Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

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This file photo shows Syrian singer Asala Nasri performing during a concert in the Yemeni southern port city of Aden, on February 14, 2008. (Reuters/Khaled Abdullah)

Opinion: Asala Nasri and the Banana Republic

by Abdulrahman Al-Rashed | Sep 26, 2014 | Opinion

Because the Syrian government is angry with Syrian singer and celebrity Asala Nasri, Lebanese authorities have detained her, revoked her passport and prevented her from traveling. These actions, taken on behalf of the government of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and...

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This file photo shows oil tanks at the Saudi Aramco headquarters during a media tour at Damam city, Saudi Arabia, on November 11, 2007. (Reuters/Ali Jareki/Files)

New refineries will boost Saudi share of petroleum products market: experts

by Asharq Al-Awsat | Sep 26, 2014 | Business

Al-Khobar, Asharq Al-Awsat—The opening of two new oil refineries in Saudi Arabia will help the Kingdom maintain and grow its share of the global crude and petroleum products markets, sector experts have told Asharq Al-Awsat. The SATORP Jubail Export Refinery, owned by...

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Afghan rival presidential candidates Abdullah Abdullah (L) and Ashraf Ghani (R) exchange signed agreements for the country’s unity government in Kabul September 21, 2014 (REUTERS/Omar Sobhani)

Opinion: A Ray of Light in Afghanistan

by Amir Taheri | Sep 26, 2014 | Opinion

With news from the Middle East dominated by horror stories, little attention has been paid to a small piece of good news from a remote corner of the turbulent region. Earlier this week, the outgoing President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai bid his fellow countrymen...

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Cyprus Defence Ministry released images of the boat, overloaded with people, on September 24, 2014. (AFP Photo/HO/ Cyprus Defence Ministry)

Effort underway to save boat stranded off Cyprus

by Asharq Al-Awsat | Sep 25, 2014 | World

Nicosia, AP—A cruise ship was trying on Thursday to rescue hundreds of people stranded aboard a small boat off Cyprus, and officials said they are apparently refugees who fled Syria. Salamis Cruise Lines Managing Director Kikis Vasiliou told The Associated Press that...

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Saudi security forces patrol Riyadh’s Al-Munissiyah district. AFP

Saudi court sentences 3 to death on terror charges

by Nasser Al-Haqbani | Sep 25, 2014 | Middle East

Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat—Riyadh’s specialized terrorism court sentenced three Saudis to death on Monday, and handed down prison terms to 20 more on charges related to terrorism, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The 23 men were convicted of a variety of charges,...