Topic: United Arab Emirates

Animals come first in an Arabian desert sanctuary

Conservationist Ronel Smuts cares for exotic and endangered animals rescued from the black market.

U.S. and Iraq near a 'bridge' deal on status of U.S. troops

By the end of July, they hope to finalize a deal that would map out the role and "time horizon" for US troops in the country.

World

Kuwaiti author creates 99 new superheroes

Naif al-Mutawa wrote 'The 99,' a comic book series based on Islamic ideas, which aims to promote tolerance.

Kuwait's empowered Islamists question all things Western

After an Islamist victory in Kuwaiti elections, lawmakers' new agenda reflects a regional debate over the pace of social change as economies surge.

Syria sees warming ties in Middle East

Its improved standing poses challenge to US policy of isolation.

Scholars accepted to grad school, but stuck in Gaza

Three Fulbright scholars are waiting to see if Israel will allow them to leave Gaza to study in the United States.

Hurdle for future cities: human habits

Technology will not solve all green problems, some say.

Arab states still wary of investing in Iraq

At a United Nations conference in Sweden Thursday, Iraq appealed for debt forgiveness to boost development.

U.S. rebuilds French connection

The Pentagon hopes better ties will strengthen NATO and boost the mission in Afghanistan.

Going ‘green’ has Willets Point seeing red

Long-neglected area of New York City slated to become ecofriendly development; locals feel ignored.

Today's number: 387

Zero-Emissions City

As Baghdad grapples with Sadr City, Iraqi Kurdistan busily builds 'Dream City'

The Kurdistan Regional Government is briskly pursuing oil and gas contracts and economic development, a drive that is chafing Iraq's central government in Baghdad.

In Saudi Arabia, moderate article on Islam draws death fatwa

The response to threats against Abdullah Bejad al-Oteibi exposes a shifting balance between moderate and extremist versions of Islam in Saudi society.

The Monitor's View: What Bush can win while at the Olympics in China

He can persuade China not to trade with an Iran racing to make weapons-grade uranium.

Opinion: Oil for nukes – mostly a bad idea

Bartering nuclear technology for oil is a path to the spread of nuclear weapons.

World

Frontier markets lure – and reward – hardy investors

Risks have been rewarded by diving into Bangladesh, Ukraine, and other small developing nations.

Permanent U.S. bases in Iraq unlikely

A US-Iraq security pact won't set troop levels now, but it could set the stage for long-term strategy.

France takes more assertive role in Gulf with planned military base in the U.A.E.

On a three-day trip, President Nicolas Sarkozy also inked economic and nuclear deals with Gulf states.

Reporters on the Job

U.S.-Iran naval confrontation in Gulf raises tensions

While the US State Department demands an explanation, Iran's Foreign Ministry calls the incident 'normal.'

Bush takes altered goals to Mideast

His trip includes Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The Monitor's View: Bush drills for Middle East deals

Israel's demand to remove Iran's threat before a Palestinian deal could hamper President Bush's effort for peace.