Tensions over British queen’s regal Jubilee lunch



Tensions over British queen’s regal jubilee lunch (via AFP)

A glittering lunch for the world’s sovereigns to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II was marked Thursday by a withdrawal, protests and sharp criticism of the guest list. Spain’s Queen Sophia has pulled out of Friday’s event at Windsor Castle, west of London, amid tensions…

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Gulf leaders agree to discuss a union proposal



Gulf leaders agree to discuss a union proposal (via AFP)

Gulf leaders agreed Monday to allow more time for further discussions over a Saudi proposal to turn the six-nation council into a union likely to start with the kingdom and unrest-hit Bahrain. The leaders who met in Riyadh have instructed their foreign ministers to “continue studying the report of…

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Rights groups urge release of UAE ruling family member



Rights groups urge release of 9 UAE Islamists (via AFP)

Two rights groups on Monday urged the UAE to release nine activists, including a member of the ruling family of the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, one of seven Emirati states. “The United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities should immediately and unconditionally release nine political activists,” Amnesty International…

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UAE sheikh held without charge: son



Islamist UAE sheikh held without charge: son (via AFP)

A member of the ruling family of Ras al-Khaimah, one of seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates, has been held “without charge” for days, his son said on Wednesday. Sheikh Sultan Al-Qassimi, a first cousin of the emir who heads the local branch of the Islamist group Al-Islah, was arrested…

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Solar cheaper than oil in long run, UAE royal says

Interview with Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, who is reportedly a member of the ruling family of Ajman in the United Arab Emirates: