Gulf sympathisers fund Taliban: US Jul 30, 2009
He did not identify the countries of the sympathisers, but nations on the Persian Gulf include Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. NATO officials in Afghanistan have estimated the Taliban raises up to $US100 million ($122 million) a year from the trade in narcotics, which has ballooned since the 2001 invasion by US-led forces. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Iran and Russia, scorpions in a bottle Jul 24, 2009
Not only the "axis" Moscow-Tehran-Caracas, but also Qatar and Norway, for instance, and sooner or later the Gulf Emirates, are ready to break up with the petrodollar. It goes without saying that the end of the petrodollar - which won't happen tomorrow, of course - means the end of the dollar as the world's reserve currency; the end of the world paying for America's massive budget deficits; and the end of an Anglo-American finance stranglehold over the world that has lasted since the second part... (Asia Times Online)
FINDING PEACE Jul 18, 2009
Though the Darfur rebel group JEM signed a good will agreement to pursue further talks with the government in February 2009, fighting continued on the ground, and the mediation process set up by Qatar in Doha appears stymied ... Participate in the UN/AU/Qatar-supported Doha peace process and accept and implement a comprehensive ceasefire in Darfur, as well as judicial reforms and transitional justice mechanisms, as key components for settlement of the conflict. (AlertNet)
Where rich countries are buying farmland Jul 9, 2009
In fact, Sudan is a particular target country, with Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar all pursuing deals there. A mooted Qatari deal in Kenya has prompted criticism from land rights activists there. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Opposition Urges Thai FM to Resign Jul 6, 2009
Kasit declined to comment on the charges after returning to Bangkok Monday from Qatar. Thailand was destabilized by months of protests by both supporters and opponents of Thaksin. (Time.com)
Letters Jul 5, 2009
"More than the nuclear issue, what the conservative oil sheikdoms in the Persian Gulf fear is Iran's brand of Islamist democracy that has mobilized masses of Iranians. The long-demobilized and politically docile populations in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) could use Iran as a reference society and question the legitimacy of their archaic and tribal political systems that are perpetuated by the US for the... (Asia Times Online)
Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen's Network Elects Officers, Prepares for Growth Jun 30, 2009
The new leadership was announced at the June 16-18 semi-annual MENA BWN Leadership Meeting in Doha, Qatar ... The eleven Founding Members of the Network are: Association des Femmes Chefs d'Entreprises du Maroc (AFEM), Bahrain Businesswomen's Society, Business Women Forum - Palestine, Dubai Business Women's Council, Kuwait Economic Society, Lebanese League for Women in Business, Business & Professional Women Association - Amman, Chambre Nationale des Femmes Chefs d'Entreprises (CNFCE), Qatari... (PR Newswire)
Should renewable energy include nuclear? Jun 30, 2009
Since 2008, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has signed multibillion-dollar nuclear deals with the UAE, Qatar, Algeria, Libya, and Morocco. At the same time, France is promoting nuclear as a form of renewable power because it emits low levels of carbon dioxide. (Christian Science Monitor)
Can Lebanon's Hariri work with Hezbollah? Jun 30, 2009
A compromise deal brokered by Qatar eased tensions and provided months of stability leading to the parliamentary elections on June 7. A spirit of reconciliation with Hezbollah. (Christian Science Monitor)
Two-member LHC bench declares accountability court verdict null and void Jun 27, 2009
In response, Nawazs lawyer Khawaja Haris claimed the helicopter in question was the property of Sheikh Abdul Rehman Al-Sani of Qatar. He said NAB had failed to summon Al-Sani as a witness in the case. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
THE PRO-TEHRAN 'WORLD COMMUNITY' Jun 27, 2009
Syria and most other pals of Iran -- Qatar, Libya, Yemen, even Turkey -- are mere regional players, and their friendship may mean little in the global sense. But the alliance with Venezuela's Hugo Chavez could have world-shaking economic ramifications should the oil markets turn vulnerable to some ploy by the two petro-powers. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Sarkozy speaks out against burka Jun 23, 2009
Page last updated at 16:47 GMT, Monday, 22 June 2009 17:47 UK. Mr Sarkozy was speaking at a special session of parliament in Versailles. (BBC News -- Europe)
Sarkozy: Burqas 'Not Welcome' In France Jun 23, 2009
Later Monday, Sarkozy was expected to host a state dinner with Sheik Hamad Bin Jassem Al Thani of Qatar. Many women in the Persian Gulf state wear Islamic head coverings in public - whether while shopping or driving cars. (CBS News -- World)
Obama's Three-Part Case on Iran Jun 21, 2009
They served as officials in the administration of George W. Bush, at the State Department, Central Command in Qatar, and with the Coalition in Iraq. MORE.. (Time.com)
Elections still a display of democracy other countries dream of Jun 20, 2009
It was a display of freedom supporters of democracy in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates can only dream about. And a display that will have the rulers of those countries watching nervously. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Hundreds of Thousands Stage Somber Rally in Iran Jun 19, 2009
"He is a leader of a revolution against a system of which he's been an integral part of," said Mehran Kamrawa, director of the Center for International and Regional Studies at Georgetown University in Qatar. There have been widespread accusations of nighttime attacks on Mousavi supporters by pro-government militia, and protesters attacked a militia building after one rally. (Fox News)
Khanna: Could Iran crisis promote Mideast peace? Jun 18, 2009
Next, it can support a long-overdue security conference, likely convened by a Gulf Arab nation like Qatar, which enjoys solid diplomatic relations all around. The conference would include Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran and other participants to improve transparency over regional military maneuvering. (CNN -- US)
Professor, 30, student, 50. Is consensual sex OK? Jun 17, 2009
45 billion, to Qatar as the German automaker seeks to cut debt and stay independent of Volkswagen, Bloomberg News reports, citing two unidentified people familiar with the situation. Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Qatar may buy Porsche stake Jun 16, 2009
Qatar may buy VW or Porsche stake ... The Gulf state of Qatar is considering buying a big stake in either Volkswagen or its majority owner Porsche ... The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is in advanced talks about buying up to 25% of Porsche, according to a report in the Financial Times. (BBC News -- Business)
Stand up to Sudan's thugs May 28, 2009
Current discussions in Qatar between the regime and the increasingly powerful Justice and Equality Movement offer more of the same. Even a meaningful, well- monitored cease-fire seems beyond reach, especially given the gross inadequacies of the current UN/African Union peace support operation in Darfur. (Christian Science Monitor)
In remote north Darfur, an upsurge in clashes between rebels and government forces May 27, 2009
Peace talks between the two sides are set to resume in Qatar on Wednesday. But with fighting on the increase and trust at rock bottom, few experts hold out hope for any major breakthroughs. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Kuwait protest for women's rights May 22, 2009
MID-EAST WOMEN'S RIGHTS Women can vote and be elected: Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Palestinian territories, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Morocco, Tunis, Algeria, Iran Women cannot vote or be elected: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia There are no elections: Syria (holds presidential referenda in which women can vote), UAE, Libya ... In other Gulf states, such as Bahrain and Qatar, women can already vote and stand for election. (Yahoo News -- Kuwait)
Syria moves from pariah to power broker May 20, 2009
At March's Arab summit in Qatar, President Bashar al-Assad declared the death of the Saudi-led Arab Peace Initiative, which would recognize Israel in return for Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories. Syria also reaffirmed its support of Hamas, whose political head, Khaled Mashaal, is based in Damascus and met with Iran's Mr. Ahmadinejad during his visit. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Patel finds market economy suits him just fine May 20, 2009
Similarly, listed civil engineering and construction group Stefanutti Stocks said that despite the cancellation of large projects in Dubai, it believed the region would provide growth opportunities, particularly in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman. It has shown faith in this belief by establishing an office in Dubai as a base. (Business Report, South Africa)
Battle royale May 19, 2009
" Mr Mutharika, an India and US-trained development economist, has been praised by Western donor nations for his fiscal discipline. He has overseen economic grow of more than 8% - the world's highest this year, after the oil-rich gulf state of Qatar. Should he lose on Tuesday, Mr Mutharika, who had a long career at the World Bank and the Economic Commission of Africa, promised he would retire from active politics. In all, seven candidates - including Malawi's first ever woman presidential... (BBC News -- Africa)
Without foreign coverage, we miss more than news May 19, 2009
Doha, Qatar - For years now, those of us working in and around international media have grown used to hearing about slashed foreign news budgets an overseas bureau cut here, yet another correspondent post dropped there. The shrinking of news from the far reaches of the globe is a problem only partially addressed by a few financially constrained news agencies and a couple of hopeful media upstarts with untried business models or limited audiences. (Christian Science Monitor)
UN peacekeepers condemn rebel attacks against Sudanese forces in DarfurSudanese President puts death toll from Darfur crisis at 10,000Chad opts for UN mediation to resolve crisis with SudanUN worried over inter-ethnic clashes in Southern Sudan UNHCR expresses concern over renewed fighting in SomaliaUNHCR expresses concern over renewed fighting in Somalia'Operation against Somali pirates a success'UN envoy condemns efforts to grab power in Mogadishu CHAN champions DR Congo to play NamibiaUN Security Council visits DR Congo MondayAfDB grants US$97.18m to DRCPresident Kabila moves to combat corruption Ivorian Prime Minister urges mutinous soldiers to remain calmGbagbo: "Whoever delays Ivorian elections is a criminal"Gbagbo reaffirms his desire for Ivorian peaceGbagbo signs Ivorian amnesty law ON THE WIRE Malawians go to polls Tuesday in closest-ever pollsBlantyre, Malawi (PANA) - Malawi's registered 5.9 million voters go to the pollsTuesday in the southern African country'stightest of races, pitting incumbent president Bingu wa Mutharika against a united opposition. 17/05/2009 Full Text... May 18, 2009
Mutharika, an India and US-trained development economist, has been praised by We stern donor nation for his fiscal discipline which has seen the southern African nation's agro-based economy grow by upwards of eight per cent this year, becoming the world highest growth after the oil-rich gulf state of Qatar. In all, seven candidates - including Malawi's first ever woman presidential aspi rant Loveness Gondwe and an independent, James Nyondo - are running for president. (Panapress.com)
* Kuwaitis head to polls, hope for end to power tussles May 17, 2009
Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have all transformed themselves from desert backwaters into commercial, financial and tourist centers that attract foreign investors. By contrast, parliament has blocked many of Kuwaits major projects and the state was forced to rescue a major bank last year. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Sudan accuses Chad of air attack May 16, 2009
That accusation came two days after Chad and Sudan had signed a reconciliation agreement in Qatar. Officials in Chad said 220 rebels were killed and 120 captured. (BBC News -- Africa)
Briefing: The motives of Hamas May 14, 2009
It has received substantial aid from Iran as well as from donors in Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. What is Hamas's relationship with regional players. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Hammam wins election to retain FIFA committee seat May 8, 2009
The Qatari businessman had said he would resign as head of the AFC if he had lost the election ... " Prior to Friday's vote, Hammam aimed to placate opponents by dropping his contentious push to move the AFC headquarters from Malaysia to Qatar. The fractious election campaign prompted FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Friday to plea for more co-operation in Asia. "I appeal to the congress for the unity of the Asian family. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Asian nations to rule in KL on Kuwait vote in FIFA poll May 8, 2009
Qatari businessman Mohamad Bin Hammam, president of the 46-member AFC, is being challenged for his FIFA seat by Bahrain's Sheik Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa ... Both Qatar and South Korea have applied to host the 2022 finals. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Muqtada comes in from the cold May 7, 2009
Very noticeable is that he went to Turkey after having visited Iran, and he is likely to show up in Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, before December. This repeats what has happened to leaders of military groups throughout history, when they reach a point where they are fed up with war and want regional or international legitimacy to rule, rather than be members of an underground movement. (Asia Times Online)
Asian soccer braces for showdown on FIFA vote May 7, 2009
"Kuwait FA has been barred from voting'' by the Asian Football Confederation executive committee, which met in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, said the KFA said in a statement. The AFC did not immediately confirm the development but said a statement would be issued later. There was no word whether the executive committee of the 46-nation AFC had decided if Mongolia, East Timor, Afghanistan and Laos have the right to vote in the election. AFC president Mohammed Bin Hammam, who is standing for election... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Rigging fears over key Asian football vote May 3, 2009
The letter is the latest development in a bitter contest between Salman, a member of Bahrain's royalty, and Asian Football Confederation president Hammam of Qatar. The two men are former friends who are now locked in an open fight, accusing each other of buying votes. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
* World News Quick Take May 2, 2009
Ali al-Marri, a 43-year-old with dual citizenship in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, entered the guilty plea to conspiracy to provide material support to al-Qaeda before US District Court Judge Michael Mihm. As part of the plea agreement, a second charge of providing material support for terrorism will be dropped when he is sentenced on July 30. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Arab forum tackles a Washington taboo May 2, 2009
While attending a conference in 2004 in the tiny Gulf state of Qatar, I was invited to break bread with the ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and his wife, Sheikha Mozah ... My suggestion to Qatar's ruler was to stage a series of town hall debates in the country, get people arguing without fear of censorship or repercussions and tackle the hottest political topics in the Arab and Islamic worlds ... "Why would I accept less freedom than I get in Qatar?" I replied. (Christian Science Monitor)
Bitter FIFA fight to go to Asian vote May 1, 2009
Both the executive committee seat and presidency of the AFC will be at stake when 46 member nations choose between 13-year incumbent and AFC chief Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar and his challenger Sheik Salman Bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa of Bahrain - former friends who have become bitter rivals ... Currently bin Hammam is a member of the executive committee, sitting below South Korean Chung Mong-joon, who is a FIFA vice president, though the Qatari outranks the Korean within the AFC. ... " The enmity... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Sudan, Chad seek lasting peace at Qatar talks May 1, 2009
DUBAI, April 30 (Reuters) - Sudan and Chad will push ahead with talks in Doha on Friday aimed at creating a lasting peace agreement, Qatari and Sudanese officials said on Thursday ... "Our mission is to provide mechanisms that will make any deal or agreement viable for implementation on the ground and this is what we are working on now," Ahmad al-Mahmood, Qatar's minister of state for foreign affairs, said ... The way to break the vicious cycle of failed past peace deals is to agree on how to... (AlertNet)
Daimler posts loss as sales slump Apr 29, 2009
Its results came as rival Porsche declined to comment on reports that Qatar wants to buy a stake in the firm ... The interest in Porsche from the Qatar government was expressed by the country's Prime Minister, Sheik Hamad bin Jassem Al Thani, in an interview with a local newspaper. (BBC News -- Europe)
Darfur rebels sentenced to death Apr 28, 2009
In February, Jem signed a "declaration of intent" for a peaceful settlement of the war during talks with Sudan's government in Doha, Qatar. But Jem is now refusing to return to the peace talks, accusing Khartoum of not honouring confidence-building accords. (BBC News -- Africa)
Obama welcomes his first Arab leader to White House Apr 28, 2009
Before traveling to the US, King Abdullah had met with foreign ministers from the Palestinian Authority, Lebanon, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to ensure that he would provide the US leader with a united Arab voice. In many respects Jordan represented "a good part of the Arab world in terms of bringing over their agenda and listening," says Mouin Rabbani, a contributing editor to the Middle East Report. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Olympic Council of Asia threatens legal action Apr 20, 2009
FIFA's ethics commission is investigating claims made by one of its panel members that the OCA was offering inducements to support Bahrain's Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Khalifa in his campaign against Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar for the FIFA executive committee position ... The Korean FA said Bin Hamman used a phrase in a Qatari television interview that could be translated as threatening to cut off the head of its president Cho Chung-yeon. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
US-Israeli Differences Over Palestinians Emerge Apr 17, 2009
"Past prime ministers were prepared to make wide-ranging concessions, and the result of the Olmert-Livni government was the second Lebanon war, the operation in Gaza, severance of relations with Qatar and Mauritania, Gilad Schalit still in captivity and the peace process at a dead end," Lieberman's statement said. Schalit is an Israeli soldier held by Hamas-linked militants in Gaza for nearly three years. (Newsmax)
Q&A: The Chechen conflict Apr 16, 2009
DEAD REBELS LEADERS Dzhokhar Dudayev (1991-1996): Ex-Soviet air force officer, killed by a missile homing in on his telephone Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev (1996-1997): Radical poet, killed by Russian agents in Qatar in 2004 Aslan Maskhadov (1997-2005): Ex-Soviet artillery officer elected president in 1997, killed by Russian special forces. Abdul-Khalim Saydullayev (2005-2006): Radical cleric KEY WARLORDS Salman Raduyev: Died of internal bleeding in 2002, in a Russian jail Khattab: Killed by a poisoned... (BBC News)
US universities expand in the Middle East Apr 14, 2009
He points to other US universities opening branches in the Middle East, such as Cornell Medical College in Qatar and New York University's under-construction campus on an island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. He says Columbia's vision is different. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
'Put jobs before bankers' - Plaid Apr 5, 2009
Page last updated at 15:42 GMT, Saturday, 4 April 2009 16:42 UK. Put jobs before bankers' - Plaid. (BBC News -- UK)
Indonesia poll campaigning ends Apr 5, 2009
Page last updated at 22:50 GMT, Saturday, 4 April 2009 23:50 UK. By Lucy Williamson BBC News, Jakarta. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Which way now? Apr 5, 2009
Trying to lift the veil on Qatar. Berlusconi call puts Nato on hold. (BBC News -- Europe)
Opinion split Apr 5, 2009
Page last updated at 07:23 GMT, Sunday, 5 April 2009 08:23 UK. Do Kashmir separatists face poll blow. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Grace-and-favour homes Apr 5, 2009
Trying to lift the veil on Qatar. UK teenager 'saved by Facebook. (BBC News -- UK)
Mauritania: Thank You for Reparations - But Where is the Justice? Apr 3, 2009
Ould Taya was overthrown in a 2005 coup and now lives in exile in Qatar. Ousted President Abdallahi had pledged during the 2007 campaign to pursue national unity and reconciliation related to the 1990s murders. (allAfrica.com)
Israeli foreign minister: No 'concessions' Apr 2, 2009
"We want to tell the world that this man doesn't believe in peace and therefore we cannot deal with him," Abbas told an Arab summit in Qatar. His comments were reported by the official Palestinian news agency. (MSNBC -- International)
As Netanyahu takes Israel's helm, Syria skeptical of peace prospects Apr 1, 2009
At the Arab League summit in Qatar on Monday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that the 'real aim of Israel's recently elected government is against peace ... The "real aim of Israel's recently elected government is against peace" and the composition of Netanyahu's incoming Cabinet is a "clear, unsurprising message to us," Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said during the annual Arab League summit in Qatar on Monday. (Christian Science Monitor)
Why Arab leaders embrace Sudan's indicted president Apr 1, 2009
defied an international arrest warrant by attending the opening session of the Arab Summit in Doha, Qatar, on Monday ... His visit to Qatar's capital is the fourth time in two weeks that he has defied the standing international warrant for his arrest, coming after visits to the neighboring countries of Eritrea, Egypt, and Libya ... Gulf states like Qatar also worry that the indictment will scuttle their efforts to broker a peace deal in Darfur, in which they have invested much political capital.... (Christian Science Monitor)
Arab world backs Beshir Mar 30, 2009
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon, who has also flown in to the Qatari capital, will still attend the summit which opens on Monday despite the presence of Beshir, a UN official said ... Speculation had been rife in Doha that Beshir could stay away from the summit to avoid embarrassing Qatar, although the Gulf state is not bound by the rules of the ICC which indicted the president ... Qatar welcomes Beshir. (iAfrica.com)
Arab summit to back Bashir and ease divide over Iran Mar 29, 2009
An Arab summit in Qatar on Monday will seek to give backing to Sudan over an international arrest warrant for its president and ease a deep rift among Arab states over how to deal with ascendant Shi'ite power Iran ... Other Arab countries with good ties to Iran, such as Syria and Qatar, back the populist view in the Arab world that the policies of Hezbollah and Hamas are legitimate responses to Israel, which rejects returning Arab lands it seized in 1967 ... Israel's recent war on Gaza exposed... (International Herald Tribune)
Sudan's president thanks Gaddafi Mar 27, 2009
It is unclear if he still plans to attend a 29-30 March Arab summit in Doha, Qatar. Earlier on Thursday, Mr Bashir's office said he would be visiting Ethiopia, but he flew instead to Libya. (BBC News -- Africa)
With isolation over, Syria is happy to talk Mar 27, 2009
The Arab reconciliation is partly dictated by the Arab League summit meeting scheduled to start Monday in Qatar, where the Saudis and others want to create an impression of unity and avoid embarrassments. Still, one thing seems clear: Israel's recent war on Hamas in Gaza generated a tremendous popular anger that has shifted the ground of Arab politics. (International Herald Tribune)
Sudan's Bashir heads to Ethiopia Mar 26, 2009
The Sudanese government said shortly after the ICC decision that Bashir would defy the warrant by travelling further afield to an Arab summit in Qatar next week ... Qatar's prime minister has said the Gulf state was coming under pressure not to receive Bashir, though he did not say from whom. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Egypt backs Sudanese president Mar 26, 2009
The embattled leader has also pledged to attend an Arab League summit meeting in Qatar next week ... While Mr. Bashir, in theory, risks arrest when he leaves Sudan, the International Criminal Court has no enforcement police force, and Egypt, Eritrea and Qatar are not signatories to the court's founding treaty. (International Herald Tribune)
Despite warrant, Sudanese president goes abroad Mar 24, 2009
He has scheduled a trip to an Arab League summit meeting in Qatar a member of the league since 1971 on March 30th. Sudan's highest religious authority, the Ulema, or Muslim clergy, has urged him not to go, but Mr. Bashir has insisted he will make the trip. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Sudan's Bashir in Eritrea after ICC warrant Mar 23, 2009
On Sunday, Sudanese state media said local Islamic scholars had advised the president not to travel to an Arab summit in Qatar at the end of March. International experts say at least 200,000 people have been killed and more than 2. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Bin Laden calls for Iraq's 'liberation' Mar 15, 2009
"The countries of the Muslim world from Indonesia to Mauritania are divided into two: Some of them are crooked, while others are even more crooked," he added, in excerpts of the tape aired by the Doha, Qatar-based channel ... The 22-day Israeli offensive on Gaza, which ended Jan. 18 and killed more than 1,300 Palestinians, caused a rift between Egypt and Saudi Arabia on the one hand and Syria and Qatar on the other. (Insight on the News)
Holding Bashir accountable Mar 9, 2009
And he should urge all of America's allies to comply with the arrest order if Bashir decides to leave Sudan - there is talk that he may try to attend an Arab summit in Qatar later this month. Any country that continues to enable Bashir should be branded as an accomplice to his many horrors. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
