2:27pm

Israel grants Golan exploration licence

Approval for US group Genie likely to stir diplomatic tensions

Analysis

HSBC Bank Chief Executive Officer Simon Cooper speaks during the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit in Dubai October 26, 2009. ©Reuters
HSBC Mideast chief sees exponentially growing connections
– Simeon Kerr
10:48pm

Qatar Holding plan will boost disclosure

Fund’s move to seek credit rating set to cast light on deals

An Egyptian holds a piece of bread to protest against the high prices of goods in Tahrir square in Cairo February 8, 2013. ©Reuters 7:12pm

Currency crisis hits Egypt’s wheat supply

Inventories fall as Cairo struggles to buy grain

Vehicles burn after an explosion at central Damascus February 21, 2013, ©Reuters MIDDLE EASTERN POLITICS & SOCIETY 3:32pm

Damascus car bomb kills at least 35

Blast near ruling Ba’ath party offices and further explosions reported

From UK 11:23pm

Britons allege torture after arrest in Dubai

Three arrested on drugs charges seven months ago say they were ill-treated

ECB ©Bloomberg IRAN 7:24pm

ECB faces US pressure over Iran

Congress targets cross-border bank payments

From COMMENT 7:07pm

Shale falls short for US energy security

The nation should not give up on renewable sources, says Bill Richardson

An Egyptian protester prepares to throw back a tear gas canister fired by riot policemen during clashes near Cairo's Tahrir Square ©AFP From COMMENT 7:05pm

Middle East: The strong arm of the law

Egypt is becoming more volatile as people increasingly stand up to security forces

Global Insight 6:50pm

West lacks will to arm Syrian rebels

Country risks dissolving into a patchwork of armed gangs

MIDDLE EASTERN FINANCE Feb 20, 2013

Cautiously optimistic mood supports UAE

Ebullience is justified but should be no reason for complacency

MIDDLE EASTERN FINANCE Feb 20, 2013

Nasdaq Dubai targets small businesses

Listing in exchange’s new market seen to ease capital shortage

MIDDLE EASTERN POLITICS & SOCIETY Feb 20, 2013

Egyptian opposition seeks a game plan

Liberal, leftist and secular opponents stuck without a strategy

MIDDLE EASTERN FINANCE Feb 19, 2013

Qatar plans $12bn investment company

Gulf state aims to boost international clout

Feb 19, 2013

Livni to join Israeli government

Hatnua party is first to sign coalition agreement with Likud Beitenu

Feb 19, 2013

Tunisia’s PM quits amid party wrangling

Jebali resigns after his failed plan to unite country

Feb 19, 2013

Gulf states buying up military hardware

Deals could underpin a future regional missile defence shield

Feb 18, 2013

Moscow evasive over Syrian-bound cargo

Foreign minister muddies waters after Finland halts shipment

Feb 18, 2013

Factories closed by Egyptian unrest

Port Said protesters seek probe into killings

MIDDLE EASTERN POLITICS & SOCIETY Feb 18, 2013

Death verdict seen as warning Iran leader

Sentences come amid worsening power struggle

GULF Feb 18, 2013

Bahrain needs urgent political settlement

Clashes put strain on talks between opposition and government

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