US engagement in Myanmar should be backed by pragmatism

By Paula J. Dobriansky In some respects, the challenges to democracy-building in Myanmar are greater than those in Egypt and Turkey  After five decades of brutal military rule, hopeful signs have emerged in Myanmar. The military has partially opened up the political...

No justice for Muslims massacred by Myanmar Buddhists

by Todd PitmanAP MEIKHTILA, MYANMAR – Their bones are scattered in blackened patches of earth across a hillside overlooking the wrecked Islamic boarding school they once called home. Smashed fragments of skulls rest atop the dirt. A shattered jaw cradles half a set of...

Mataf bridge ready to ease Umrah for disabled, elderly

JEDDAH: P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR The new mataf bridge around the Holy Kaaba opens for pilgrims this week. Only disabled and elderly pilgrims will be allowed to use the circular bridge that can hold 7,000 wheelchair-borne pilgrims per hour.“Since the bridge would be set...