Militants targeted peace efforts in 2011 across Pakistan, Afghanistan

Analysts say the killings show al-Qaeda, Taliban have little interest in peace.

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Egyptian women seek larger political role after revolution

Activists said the government, civil society and the media have ignored women's political goals despite the role women played in the revolution.

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University students in Jordan launch first Arab integrity club

Students in Jordan seek to promote integrity and model behaviour among their peers.

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Yemen will recognise rights of all citizens: minister

Women's rights and the right of expression will be honoured by Yemen's new government, the Yemeni minister of human rights says.

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Iraqi army detains 19 suspected al-Qaeda members near Mosul

Among the detainees is a leading al-Qaeda figure who 'masterminded a majority of the terrorist attacks in the province'.

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'Youngest Bahraini inventor' earns praise for innovative physiotherapy device

Amina al-Hawaj, 23, has treated more than 100 patients who suffer from osteoporosis, rheumatism, and ligament injuries with her medical invention.

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Beirut conference sheds light on women's role in Arab Spring

Many conference participants said women need to be more assertive about attaining their rights in society.

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UAE measures aim to promote stability and avert crises: analyst

One of the government's recent moves was cancelling 2 billion dirhams ($545 million) of personal debt.

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Bahrain looks to attracting Asian investments in 2012

Bahrain attracted $300 million in foreign investment in 2011 despite the regional and international downturn.

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Arab clerics counter extremist thought

A number of revered Arab religious thinkers debated how to develop an ideological alternative to violence for Muslim youths.

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Deadly collapse of Beirut building renews rental law debate

Observers say the current rental law is outdated, and that landlords need to be able to raise the rent to do necessary repairs on older building.

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Islamic Group theorist: education and development can counter al-Qaeda in Sinai

Dr. Nageh Ibrahim said the region is poor and isolated and its residents are under-educated, creating fertile ground for extremist thought.

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Asmara left interior design to pursue art

The Lebanese singer burst onto the music scene with a song in the Egyptian dialect.

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Al-Qaeda delivers conditions for Abyan withdrawal

Observers say that al-Qaeda-linked Ansar al-Sharia wants to leave Abyan province to cut their losses.

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Uzbekistan terror group and al-Qaeda exchanging militants

UN reports suggest that the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) is recruiting in Europe for al-Qaeda.

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Ansar al-Jihad poses challenge to Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood

The Muslim Brotherhood will find itself in a direct confrontation with a group that advocates the use of violence.

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Yemen to reduce internet service prices

The government plans to expand internet service to Yemen's rural areas and lower prices for home subscribers.

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Mike Massy: My new album talks of love, life and the homeland

The multi-faceted Lebanese artist released 'Ya Zaman' after working on it for nine years.

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Al-Qaeda in Yemen relies on robberies and zakat for revenue: analysts

Affiliates of al-Qaeda use a variety of methods to support their operations against Yemen's government and the local population.

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Egypt's Islamists prevail in first phase of Shura Council elections

Observers say the Shura Council's current lack of legislative powers led to very low voter turnout.

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Egyptian stock exchange remains steady despite domestic tension

Analysts say strong activity from Arab investors and the continuance of the election cycle are providing support for Egypt's stock exchange.

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Al-Qaeda's top commander in Pakistan reportedly killed

Badr was one of five commanders killed in Miranshah, North Waziristan, officials say.

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Al-Qaeda reeling from numerous deaths among its leaders

Recent losses in Pakistan, the Philippines and Somalia have crippled the leadership structure of al-Qaeda and several affiliates.

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Artists cancel Kuwait concerts in light of Syria conflict

Organisers of the February Nights and Hala February festivals have cancelled all concerts and celebrations in an "act of solidarity with the Syrian people".

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Iraq publishes names and photos of wanted suspects

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior posted the names and photos at key security points around the country, and set up hotlines for citizens to call in with information.

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Al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda union attempt to raise morale: analysts

The affiliation is an attempt to bolster morale for al-Qaeda and al-Shabaab, which have faced major setbacks in recent months, security analysts say.

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Draft domestic violence law in Lebanon faces obstacles

Islamic religious authorities reject many of the bill's provisions, saying many of its protections already exist under sharia law.

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Views differ on plan to extend school day in Bahrain

Many students and parents say they do not like the plan, but education officials say it will significantly improve student performance.

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Artists celebrate Valentine's Day

All over the region, Arab singing stars gave Valentine Day concerts and charity performances for their fans.

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Operational decline led to al-Shabaab merger with al-Qaeda

Al-Shabaab's loss of credibility and operational control in Somalia left it with fewer options.

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Twenty-three terrorism suspects arrested in Anbar

Some of the suspects were wanted for recruiting children for suicide operations.

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Al-Qaeda secures haven by sabotaging peace efforts

Peace is "death" for al-Qaeda, Pakistan and Afghan analysts and security experts say.

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Iraqi forces detain 18 al-Qaeda suspects near Tikrit

Officials said the arrests included a dangerous "first generation" member of al-Qaeda in Iraq.

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Aden's 'Big Ben' to chime again after decades-long stoppage

One official says the repair of the clock signifies that it is time to make a collective and collaborative effort to rebuild Yemen.

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Al-Zawahiri's Syria statement seen as failed attempt to garner support

Syrian opposition figures and political analysts said Ayman al-Zawahiri's latest statement is yet another example of the organisation's decline.

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Lebanese leaders honour memory of Rafik Hariri

March 14 leaders in Lebanon said Hizbullah must give up its weapons for the good of the country.

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Preparations complete for Yemen's presidential election: official

Election officials in Yemen have prepared for the presidential election by increasing security and launching initiatives to improve media facilities.

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Lebanese playwright blends reality and fiction

A new play by Ghadi Mansour al-Rahbani examines the lessons a Lebanese expatriate learns when he returns to his homeland.

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Yemenis elect Hadi as consensus president

Millions of Yemenis went to the polls in the first election since former President Ali Abdullah Saleh stepped down.

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Bahrain to expand water distribution network

As Bahrain's local and expatriate population continues to grow, there is a need to build water and power projects to help meet future consumption needs.

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Five-year-old basketball talent draws attention in Jordan

Even though Ahmed Adelat is only in primary school, he has attracted the attention of the captain of Jordan's national team.

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Candidates and voters prepare for Egypt's presidential election

Elections officials have not set an exact date for the presidential race but several individuals are preparing to register their candidacy.

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Yemen education minister says schools need to be rebuilt

Conflict in some areas of Yemen left many schools damaged and adversely affected the education process.

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Inaugural GCC Film Festival opens in Doha

Festival organisers hope the event will nurture amateur filmmakers in the region.

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Civilians represent over 80% of victims in al-Qaeda attacks in Iraq

Officials say al-Qaeda's suicide attacks on mosques, weddings and marketplaces indicate the organisation's increasing weakness.

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Jordan grapples with ongoing water scarcity problems

The government will undertake several projects to meet a growing demand for water.

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Bahrain Spring of Culture Festival features diverse entertainment

The seventh edition of the festival will feature 35 events from performances by international stars to recitals by well known Bahraini poets.

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Al-Qaeda's attacks in Iraq spark outrage

The attacks that left 67 dead across Iraq have been described as 'savage and despicable acts unrelated to any religion'.

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Yemen offers expanded legal protection for women

The Ministry of Justice plans to contract 10 female lawyers to provide legal assistance to women in courts.

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Nadine Noujeim experiments with Egyptian cinema

A Lebanese actress makes the transition from TV and movies in her home country to roles in Egyptian films.

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Taliban use intimidation as psychological warfare, observers say

The Taliban's harsh tactics cost them support among the Afghan public.

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Saleh formally ends 33-year reign, Hadi takes power

Hadi vows to fight al-Qaeda, support development programs and expand the middle class.

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Islamists win majority in Egypt's Shura Council

Experts say the low voter turnout was a result of the council's lack of political power.

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Iraqi religious figures to help prisoners reject extremist ideologies

The Ministry of Justice hired 50 religious figures to offer guidance and rehabilitation to prisoners.

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Tribesmen condemn Taliban killing of 70-year-old baker

Taliban kill locals to frighten others, analysts say.

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Egyptian websites claim their place on Internet

Developers seek to bring Egyptian audiences to regional social networking sites, while others aim to promote online shopping as a viable alternative for local consumers.

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Lebanese organisations promote economic empowerment for rural women

Several agencies offer training and employment for rural women in specialised crafts such as embroidery.

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Ghassan Saliba draws inspiration from diversity of Rahbani theatre

A prominent Lebanese performer explains why he prefers theatre over other music productions.

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Iraqi officials praise Saudi Arabia's appointment of ambassador to Iraq

Iraqi officials praise Saudi Arabia's naming of a non-resident ambassador to Iraq, saying it will improve both economic and security ties.

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Aden looks to restore status as tourist destination

Officials say the repair and restoration of infrastructure projects and the return of stability and security will bring back tourists.

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