Middle East

Privatisation Plan Drawn Up

Industry ministry hopes to persuade local and international firms to invest in state-owned concerns.

18 Nov 05

Higher levels of scrutiny introduced to limit damage from corporate and individual dishonesty.

18 Nov 05

Women who’ve lost their virginity pay for dangerous medical procedure so their families won’t be shamed.

18 Nov 05

Insurgents blowing up pipelines add to technical hitches that prevent Iraq refining its oil and keep petrol queues long.

18 Nov 05

Outgoing prime minister is seen as a secular strongman who is well placed to tackle security problems.

18 Nov 05

Residents breathe sigh of relief as security forces regain control of city rocked by insurgent violence.

18 Nov 05

Dwarfs overcome discrimination and ridicule with support from pragmatic association.

18 Nov 05

Officials say there’s an urgent need to improve job prospects, in order to stave off instability.

18 Nov 05

Fears that HIV may be spreading prompts the authorities to investigate scale of infection.

18 Nov 05

Officials and activists voice concern at the number of women being murdered by their own families.

18 Nov 05

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