighbors. Amid the latest spat with Israel, Turkey signed a historic peace accord with its age-old foe Armenia and sent a 10-Minister delegation to Syria to negotiate the lifting of visa requirements for tourists traveling between the two countries. (Time.com)
Dubai's Damas replaces CEO Oct 13, 2009
Damas traces its history to 1907, when Abdulla's grandfather began working as a goldsmith in Syria, according 00004000 to an online company history. It now operates about 450 stores selling jewelry and watches across the Middle East. (India Times)
No easy Mideast peace Oct 12, 2009
Washington is pushing for a global Middle East deal that would see Israel strike peace with the Palestinians while Syria and Lebanon and Arab countries normalise relations with the Jewish state. Israel and the Palestinians relaunched their peace negotiations in November 2007 but the talks made little visible progress and were suspended in late December after the start of Israel's war in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. (iAfrica.com)
Captured Insurgent In Iraq: `I Will Fight Again' Oct 11, 2009
Instead, the second-year college student packed a vinyl travel bag and left home in Saudi Arabia for a trip that would take him on a smuggling route across the Syrian border and into the heart of the Sunni insurgency in Iraq ... Iraq's prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, has opened a feud with Syria over claims that it is harboring plotters connected to twin bombings in August at the foreign and finance ministries that killed nearly 100 people ... Maliki also says Syria has failed to clamp down on... (CBS News -- World)
Floods make spices too hot to handle Oct 9, 2009
Among other spices, jeera is likely to move up in the medium term on back of good export demand and a bad crop in Syria and Turkey. Indian Jeera is also quoting a low price in international markets. (India Times)
A Rapprochement Between Syria and Saudi Arabia? Oct 8, 2009
A Rapprochement Between Syria and Saudi Arabia ... A Rapprochement Between Syria and Saudi Arabia ... Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Saudi King Abdullah at al-Shaab palace in Damascus on October 7, 2009. (Time.com)
Rwanda queen-killing suspect held Oct 7, 2009
Syria suffering devastating drought ... Problems caused by drought in Syria. (BBC News -- Africa)
Syria Fashion Designers Splash Out In Debut Show Oct 7, 2009
DAMASCUS, Syria, Oct. 7, 2009 ... Dour Syria Looks To Lighten Image With Daring Fashion Competition ... (AP) The svelte models strutted down the catwalk in sexy dresses with bare backs and short hemlines _ all under the watchful portraits of Syrian President Bashar Assad and his late father, Hafez. (CBS News -- World)
Aer Lingus to cut almost 800 jobs Oct 7, 2009
Syria suffering devastating drought. We are the new right wing. (BBC News -- UK)
Without trace Oct 7, 2009
Page last updated at 04:14 GMT, Wednesday, 7 October 2009 05:14 UK. Families' anguish over Pakistan missing. (BBC News -- UK)
Boy killed in hallway of high school; student arrested Oct 3, 2009
Angelina Jolie visits Syria and more. Page: Barrymore was 'amazing' on 'Whip It. (Yahoo News -- School Violence)
Militiants Release First Video of Captive Israeli Soldier Oct 3, 2009
Speaking in Damascus, Syria, Mashaal said those who captured Schalit and held him were capable of taking "Schalit and Schalit and Schalit until there is not even one prisoner in the enemy's jails.". In northern Israel, reporters and cameramen thronged the Schalit home as an army general walked in with a manila envelope containing the video. (Fox News)
* World News Quick Take Sep 23, 2009
His employer, Al-Baghdadia TV station, and a family member have said that Zaidi had left Iraq for Syria and would travel on to Greece for medical treatment. Zaidi told TSR that he wants to launch a vast operation to rally Iraqi families in order to lodge a legal complaint against Bush. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Cuminseed price hits upper circuit Sep 22, 2009
Currently, cumin seed originating from India quoting at $2,200 per tonne is the cheapest available variety in international markets as against $2,450, $2,600 and $2,400 per tonne, originating respectively from Syria, Turkey and China. Hit by the global recession, exports of many spices from India decline during the first four months of 2009-10, including cumin seed. (India Times)
Iraqi shoe-thrower reported healthy Sep 18, 2009
Journalist undergoing medical checkups in Syria after release ... DAMASCUS, Syria - The Iraqi reporter who threw his shoes at former President George W. Bush and became a folk hero in the Arab world for his act is in a Syrian hospital undergoing medical checkups, his brother said Thursday ... Speaking briefly to The Associated Press over the phone, al-Zeidi said that his health was "good and under control." He said he feels comfortable in Syria and that he doesn't know details of his travel... (MSNBC -- International)
Iraqi shoe thrower released; says he was tortured Sep 17, 2009
The Cairo-based lawyer for the channel, Anass al-Bayaty, said a private plane commissioned by the owner was picking al-Zeidi from Baghdad Tuesday night and flying him to Syria before moving on to Europe. His brother Dargham said he would return home after his medical checkup in Greece to prepare for a tour of the Arab countries to thank his supporters. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
International patients travel to Med Center for world-class treatment Sep 17, 2009
With no success there, they moved on to Syria, where they said they saw 13 doctors none of whom could figure out what was wrong with Aram. Then, in 2008, the family sought help from the United Nations office in Syria. (KHOU.com, TX)
My Ramadan World Tour Sep 16, 2009
In Aleppo, Syria, Mohamed Atta thought he could build the ideal Islamic city. Daniel Brook | Sept. 10, 2009. (Slate)
Iraqi shoe thrower says he was tortured in jail Sep 16, 2009
From Libya, where he was awarded a Medal of Freedom, to Syria, where banners of praise were unfurled on street corners, Zaidi has been lionized. There was even an offer from a wealthy Saudi citizen to buy one of the shoes for $10 million. (Boston Globe)
More of this story Sep 14, 2009
And while traveling on a bus in Syria, I hit it off with a young Palestinian family who invited me to stay with them in a village near Hebron, in the south of the West Bank ... I wonder how I will be received, since I only spoke with this family one time on the phone after our original meeting in Syria. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Iraqi shoe thrower might drop TV Sep 11, 2009
The network has offices in Jordan, Egypt and Syria. Some questioned how al-Zeidi would be able to work again as a journalist in Iraq, where government officials offended by his moment of rage are inclined to avoid him. (MSNBC -- International)
The Architect of 9/11 Sep 10, 2009
As Nasser Rabbat, a Syrian-born MIT architecture professor who has published on Islamic Cairo, told me while on sabbatical in the city, "it's so dirty that even those of us who are enamored with the architecture think twice before going to look at the architecture." ... This worldview, in which the historical trespasses of the Western powers are exaggerated into a vast, ongoing, anti-Muslim conspiracy, unfolding on blueprints as well as battlefields, would color Atta's master's research in... (Slate)
Study abroad amends financial policy Sep 9, 2009
Juniors Adam Lovell and Kathleen Fallon are currently studying abroad at Damascus University in Syria and said they do not regret their decision to go around GW's study abroad office. Fallon said she will not get credits for her time abroad. (GW Hatchet, Washington DC)
Fifty Years On, Turkey Still Pines to Become European Sep 8, 2009
And it has forged alliances with Syria, Iraq and even Iran (after the contested June elections, Turkey was one of the first countries to congratulate President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on his victory). It's exactly these initiatives that could make Turkey even more valuable for the E.U., which is trying to boost its clout in the Middle East. (Time.com)
U.S., Cuba to Start Direct Mail Talks Sep 2, 2009
Then, there is special delivery to Venezuela, Iran, Syria, where else. by thesevenveils September 1, 2009 4:32 PM EDT. (CBS News)
Same Axis, More Evil Sep 1, 2009
North Korea was caught building a nuclear reactor in Syria (destroyed by the Israelis in September 2007) and defector reports recently made public allege Pyongyang is also helping Myanmar to build a nuclear reactor and plutonium extraction plant ... If North Korea and Pakistan are permitted to continue aiding and abetting Iran, Myanmar, Syria, and who knows who else to go nuclear, American strategic doctrine will have to scramble to persuade anyone that the U.S. retains truly persuasive military... (Human Events Online)
India in Nehru Cup final under AFC rules Aug 28, 2009
NEW DELHI: Defending champions India will take on Syria in the final of Nehru Cup international football tournament here irrespective of the results of their last round-robin fixture against the West Asians tomorrow and today's match between Sri Lanka and Kyrgyzstan. India may still get more than six points if they either draw or beat Syria tomorrow but even if they lose by whatever goal margin they will make it to the final for the second consecutive time ... So the final on August 31 will be... (India Times)
Click to read:Scots: Libya Broke Lockerbie Promise Aug 25, 2009
It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that if it turned out that Iran/Syria were the main culprits you'd have bugger all chance to get anyone extradited & tried in the West even if you were able to correctly identify the individuals involved ... Initially after the bombing most off the attention was directed at Syria, also in the frame was Iran as it was assumed that this was in retaliation for the shooting down of one of their airliners by the US Navy ... This was the common perception... (CBS News)
Newsweek: How we nabbed Al-Megrahi Aug 21, 2009
Iran, through its ally Syria, supported a par-ticularly bloodthirsty terror group known by its initials, PFLP-GC (the Popular Front for the Liberation of PalestineGeneral Command), which was known to be building bombs with barometric triggers, the kind you would use to blow up an airplane ... Nor was it looking for excuses to quarrel with Syria, which had positioned itself as the key to Arab-Israeli peace. (MSNBC -- International)
India face Lebanon in Nehru Cup today Aug 19, 2009
The Nehru Cup will give Houghton a chance to test his boys how they measure up to at least two quality sides -- Syria and Lebanon -- who are now vying for a place in the Asian Cup ... Houghton himself picked last edition runners-up Syria as the favourites to win the tournament at the Ambedkar Stadium, considering that the West Asians are inside top 100 in FIFA rankings at 95th and have beaten sides like China besides drawing Korea this year ... More than 20,000 people came to the Ambedkar... (India Times, India)
Palestinian Leader Renews Vow to Destroy Israel Aug 18, 2009
Israel allowed participants from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and the United States to travel to the West Bank while Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza, prevented Fatah members there from leaving the strip. The assembly, which was scantly reported in mainstream media outlets, ended late last week with militant statements and even a call from one member for the party to forge a strategic alliance with Iran. (Newsmax)
Bloggers' challenge: Is Cache Valley hospitable to newcomers? Aug 17, 2009
desertique wrote on Aug 16, 2009 10:58 AM:" Very interesting about suicide rates although I am not sure suicide rates could correlate to happiness based on political and socio economic structure of a society.I don't see that the suicide rate is extraordinary in Denmark or so high relative to countries such as Canada and the US.Both Canada and the US according to the most recent data of record have virtually the same suicide rate (per 100,000 persons) and there is no indication that Denmark is... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
French academic free on bail Aug 17, 2009
Sarkozy credited the European Union and Syria for helping obtain Reiss' release, echoing language he used when Afshar was let out of prison on Aug. 11 ... The weekend edition of the French daily Le Monde, quoting Syrian sources, said that Assad could travel shortly to Tehran to meet the Iranian president but would use the visit to use his influence to help gain full freedom for the French women. (MSNBC -- International)
Spices down on weak exports Aug 17, 2009
87 per cent at 11,672 rupees per 100 kg. Export demand continues to remain weak as leading global producers of the spice, Syria and Turkey, harvested a better-than-expected crop this season. The price trend, after sowing begins in October, will be determined by the monsoon, analysts said. (India Times)
Health care reform needed Aug 15, 2009
Power Wagon wrote on Aug 14, 2009 8:15 AM:" There somebody goes again...quoting ridiculous stats from 'WHO'. When are you folks going to start doing your homework? 'WHO' is another UN group...just like the Human Rights Council (chaired by some great places like Libya, Syria, Saudi Arabia etc) that says countries like Cuba and China have the best human rights record but condemn the US for 'human rights abuses'.By the way, the best country for medical care according to WHO? United Arab Emirates!... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
The Citizen's Cinema Aug 13, 2009
TheCitizensCinema wrote on Jan 12, 2009 1:13 PM:" "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Gran Torino" have each earned high praise in year-end film talk. I feel both suffer from a wearying heavy-handedness ("Slumdog" much less so, but it is a Danny Boyle film, after all). In the case of "Slumdog," it's the bombastic flourishes - loud dance music, blitzing cuts and sun-bleached hues - accompanying the scenes that often saps them of subtlety. And in "Torino," it's an almost insulting bluntness in Clint... (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Saudi Arabia wavers on Obama's plan Aug 13, 2009
"By comprehensive I mean peace between Israel and Palestinians, between Israel and Syria, between Israel and Lebanon and the full normalization of relations between Israel and the countries of the region," he said. "We're not asking anyone to achieve full normalization at this time. We recognize that will come further down the road in this process." But he added that Washington did want to see "meaningful steps by individual countries". (Asia Times Online)
Former presidents continue to be valuable assets Aug 12, 2009
When Navy pilot Lt. Robert Goodman was being held in Syria in 1983, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. (although not a president) led a delegation of ministers and others to help free him. ADVERTISEMENT. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Martin: Put former presidents to work Aug 10, 2009
Although not presidents, when Navy pilot, Lt. Robert Goodman, was being held in Syria in 1983, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. led a delegation of ministers and others to help free him. President Ronald Reagan was none too happy to see Jackson go, but the nation was grateful when he returned with our soldier. (CNN -- US)
North Korean ship detained off Andaman Aug 8, 2009
It has since emerged as a major source of proliferation; its alleged clientele include Pakistan, Syria, Iran, and now, Myanmar. In fact, some years ago, India had detained another North Korean ship that was carrying missile components for Pakistan. (India Times, India)
Pak exchanged N-tech for N Korean missiles: US Aug 8, 2009
In the 1990s, North Korea exported Scud and Nodong missiles to Pakistan, Iran, Yemen, Syria and reportedly Egypt. It entered into joint development programmes with both Pakistan and Iran. (India Times, India)
* Backpackers beware Aug 8, 2009
The self-ruled Kurdish area of Iraq makes up the northern part of the country and has borders with Iran, Syria and Turkey. It occupies an area about the size of Maryland and is home to nearly 3. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Fatah congress focuses on split with Hamas Aug 7, 2009
"Those divisions, however, were apparent at the congress. Earlier in his speech, Abbas referred to Hamas as "coup makers," and Hamas refused to allow 400 Fatah delegates in Gaza travel to the conference in the West Bank. But several snuck out via underground smuggling tunnels linking Gaza to Egypt, and some came by donkey. One woman even disguised herself as a Bedouin to make it across undetected.Israel made special accommodation to allow attendance by members from enemy countries such as Syria.... (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Bigamy against true Islamic law: Panel Aug 7, 2009
Turkey and Tunisia have completely outlawed it while in Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Morocco, Pakistan and Bangladesh, it has been subjected to administrative or judicial control,'' it said. In the Indian context, the commission said, ``Bigamy is not very common among Muslims and cases of men having more than one wife at a time are few and far between. (India Times, India)
Put Venezuela on the Terror List Aug 6, 2009
It is time for the Obama administration to put Venezuela on the State Department list of state sponsors of terrorism, right along the current rogues gallery of Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria. With regularity, new evidence emerges showing how the government of firebrand socialist Hugo Chavez aids one of the most insidious terror groups in the world: the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. (Human Events Online)
'Only a matter of time before terrorists use weapons of mass destruction' Aug 6, 2009
The fear that terrorist groups might be able to acquire WMD from rogue states such as Iran or Syria explains Washington's determination to confront Iran over its nuclear programme ... The regime of President Assad in Syria also seriously threatens western security, he says. (Yahoo News -- Biological and Chemical Weapons)
Iran confirms arrest of American hikers Aug 5, 2009
He recently produced stories on and Syria for the San Francisco, California-based New American Media, and won a top prize at the university in 2007 for his photos of the devastation in Sudan's Darfur region, the school said. Sandy Close, executive director of the nonprofit Pacific News Service, described Bauer -- a photographer whose material occasionally has been posted on her Web site -- as a "gifted linguist and photographer with a wanderlust for travel and a student of Arab cultures. He's a... (CNN -- World)
Abbas's big move to revamp Fatah Aug 5, 2009
Hundreds of Fatah delegates have arrived in Bethlehem over the past few days from various Arab countries, including Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. Meanwhile, about 400 Fatah members in Gaza are being denied permission to leave by Hamas. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Iran says 3 Americans arrested for illegal entry Aug 5, 2009
They were not interrogated," he said, adding that anyone who crossed the border illegally would be arrested. He said the Americans had Iraqi and Syria visas. Friends and family say Bauer, his girlfriend Shourd, and Fattal, were adventurous travelers who accidentally stumbled into the wrong place at the wrong time. Bauer is a freelance journalist and photographer based in the Middle East who has reported from Iraq, Syria, Sudan's Darfur region and Yemen, according to his Web site. He may have... (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
A Look At Travel In Iraq's Kurdish Region Aug 5, 2009
THE REGION: The self-ruled Kurdish area of Iraq makes up the northern part of the country and has borders with Iran, Syria and Turkey. It occupies an area about the size of Maryland and is home to nearly 3. (CBS News -- World)
Russian Subs Patrolling off East Coast Aug 5, 2009
We have the Russians off the coast and Devout Muslim Arif Alikhan as Assistant Secretary for Policy Development for Homeland Security and Devout Muslim born in Damscus Syria, Kareem Shora on the Homeland Security Advisory Council. This worries me. (CBS News)
Shared passions Aug 5, 2009
The pair had been staying in Damascus, Syria, but they and Fattal last week were in Iraqi Kurdistan, where Bauer was planning to report for NAM on presidential and parliamentary elections in the autonomous region, Close said ... He has written several stories on and Syria and taken pictures for NAM since the fall, and he's also had stories published by other outlets, including the Christian Science Monitor and the Nation. (CNN -- World)
3 U.S. hikers missing in Iran are Cal graduates Aug 5, 2009
In recent months, while based in Damascus, Syria, he filed several photojournalism pieces - often from the perspective of ordinary Arabs - that were published online by San Francisco's New American Media ... Close said Bauer, a Minnesota native who is fluent in Arabic, went to Syria last September. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Fatah: Hamas travel ban undermines inter-dialogue Aug 3, 2009
Hamas has rejected several requests made by Arab and foreign countries, including Egypt, Syria, Qatar, Russia and Turkey, to lift the travel ban on Gaza Fatah members. It reiterated the ban would be lifted if Hamas prisoners in the West Bank were released. (Xinhuanet, China)
It's time to give up on Iran and North Korea Aug 2, 2009
The questioner in that campaign debate two years ago asked Obama about five states: Iran, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela and Cuba ... It is not guilty of sponsoring terrorism in neighboring states, unlike Syria. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Top article: Adding Value To Humanity Aug 1, 2009
The region gave birth to civilisations such as the Assyrian and Babylonian in Iraq, Phoenician and Canaan in Syria and the Pharaonic in Egypt ... The Assyrians mapped out a road network to enable them to transport African ivory, Caspian furs and Indian spices across their empire. (India Times, India)
Fatah, West's Hope For Peace, Faces Critical Test Aug 1, 2009
Syria and Egypt are mediating, but its not clear if the conference can proceed without the Gazans. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (CBS News -- World)
Extremists Who Raided U.N. Offices Not Terrorists? Jul 29, 2009
Somalia expert J. Peter Pham said that it was difficult to gather consensus within the U.N., which lacks a formal definition of terrorism and whose full-fledged members include countries such as Syria and Iran, which the U.S. has accused of sponsoring terrorism. "In recent years, the U.N. terror list has not functioned as well or as updated as it did in the immediate aftermath of 9/11," said Pham, director of the Nelson Institute for International and Public Affairs at James Madison University... (Fox News)
Hamas Threatens To Derail Fatah Conference Jul 28, 2009
Abbas aides were not immediately available for comment on the standoff with Hamas, but a senior Palestinian official said Abbas had asked Syria, Russia and Turkey to intervene and help soften Hamas' demands. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the behind-the-scenes negotiations. (CBS News -- World)
Syrian football winsbusiness backing Jul 28, 2009
Syrian football wins business backing By an IWPR-trained reporter ... He is one of a growing number of Syrian businessmen and professionals who have been funding local football teams to enhance their social standing in the community through what is the country's most popular sport ... Syria has 14 clubs in the Premier League, four based in the capital Damascus and roughly two linked to each province, in addition to around 120 registered local teams. (Asia Times Online)
U.S. envoy in Syria: Obama seeks peace Jul 27, 2009
Mideast envoy in Syria: Obama seeks peace ... Syrian President Bashar Assad, left, meets with U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell at the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus, Syria, on Sunday ... DAMASCUS, Syria - President Barack Obama's special Mideast envoy said on Sunday that the U.S. administration is determined to achieve a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace settlement. (MSNBC -- International)
