Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that Ankara is ready to step up the pressure on Syria by hosting an international conference of like-minded states to send a message of solidarity and support to the embattled Syrian people and to explore ways to further weaken and to isolate the regime. The intention to hold such a meeting was announced on Feb. 8 in anticipation of a Russian veto at the United Nations. “If the UN Security Council does not fulfil the mission...

Egypt’s first presidential election since Hosni Mubarak was overthrown a year ago will be held by late May, Reports citing a government minister said on Feb. 15. Army leaders who took over from Mubarak in February last year have faced street protests and widespread demands that they hand power over to civilians sooner than the end-June deadline they had set themselves. Officials announced earlier this month that nominations for the race would be accepted from March 10, ...

State-run newspapers splashed accusations of a US plan to spread “anarchy” in Egypt, escalating a dispute that Washington on Feb. 14 said must be resolved to ensure their continued military cooperation. Based on remarks by a government minister, the headlines marked another low in the crisis between Washington and Cairo triggered by the investigation into US-based non-governmental organisations that has resulted in criminal charges against Americans who have been ...

Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed on Feb. 15 reiterated the government’s resolve to realise a drug free society by making use of all available means to combat the spreading of drugs and prevent their smuggling into the Kingdom. He made the remarks while launching the longest ever anti-drug awareness programme, organised by Jeddah’s Drug Combating Department in Jeddah. The yearlong comprehensive programme features several programmes and activities aimed at educating the younger ...

Teachers are required to be up-to-date on their subjects in the interests of their students and also be familiar with the curricula and learning environment in educational institutions in an informal educational setting. This was the message of education experts on the third day of the International Education Forum and Exhibition organised by the Ministry of Education in Riyadh. Thousands of visitors, including elementary and high school students, came in groups to the exhibi...

Representatives of around 100 militias from western Libya have announced a new federation they say will prevent infighting and press the country’s new leaders for greater reforms. The new body includes brigades from many of the cities that saw the fiercest fighting during the eight-month civil war that ended with the death of longtime leader Muammar Qaddafi last October. Col. Mokhtar Fernana, the group’s leader, on Feb. 13 said the body will act a...

Gaza runner Bahaa Al-Farra treads carefully, braving the elements and potholed roads ravaged by years of conflict between Palestinian militants and the Israeli army, as he prepares to race at the London Olympics. The 19-year-old trains for three hours a day in Gaza’s Yarmouk soccer stadium, along the dusty streets and on the beach in well worn trainers that were donated to the Palestine Olympic Committee by wealthy Gulf state, Qatar. Palestinian athletes complain of a p...