World news and international headlines

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "_http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">  <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:og="http://ogp.me/ns#" lang="en" xml:lang="en"> <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://www.thenational.ae:80/news/worldwide","20110101204709","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1293914829"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <script src="/web/20110101204709js_/http://www.thenational.ae/vgn-ext-templating/scripts/common/cascadingMenu.js"></script>    <title>World news and international headlines - The National</title> <meta name="title" content="World news and international headlines - The National"> <meta name="Keywords" content="World news, International news, World international news"> <meta name="Description" content="International news, comment and analysis by correspondents around the world from The National, the leading English-language voice in the Middle East."> <meta name="WT.cg_n" content="News"> <meta name="WT.cg_s" content="Worldwide">  <script> var currentURL=location.href; var blogTitleKey = "blog_title"; var blogTitle="Blog Article Page"; var blogTitleIndex=currentURL.indexOf(blogTitleKey); //alert("index = "+blogTitleIndex); if(blogTitleIndex > 0){ blogTitleKey = blogTitleKey.replace(/[\[]/,"\\\[").replace(/[\]]/,"\\\]"); var regexS = "[\\?&]"+blogTitleKey+"=([^&#]*)"; var regex = new RegExp( regexS ); var results = regex.exec( unescape(window.location.href )); if(results[1] != null){ blogTitle = results[1]; var titleSplit = blogTitle.split(' '); var first,rest; var word = new Array(); for (i = 0 ; i < titleSplit.length ; i ++ ) { first = titleSplit[i].substring(0,1).toUpperCase(); rest = titleSplit[i].substring(1); word[i] = first + rest; } blogTitle = word.join(' '); } //alert("blogTitle = "+blogTitle); document.title = blogTitle + " - The National"; } var currentURL=location.href; var blogTagKey = "blog_tag"; var blogTagTitleIndex=currentURL.indexOf(blogTagKey); var blogTagTitle="Blog Article Tag"; //alert(" tag index = "+blogTagTitleIndex); if(blogTagTitleIndex > 0){ blogTagKey = blogTagKey.replace(/[\[]/,"\\\[").replace(/[\]]/,"\\\]"); var regexS = "[\\?&]"+blogTagKey+"=([^&#]*)"; var regex = new RegExp( regexS ); var results = regex.exec( unescape(window.location.href )); if(results[1] != null){ blogTagTitle = results[1]; var titleSplit = blogTagTitle.split(' '); var first,rest; var word = new Array(); for (i = 0 ; i < titleSplit.length ; i ++ ) { first = titleSplit[i].substring(0,1).toUpperCase(); rest = titleSplit[i].substring(1); word[i] = first + rest; } blogTagTitle = word.join(' '); } //alert("blogTagTitle = "+blogTagTitle); document.title = blogTagTitle + " - The National"; } </script>  <meta http-equiv="Content-Language" content="en-gb"/> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"/>  <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709js_/http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=45f4d8cb-f388-4e75-8203-17175ac888c8&type=website&popup=true&post_services=email%2Cfacebook%2Ctwitter%2Cgbuzz%2Cmyspace%2Cdigg%2Csms%2Cwindows_live%2Cdelicious%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Clinkedin%2Cbebo%2Cybuzz%2Cblogger%2Cyahoo_bmarks%2Cmixx%2Ctechnorati%2Cfriendfeed%2Cpropeller%2Cwordpress%2Cnewsvine&button=false"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/web/20110101204709cs_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/css/screen.css" media="screen, projection"/> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/web/20110101204709cs_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/css/print.css" media="print"/>   <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20110101204709js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/jquery-1.3.2.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20110101204709js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/jquery-ui-1.7.2.custom.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20110101204709js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/swfobject.js"></script> <script language="JavaScript"> var id = window.location.href; if(id!=null){ var finlaStatus=false; var x=getCookieByName("epi-currenturi"); if(x==null){ finlaStatus=true; document.cookie="epi-currenturi" + "="+id+"; path=/"; }else{ document.cookie="epi-currenturi" + "="+id+"; path=/"; } } function getCookieByName(cookie_name){ var results = document.cookie.match ( '(^|;) ?' + cookie_name + '=([^;]*)(;|$)' ); if(results) return (unescape(results[2])); else return null; } </script>   <script type="text/javascript"> function setCookie(c_name,value,expiredays){ var exdate=new Date(); exdate.setDate(exdate.getDate()+expiredays); document.cookie=c_name+ "=" +escape(value)+ ((expiredays==null) ? "" : ";expires="+exdate.toUTCString()); } function getCookie(cookieName) { var theCookie=""+document.cookie; var ind=theCookie.indexOf(cookieName); if (ind==-1 || cookieName=="") return ""; var ind1=theCookie.indexOf(';',ind); if (ind1==-1) ind1=theCookie.length; return unescape(theCookie.substring(ind+cookieName.length+1,ind1)); } var adid="%eaid!"; var surroundTag=getCookie("surroundId"); if((surroundTag == "")&&(adid != "")){ // check if the ad should start a surround session only if a surround session has not yet started surroundTag="srnd="+adid+";"; // setup the key-value for a surround session setCookie("surroundId",adid,30); // store the surround session id in a cookie. Set the expiration date of the cookie to determine how long the surround session should last. For example, if the surround session should last just one day, then set the expiration date for the cookie to tomorrow. } var article = 0; var category = ''; var demographics = ''; var vars = ''; var meta = ''; var admcdfp_sitelang = 'en'; var ord = Math.floor(Math.random()*10000000000); </script>             <script type="text/javascript"> function checkInterstitialAdv(){ var cookieValue = getSplashCookie("nationalSplashAd"); var firstAccessCookie = getSplashCookie("nationalSplashAd-control"); if (cookieValue == null && firstAccessCookie != null) { //Support #539 changed by ajcm var cookieTimeOut = '30'; var timetoBack = '30000'; var scriptvalue = 'tn.ae_transitional/transitional_homepage;sz=750x500;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord='+ord+'?'; var noscriptvalue = 'tn.ae_transitional/transitional_homepage;sz=750x500;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord=123456789?'; var requestBack = window.location.href; window.location = "/national/overrides/national_interstitialAd.jsp?scriptVal="+scriptvalue+"&noscriptVal="+noscriptvalue+"&timeOut="+cookieTimeOut+"&timetoBack="+timetoBack+"&requestBack="+getRequestBackUrl(); } else { _createCookie("nationalSplashAd-control","true",30); } } function getSplashCookie( cookie_name ) { var results = document.cookie.match( '(^|;) ?' + cookie_name + '=([^;]*)(;|$)' ); if ( results ) return ( unescape ( results[2] ) ); else return null; } function _createCookie(name,value,minutes) { if (minutes) { var date = new Date(); date.setTime(date.getTime()+(minutes*60*1000)); var expires = "; expires="+date.toGMTString(); } else var expires = ""; document.cookie = name+"="+value+expires+"; path=/"; } //added, ajcm, #727, include search form params function getRequestBackUrl() { var url = window.location.href; if ($("#searchID")[0]){ var searchParam = ($("#searchID")).serialize(); if (url.indexOf("?") > -1){ url = url + "&" +searchParam; }else{ url = url + "?" +searchParam; } } return encode(url); } function encode(str) { var result = ""; for (i = 0; i < str.length; i++) { if (str.charAt(i) == " ") result += "+"; else result += str.charAt(i); } return escape(result); } function decode(str) { var result = str.replace(/\+/g, " "); return unescape(result); } checkInterstitialAdv(); </script>  </head>  <body id="bodyid" class="channel-2"> <div class="page channel-homepage">  <div class="ad-leaderboard">      <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ if(typeof(ord) == 'undefined') {var ord = ''; } if(typeof(surroundTag) == 'undefined') { var surroundTag = ''; } if(typeof(article) == 'undefined') { var article = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } if(typeof(vars) == 'undefined') { var vars = ''; } if(typeof(meta) == 'undefined') { var meta = ''; } if(typeof(Comp_Name) == 'undefined') { var Comp_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Country_Name) == 'undefined') { var Country_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Team_Name) == 'undefined') { var Team_Name = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(admcdfp_sitelang) == 'undefined') { var admcdfp_sitelang = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } var scriptval = 'tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=728x90,960x60;tile=1;dcopt=ist;'+vars+';'+demographics+';'+surroundTag+';ar='+article+';lan='+admcdfp_sitelang+';!c='+category+';ord='+ord+'?'; var noscriptval = 'tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=728x90,960x60;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord=123456789?'; document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/'+scriptval+'"><\/script>'); //]]> </script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=728x90,960x60;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord=123456789" target="_blank"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=728x90,960x60;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord=123456789" border="0" alt=""/> </a></noscript>  </div>   <div class="header clear">  <link rel="icon" href="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon">  <div class="logo"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/"><img height="57" width="350" alt="The National" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/logo-the-national.png"/></a> </div> <div class="my-national-status" id="signInBlockRef"></div> <script type="text/javascript">  function increaseFontSize(size) { var p = document.getElementsByTagName('div'); for(i=0;i<p.length;i++) { var check=p[i].align; if(p[i].style.fontSize) { var s = parseInt(p[i].style.fontSize.replace("px","")); } else { var s = size; } if(s != size) { s = size } s += 2; p[i].style.fontSize = s+"px" } } </script> <div class="text-size"> <h2>Text size:</h2> <ul> <li class="small"><a href="javascript:increaseFontSize(12)"><img height="9" width="10" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-text-size-small.gif" alt="Small"/></a></li> <li class="medium"><a href="javascript:increaseFontSize(14)"><img height="11" width="11" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-text-size-normal.gif" alt="Normal"/></a></li> <li class="large"><a href="javascript:increaseFontSize(18)"><img height="14" width="14" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-text-size-large.gif" alt="Large"/></a></li> </ul> </div>  <script type="text/javascript"> function searchsubmit() { var strsearch = document.getElementById('searchquery').value; strsearch = strsearch.replace(/^\s+|\s+$/g,""); if(strsearch != null && strsearch != "" ){ return true; } else { alert('Enter Valid Search Keyword'); return false; } } </script> <div class="search-navigation clear"> <div class="search"> <form method="post" id="searform" action="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/search" onsubmit="return searchsubmit();"> <label for="search_query">Search:</label> <input type="text" class="placeholder-text suggestions contains-default-text" value="Search The National" size="20" name="searchKey" id="searchquery"/> <input type="image" class="image" value="Sign Up" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/button_search.gif"/> </form> </div> <div class="navigation contains-flyout"> <ul> <li id="News" class="current first-child"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news" class="channel-1"><span>News</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-1" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news">UAE news</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/courts">Courts</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/education">Education</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment">Environment</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health">Health</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/politics">Politics</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/science">Science</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/technology">Technology</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/tourism">Tourism</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/transport">Transport</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide">Worldwide</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east">Middle East</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia">South Asia</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/americas">Americas</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe">Europe</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific">Asia Pacific</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa">Africa</a></li></ul></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest News Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/russian-plane-explodes-after-engine-fire">Russian plane explodes after engine fire</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/palestinian-woman-protester-dies-from-tear-gas">Palestinian woman protester dies from tear gas</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family/al-ain-welcomes-its-first-baby-of-2011">Al Ain welcomes its first baby of 2011</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/fireworks-in-sydney-ball-drop-in-ny-ring-in-2011">Fireworks in Sydney, ball drop in NY ring in 2011</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/twin-drone-attacks-on-al-qaeda-hub">Twin drone attacks on al Qa'eda hub</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/worshippers-killed-in-bombing-outside-egyptian-church">Worshippers killed in bombing outside Egyptian church</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/the-world-enters-2011-with-a-full-plate-of-challenges">The world enters 2011 with a full plate of challenges</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health/mums-to-be-need-early-diabetes-warning">Mums-to-be need early diabetes warning</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health/hospital-to-educate-newlyweds-on-preparing-for-baby">Hospital to educate newlyweds on preparing for baby</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/thousands-rally-in-pakistan-against-blasphemy-law">Thousands rally in Pakistan against blasphemy law</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/tourism/the-world-welcomes-the-new-year"><img height="221" width="340" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/burj2.jpg"/></a> </div> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/tourism/the-world-welcomes-the-new-year">The world welcomes the New Year</a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/israel-stop-photos-of-hamas-suspects">Israel: Stop photos of Hamas suspects</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li id="Business"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business" class="channel-2"><span>Business</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-2" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights">Industry Insights</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation">Aviation</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking">Banking</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy">Economy</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy">Energy</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/markets">Markets</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/media">Media</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/property">Property</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/retail">Retail</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/technology">Technology</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/telecoms">Telecoms</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/travel-tourism">Travel & tourism</a></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest Business Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/russian-plane-explodes-after-engine-fire">Russian plane explodes after engine fire</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking/creditors-turn-555m-dubai-holding-debt-into-new-loan">Creditors turn $555m Dubai Holding debt into new loan</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/markets/emaar-financial-services-closing-down">Emaar Financial Services closing down</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/abu-dhabi-economy-to-accelerate-next-year">Abu Dhabi economy to accelerate next year</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/property/dubai-maintenance-fees-feud-could-drive-rent-lower">Dubai maintenance fees feud could drive rent lower</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/retail/al-sayegh-brothers-plans-to-open-up-to-25-fashion-stores">Al Sayegh Brothers plans to open up to 25 fashion stores</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/dp-world-to-hand-over-mina-zayed">DP World to hand over Mina Zayed</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy/discovery-of-giant-gasfield-sparks-frenzy-in-israel">Discovery of giant gasfield sparks frenzy in Israel</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/technology/bahrain-overhauls-its-2030-economic-blueprint">Bahrain overhauls its 2030 economic blueprint</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy/280m-malaysian-contract-awarded-to-uks-petrofac">$280m Malaysian contract awarded to UK's Petrofac</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking/creditors-turn-555m-dubai-holding-debt-into-new-loan"><img height="221" width="340" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/SaxoPress/AD2011010197205-The lobby of th.jpg"/></a> </div> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking/creditors-turn-555m-dubai-holding-debt-into-new-loan">Creditors turn $555m Dubai Holding debt into new loan</a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/markets/emaar-financial-services-closing-down">Emaar Financial Services closing down</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li id="Sport"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport" class="channel-3"><span>Sport</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-3" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/boxing">Boxing</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket">Cricket</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football">Football</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/golf">Golf</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/horse-racing">Horse racing</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/motorsport">Motorsport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/north-american-sport">North American sport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby">Rugby</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis">Tennis</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport">UAE sport</a></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest Sport Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/north-american-sport/san-francisco-to-host-americas-cup-in-2013">San Francisco to host America's Cup in 2013</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/redknapp-cautious-on-buying-despite-leeway-from-club">Redknapp cautious on buying despite leeway from club</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/wenger-the-championship-is-ours-to-win">Wenger: the championship is ours to win</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/dominant-dubai-put-six-past-10-man-baniyas">Dominant Dubai put six past 10-man Baniyas</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/al-wahda-end-barren-run">Al Wahda end barren run</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/bringing-asian-cup-joy-to-war-torn-iraq">Bringing Asian Cup joy to war-torn Iraq</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/familiar-scenario-but-federer-relieved-to-edge-out-soderling">Familiar scenario, but Federer relieved to edge out Soderling</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/now-its-tennis-for-anyone">Now it's tennis for anyone</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/nadal-gets-serious-for-new-season">Nadal gets serious for new season</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/live-blog-federer-v-nadal-in-mubadala-championship-final">Live blog: Federer v Nadal in Mubadala Championship final</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/goals-aplenty-from-ronaldo-but-no-trophies-for-madrid"><img height="221" width="340" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/sp01ja-Ronaldo.jpg"/></a> </div> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/goals-aplenty-from-ronaldo-but-no-trophies-for-madrid">Goals aplenty from Ronaldo but no trophies for Madrid</a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/familiar-scenario-but-federer-relieved-to-edge-out-soderling">Familiar scenario, but Federer relieved to edge out Soderling</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li id="Lifestyle"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle" class="channel-4"><span>Lifestyle</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-4" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/motoring">Motoring</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel">Travel</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home">At home</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being">Well being</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/house-home">House & home</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family">Family</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance">Personal finance</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion">Fashion</a></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest Lifestyle Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance/early-end-of-service-payout-in-reach-through-emirates-nbd">Early end-of-service payout in reach through Emirates NBD</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being/indulge-yourself-uae-top-massage-spots">Indulge yourself: UAE top massage spots</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family/al-ain-welcomes-its-first-baby-of-2011">Al Ain welcomes its first baby of 2011</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion/mens-fashion-walk-the-line">Men's fashion: Walk the line</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/toys-that-inspired-children-40-years-ago">Toys that inspired children 40 years ago</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being/tried-and-tested-the-vampire-facial">Tried and tested: the Vampire Facial</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion/new-years-hollow-promises">New year's hollow promises</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion/the-beauty-spy-on-exfoliating-gloves">The beauty spy: On exfoliating gloves</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being/m-is-all-about-new-beginnings-for-2011">M Is All About: New beginnings for 2011</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family/my-life-changed-when">My life changed when...</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family/al-ain-welcomes-its-first-baby-of-2011"><img height="221" width="340" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/NYBABYWEB.jpg"/></a> </div> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family/al-ain-welcomes-its-first-baby-of-2011">Al Ain welcomes its first baby of 2011</a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/channel-page/lifestyle/middle-article/hooked-on-america">Hooked on America</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li id="Arts & Culture"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture" class="channel-5"><span>Arts & Culture</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-5" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art">Art</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books">Books</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film">Film</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music">Music</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/on-stage">On stage</a></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest Arts & Culture Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/harrison-ford-the-gentle-giant">Harrison Ford: The Gentle Giant</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art/a-new-artistic-ecosystem-for-the-middle-east">A new artistic ecosystem for the Middle East</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/the-watchmans-rattle-inconvenient-truths">The Watchman's Rattle: inconvenient truths</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/rafik-schamis-subtle-arabesques">Rafik Schami's subtle arabesques</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/tom-clancys-credible-adventure">Tom Clancy's credible adventure</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/the-rise-of-the-e-reader">The rise of the e-reader</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/so-the-dead-speak">So the dead speak</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/egypt-pan-arab-and-bloody-nosed">Egypt: Pan-Arab and bloody-nosed</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art/the-nationals-best-photos-of-2010">The National's best photos of 2010</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/mathias-nards-zone-the-dark-side-of-the-sun">Mathias 脡nard's Zone: The dark side of the sun</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/agathe-von-trappe-inspiration-for-the-sound-of-music"><img height="221" width="340" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/SaxoPress/AD20110101632787-From left, memb.jpg"/></a> </div> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/agathe-von-trappe-inspiration-for-the-sound-of-music">Agathe von Trappe: inspiration for The Sound of Music</a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/harrison-ford-the-gentle-giant">Harrison Ford: The Gentle Giant</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </li> <li id="The National Conversation"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation" class="channel-6"><span>National Conversation</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-6" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment">Comment</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/analysis">Analysis</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/editorial">Editorial</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/letter">Letters</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/industry-insights">Industry Insights</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/news-comment">News comment</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/sport-comment">Sport comment</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/culture-comment">Culture comment</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/lifestyle-comment">Lifestyle comment</a></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest National Conversation Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/lifestyle-comment/a-helping-hand-with-baby">A helping hand with baby</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/culture-comment/reasons-to-be-cheerful-in-2011">Reasons to be cheerful in 2011</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/culture-comment/i-dont-have-to-party-just-because-its-new-year">I don't have to party just because it's new year</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/lifestyle-comment/the-instant-expert-holidays-at-home"> The Instant Expert: Holidays at home</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/lifestyle-comment/satisfying-the-everyman">Satisfying the everyman</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/lifestyle-comment/companies-with-green-strategies-most-likely-to-grow">Companies with green strategies most likely to grow</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/lifestyle-comment/the-art-of-empathy">The art of empathy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/lifestyle-comment/weather-the-storm-good-days-are-just-around-the-corner">Weather the storm - good days are just around the corner</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/lifestyle-comment/rearview-mirror-the-miura-sv">Rearview mirror: The Miura SV</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/sport-comment/wolves-got-muscled-out-of-the-big-time">Wolves got muscled out of the big time</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/culture-comment/i-dont-have-to-party-just-because-its-new-year">I don't have to party just because it's new year</a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/tunisias-crisis-requires-a-strategic-plan">Tunisia's crisis requires a strategic plan</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div>  <div class="breadcrumb-datetime clear"> <div class="breadcrumb"> <ol> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news">News</a></li> <li class="last"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide">Worldwide</a></li> </ol> </div> <script> var requestBack = window.location.href; var status = false; if( requestBack.indexOf("template.") == -1 && requestBack.indexOf("my-national-topic") == -1 ){ status = true; } </script> <div class="rss"> <h2>Feed: </h2> <p><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/national/overrides/national_rss_feed.jsp?prevChannel=f68c5a16c7ca6210VgnVCM100000fb6511acRCRD">Worldwide</a></p> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> try{document.getElementById("locale-time").innerHTML='<div class="datetime"><p class="time-day"><em>12:18AM </em>- Sunday</p><p class="date">02 January 2011</p></div>'; }catch(e){} </script> <div class="grid-container clear">    <style type="text/css">  .epi-panelMsg {font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;} .epi-indicator {z-index:999; overflow:hidden;background:#009900} </style>  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/web/20110101204709cs_/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/templates/template0018/767f8042e63051f99e383b10359c71ca/dhtml-css.css"> <script type="text/javascript"> $('body').removeClass(); $('body').addClass('channel-1 js'); </script> <div class="grid-12"> <div class="clear"> <div class="grid-6 grid-nested-first"> <h1>Worldwide</h1>  <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image-grid-6"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/missing-iranian-general-may-have-died-in-israeli-jail">Missing Iranian general may have 'died in Israeli jail'</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 2, 2011</p> <p class="lede">Some say the former deputy minister, who vanished four years ago, lives in the West and that Tehran is exploiting claims of his death. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/missing-iranian-general-may-have-died-in-israeli-jail" class="more">Read article <span> Missing Iranian general may have 'died in Israeli jail'</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div>  <div class="ad-mpu">      <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ if(typeof(ord) == 'undefined') {var ord = ''; } if(typeof(surroundTag) == 'undefined') { var surroundTag = ''; } if(typeof(article) == 'undefined') { var article = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } if(typeof(vars) == 'undefined') { var vars = ''; } if(typeof(meta) == 'undefined') { var meta = ''; } if(typeof(Comp_Name) == 'undefined') { var Comp_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Country_Name) == 'undefined') { var Country_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Team_Name) == 'undefined') { var Team_Name = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(admcdfp_sitelang) == 'undefined') { var admcdfp_sitelang = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } var scriptval = 'tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=300x250;tile=2;'+vars+';'+demographics+';'+surroundTag+';ar='+article+';lan='+admcdfp_sitelang+';!c='+category+';ord='+ord+'?'; var noscriptval = 'tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=300x250;tile=2;ord=123456789?'; document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/'+scriptval+'"><\/script>'); //]]> </script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=300x250;tile=2;ord=123456789" target="_blank"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=300x250;tile=2;ord=123456789" border="0" alt=""/> </a></noscript>  </div>  <div class="article-teaser"> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/yemen-mps-back-end-to-presidential-term-limit"> <img alt="Yemen MPs back end to presidential term limit" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/fo02ja-yemen01.jpg" width="340"/></a> </div> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/yemen-mps-back-end-to-presidential-term-limit">Yemen MPs back end to presidential term limit</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 2, 2011</p> <p class="lede">Lawmakers supported the motion, which would place no restrictions on Mr Saleh running for president and effectively making him a lifelong ruler, was met with opposition protests outside parliament. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/yemen-mps-back-end-to-presidential-term-limit" class="more">Read article<span> Yemen MPs back end to presidential term limit</span></a></p> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific/violators-of-chinas-one-child-policy-tortured">Violators of China's one-child policy 'tortured'</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 2, 2011</p> <p class="lede">Rights group says family planning is a source of income for Chinese officials who pressure mothers into hysterectomies and beat violators, while the government denies children services. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific/violators-of-chinas-one-child-policy-tortured" class="more">Read article<span> Violators of China's one-child policy 'tortured'</span></a></p> </div> </div>  <div class="grid-6 grid-nested-last">  <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image article-teaser-with-image-grid-3"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/millions-tune-in-for-2011-predictions">Millions tune in for 2011 predictions</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 2, 2011</p> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/millions-tune-in-for-2011-predictions"> <img alt="Millions tune in for 2011 predictions" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/SaxoPress/AD20110102380774-Michel Hayek, n.jpg" width="160"/> </a> </div> <p class="lede">The so-called Nostradamus of the Middle East sees a major assassination, Saudi Arabia rising to prominence in sport, more trouble in the piracy-hit Strait of Hormuz, and the American billionaire Bill Gates on the political stage. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/millions-tune-in-for-2011-predictions" class="more">Read article <span>Millions tune in for 2011 predictions</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/climate-robs-indian-tea-of-its-flavour">Climate robs Indian tea of its flavour</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 2, 2011</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">Planters fear steady deterioration in conditions in Assam, which contributes about 55 per cent to the country's total tea production, as rising temperatures have cut production. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/climate-robs-indian-tea-of-its-flavour" class="more">Read article <span>Climate robs Indian tea of its flavour</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/mubarak-blames-foreign-hands-for-coptic-church-blast">Mubarak blames 'foreign hands' for Coptic church blast</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 1, 2011</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">The New Year's Eve blast outside an Alexandria church killed 21 people, prompting angry protests over claims that security forces should not have allowed a car to park in front of the church and that rescue workers were attacked as they tried to tend to victims. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/mubarak-blames-foreign-hands-for-coptic-church-blast" class="more">Read article <span>Mubarak blames 'foreign hands' for Coptic church blast</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa/ivory-coast-president-elect-calls-for-force-to-oust-gbagbo">Ivory Coast president-elect calls for force to oust Gbagbo</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 1, 2011</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">A spokesman for Ivory Coast presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara said on Saturday that the West African bloc ECOWAS must use military force soon to oust Laurent Gbagbo or he would become entrenched in power. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa/ivory-coast-president-elect-calls-for-force-to-oust-gbagbo" class="more">Read article <span>Ivory Coast president-elect calls for force to oust Gbagbo</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/iranian-death-row-womans-son-asks-for-mercy">Iranian death row woman's son asks for mercy</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 1, 2011</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">He wants her execution to be stayed but added that his mother was guilty of murdering his father. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/iranian-death-row-womans-son-asks-for-mercy" class="more">Read article <span>Iranian death row woman's son asks for mercy</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/russian-plane-explodes-after-engine-fire">Russian plane explodes after engine fire</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 1, 2011</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">One person is dead and three are missing after a Russian passenger jet exploded when an engine caught fire while taxiing for take-off at a Siberian airport. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/russian-plane-explodes-after-engine-fire" class="more">Read article <span>Russian plane explodes after engine fire</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/palestinian-woman-protester-dies-from-tear-gas">Palestinian woman protester dies from tear gas</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 1, 2011</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">A Palestinian woman taken to hospital after inhaling tear gas fired by Israeli troops at a protest against Israel's West Bank separation barrier has died overnight. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/palestinian-woman-protester-dies-from-tear-gas" class="more">Read article <span>Palestinian woman protester dies from tear gas</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/fireworks-in-sydney-ball-drop-in-ny-ring-in-2011">Fireworks in Sydney, ball drop in NY ring in 2011</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 1, 2011</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">Nearly a million revellers crowded New York's Time Square to witness the traditional dazzling ball drop and fireworks lit up Australia's Sydney Harbour to usher in 2011. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/fireworks-in-sydney-ball-drop-in-ny-ring-in-2011" class="more">Read article <span>Fireworks in Sydney, ball drop in NY ring in 2011</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/twin-drone-attacks-on-al-qaeda-hub">Twin drone attacks on al Qa'eda hub</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 1, 2011</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">Two US drone attacks in Pakistan驴s lawless tribal district of North Waziristan has killed more than 10 militants. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/twin-drone-attacks-on-al-qaeda-hub" class="more">Read article <span>Twin drone attacks on al Qa'eda hub</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/worshippers-killed-in-bombing-outside-egyptian-church">Worshippers killed in bombing outside Egyptian church</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Jan 1, 2011</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">A car has exploded in front of a Coptic Christian church in Alexandria, killing at least 21 people, officials said. <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/worshippers-killed-in-bombing-outside-egyptian-church" class="more">Read article <span>Worshippers killed in bombing outside Egyptian church</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> </div>   </div> <div class="channel-conversation clear"> <div class="grid-4 grid-nested-last"> </div> </div><br/> <div id="conversationid" class="channel-conversation clear"> <h2 class="clear"><span>The National <span>Conversation</span></span></h2> <div id="conversationBlogs" class="grid-4 grid-nested-first"> <div class="extract"> <blockquote> <p class="text"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/channel-page/news/worldwide/middle-conversation-columnists-articles-list/kimchi-and-energy">As the establishment of the new King Sejong Institute for language and culture at Zayed University shows, South Korea's rising tide has made waves even here in the Gulf.</a></p> <p class="author"><a href=""><cite>National Editorial</cite></p></a> </blockquote> </div> <div class="extract"> <blockquote> <p class="text"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/channel-page/news/worldwide/middle-conversation-columnists-articles-list/chinas-new-leader-will-face-new-challenges">Xi Jinping is known for his deft touch. If, as expected, he becomes the leader of the Communist Party and president of China in 2012, he may have his hands full.</a></p> <p class="author"><a href=""><cite>National Editorial</cite></p></a> </blockquote> </div> </div>   <div id="conversationBlogs" class="grid-4"> <img style="margin-bottom: 20px;" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/coming-soon1.jpg" alt="The National"> </div>  </div>  <script type="text/javascript"> if (document.getElementById("conversationBlogs") == null) { document.getElementById("conversationid").style.display = "none"; } </script> <div class="clear"> <h2 class="super-special-heading">Worldwide <span> Sound & Vision</span></h2> <div class="scroller clear"> <div class="scroller-window"> <ul class="scroller-items"> <li class="first-child"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline">UAE aids reconstruction in Afghanistan<a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/uae-aids-reconstruction-in-afghanistan" class="more"> Watch video<span> 芒聙聹Vevo comes out swinging芒聙聺</span></a></h4> <div class="image"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/uae-aids-reconstruction-in-afghanistan" title="UAE aids reconstruction in Afghanistan"><img alt="UAE aids reconstruction in Afghanistan" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Video/20101209uaeinafghanistan159.jpg" width="160" height="112"/><img class="icon-multimedia" alt="(Video)" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-multimedia-video.gif" width="14" height="14"/></a></div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline">Young entrepreneurs in Afghanistan<a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/young-entrepreneurs-in-afghanistan" class="more"> Watch video</a></h4> <div class="image"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/young-entrepreneurs-in-afghanistan" title="Young entrepreneurs in Afghanistan"><img alt="Young entrepreneurs in Afghanistan" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Video/20101209 Afghan entrepreneurs 159x106.jpg" width="160" height="112"/><img class="icon-multimedia" alt="(Video)" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-multimedia-video.gif" width="14" height="14"/></a></div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline">Afghan farmers move away from poppy<a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/afghan-farmers-move-away-from-poppy" class="more"> Watch video</a></h4> <div class="image"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/afghan-farmers-move-away-from-poppy" title="Afghan farmers move away from poppy"><img alt="Afghan farmers move away from poppy" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Video/20101207poppies159.jpg" width="160" height="112"/><img class="icon-multimedia" alt="(Video)" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-multimedia-video.gif" width="14" height="14"/></a></div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline">Creating employment for Afghan women<a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/creating-employment-for-afghan-women" class="more"> Watch video</a></h4> <div class="image"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/creating-employment-for-afghan-women" title="Creating employment for Afghan women"><img alt="Creating employment for Afghan women" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Video/20101206 Afghan Women 4159x106.jpg" width="160" height="112"/><img class="icon-multimedia" alt="(Video)" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-multimedia-video.gif" width="14" height="14"/></a></div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline">Training Afghan forces<a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/training-afghan-forces" class="more"> Watch video</a></h4> <div class="image"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/training-afghan-forces" title="Training Afghan forces"><img alt="Training Afghan forces" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Video/20101205 Afghan Trainig 159x106.jpg" width="160" height="112"/><img class="icon-multimedia" alt="(Video)" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-multimedia-video.gif" width="14" height="14"/></a></div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline">Opec at 50<a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy/opec-at-50" class="more"> See interactive</a></h4> <div class="image"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy/opec-at-50" title="Opec at 50"><img alt="Opec at 50" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/File/20100909opec159.jpg" width="160" height="112"/><img class="icon-multimedia" alt="(Interactive)" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-multimedia-interactive.gif" width="14" height="14"/></a></div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline">Iraq's next chapter<a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/iraqs-next-chapter" class="more"> See interactive</a></h4> <div class="image"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/iraqs-next-chapter" title="Iraq's next chapter"><img alt="Iraq's next chapter" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/File/20100829iraqnextchapter159.jpg" width="160" height="112"/><img class="icon-multimedia" alt="(Interactive)" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-multimedia-interactive.gif" width="14" height="14"/></a></div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline">Women to watch<a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=8ea5b179679d8210VgnVCM200000e66411acRCRD" class="more"> See interactive</a></h4> <div class="image"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=8ea5b179679d8210VgnVCM200000e66411acRCRD" title="Women to watch"><img alt="Women to watch" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/File/20100529womentowatch.jpg" width="160" height="112"/><img class="icon-multimedia" alt="(Interactive)" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-multimedia-interactive.gif" width="14" height="14"/></a></div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline">The IPL team guide<a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket/the-ipl-team-guide" class="more"> See interactive</a></h4> <div class="image"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket/the-ipl-team-guide" title="The IPL team guide"><img alt="The IPL team guide" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/File/20100317ipl1cricket159.jpg" width="160" height="112"/><img class="icon-multimedia" alt="(Interactive)" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-multimedia-interactive.gif" width="14" height="14"/></a></div> </div> </li> <li> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline">Timeline: Iranian election protests 2009 <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/timeline-iranian-election-protests-2009" class="more"> See interactive</a></h4> <div class="image"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/timeline-iranian-election-protests-2009" title="Timeline: Iranian election protests 2009 "><img alt="Timeline: Iranian election protests 2009 " src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/File/20091228iranelectiontimeline.jpg" width="160" height="112"/><img class="icon-multimedia" alt="(Interactive)" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-multimedia-interactive.gif" width="14" height="14"/></a></div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="grid-4 grid-nested-first"> <ul class="sub-channels-headline-list"> <li> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe">Europe</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe/khodorkovsky-sentenced-to-jail-until-2017">Khodorkovsky sentenced to jail until 2017</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe/uk-would-back-troop-deployment-to-ivory-coast">UK would back troop deployment to Ivory Coast</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe/australia-floods-strand-200-000">Australia floods strand 200,000</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa">Africa</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa/ivory-coast-president-elect-calls-for-force-to-oust-gbagbo">Ivory Coast president-elect calls for force to oust Gbagbo</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa/driver-detained-in-egypt-crash-that-killed-us-tourists">Driver detained in Egypt crash that killed US tourists</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa/sudanese-president-sets-thursday-deadline-for-darfur-talks">Sudanese president sets Thursday deadline for Darfur talks</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul></div> <div class="grid-4"> <ul class="sub-channels-headline-list"> <li> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east">Middle East</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/yemen-mps-back-end-to-presidential-term-limit">Yemen MPs back end to presidential term limit</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/missing-iranian-general-may-have-died-in-israeli-jail">Missing Iranian general may have 'died in Israeli jail'</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/millions-tune-in-for-2011-predictions">Millions tune in for 2011 predictions</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/americas">Americas</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/americas/year-ends-on-better-note-for-obama">Year ends on better note for Obama</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/americas/haiti-cholera-toll-nears-3-000">Haiti cholera toll nears 3,000</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/americas/were-here-to-take-over-the-republican-party">'We're here to take over the Republican party'</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul></div> <div class="grid-4 grid-nested-last"> <ul class="sub-channels-headline-list"> <li> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia">South Asia</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/thousands-rally-in-pakistan-against-blasphemy-law">Thousands rally in Pakistan against blasphemy law</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/twin-drone-attacks-on-al-qaeda-hub">Twin drone attacks on al Qa'eda hub</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/climate-robs-indian-tea-of-its-flavour">Climate robs Indian tea of its flavour</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific">Asia Pacific</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific/seoul-seeks-to-resume-talks-with-north-korea">Seoul seeks to resume talks with North Korea</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific/violators-of-chinas-one-child-policy-tortured">Violators of China's one-child policy 'tortured'</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific/army-airlifts-hundreds-from-flooded-australian-towns">Army airlifts hundreds from flooded Australian towns</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> function createRequestObject() { var tmpXmlHttpObject; //depending on what the browser supports, use the right way to create the XMLHttpRequest object if (window.XMLHttpRequest) { // Mozilla, Safari would use this method ... tmpXmlHttpObject = new XMLHttpRequest(); } else if (window.ActiveXObject) { // IE would use this method ... tmpXmlHttpObject = new ActiveXObject("Microsoft.XMLHTTP"); } return tmpXmlHttpObject; } function chkTab(cur,a,b,c,d,e,f){ document.getElementById(cur).className = 'selected'; document.getElementById(a).className = ''; document.getElementById(b).className = ''; document.getElementById(c).className = ''; document.getElementById(d).className = ''; document.getElementById(e).className = ''; document.getElementById(f).className = ''; } //call the above function to create the XMLHttpRequest object var http = createRequestObject(); function makeGetRequest(type,param,cur,a,b,c,d,e,f) { document.getElementById('ajaxResults').innerHTML = '<div id="display" style="width:300px;margin-top: 10em; margin-left:auto; margin-right:20;"><img src="/staticfiles/images/portal/load.gif" /></div>'; //make a connection to the server ... specifying that you intend to make a GET request //to the server. Specifiy the page name and the URL parameters to send var selectedParam = ""; document.getElementById(type).value = param; selectedParam = document.getElementById('selectedParam').value; chkTab(cur,a,b,c,d,e,f); var realm = 'thenational'; var systemtype = 'CMS'; var systemid = '1'; http.open('get','/national/overrides/community/vcs/national_readersThought_call.jsp?selectedParam='+selectedParam+'&siteName='+realm+'&systemtype='+systemtype+'&systemId='+systemid); //assign a handler for the response http.onreadystatechange = processResponse; //actually send the request to the server http.send(null); } function processResponse() { if(http.readyState == 4 && (http.status==200 || window.location.href.indexOf("http")==-1)){ var response = http.responseText; document.getElementById('ajaxResults').innerHTML = response; FC.imageTeaser(); } } </script> <body onload="makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Most Viewed','t1','t2','t3','t4','t5','t6','t7');"/> <div class="readers-thoughts clear"> <input type="hidden" id="selectedParam" value=""> <h2><span>THE MOST </span>FROM THE NATIONAL</h2> <div class="grid-3 grid-nested-first"> <ul class="reader-tabs"> <li><a id="t1" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Most Viewed','t1','t2','t3','t4','t5','t6','t7');" class="selected">Most Viewed</a></li> <li><a id="t2" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Most Shared','t2','t1','t3','t4','t5','t6','t7');" class="">Most Shared</a></li> <li><a id="t3" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Most Commented','t3','t1','t2','t4','t5','t6','t7');" class="">Most Commented</a></li> <li><a id="t4" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Curious','t4','t2','t3','t1','t5','t6','t7');" class="">Curious</a></li> <li><a id="t5" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Inspiring','t5','t2','t3','t4','t1','t6','t7');" class="">Inspiring</a></li> <li><a id="t6" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Amusing','t6','t2','t3','t4','t5','t1','t7');" class="">Amusing</a></li> <li><a id="t7" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Hot topics','t7','t2','t3','t4','t5','t6','t1');" class="">Hot topics</a></li> </ul> </div> <div id="ajaxResults">  </div> </div> <div class="view-history clear" id="maindiv"> <h2><span>View</span> History</h2> <div class="clear-remove"> <ul> <li><a rel="nofollow" href="javascript:Delete_Cookie('nationalVisitors','/','')">Clear</a></li> </ul> </div> <div id="titleLinks" class="headlines-list grid-6 grid-nested-first"> </div> <div class="grid-6 grid-nested-last"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image article-teaser-with-image-grid-6"> <div class="image" id="image"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> var resultcookie= getCookieByName("nationalVisitors"); if(resultcookie !=null) { getCokkieDetails(resultcookie) }else{ removeDivs() } function getCokkieDetails(resultcookie) { var name='title:'; var start =name.length ; resultcookie = unescape(resultcookie); var ciTitle = getCiTitle(resultcookie); var ciLink = getCiLink(resultcookie); var target= checkDuplicates(ciTitle,ciLink); var imagepath = getImagePath(resultcookie); var targetimagepath = getTargetImagePath(imagepath,ciTitle,ciLink); document.getElementById('titleLinks').innerHTML = target; document.getElementById('image').innerHTML = targetimagepath; } function getCiTitle(channelsid){ var name='title:'; var start =name.length ; var titles=channelsid.substring(start,channelsid.indexOf("|")); return titles; } function checkDuplicates(ciTitle,ciLink) { var cilinks=ciLink.split("~"); var ids=ciTitle.split("~"); var target ="<ol>"; for(i=0;i<ids.length;i++){ target +="<li><a href=\""+ cilinks[i]+"\">"+ids[i]+"</a></li>"; } target +="</ol>"; return target; } function getTargetImagePath(imagepath,ciTitle,ciLink) { var cilinks=ciLink.split("~"); var ids=ciTitle.split("~"); var target = ''; if(imagepath!='null' && imagepath!=null && imagepath.length>0 ){ target = "<a href=\""+cilinks[0]+"\"><img height=\"220\" width=\"340\" src=\""+imagepath+"\" alt=\""+ids[0]+"\"></a>"; } return target; } function getCiLink(channelsid){ var link='link:'; var linkStart = link.length; var linkChannelsid = channelsid.substring(channelsid.indexOf("link:"),channelsid.length); var ciLink=linkChannelsid.substring(linkStart,linkChannelsid.indexOf("|")); return ciLink; } function getImagePath(resultcookie) { var link='imagePath:'; var linkStart = link.length; var linkChannelsid = resultcookie.substring(resultcookie.indexOf("imagePath:"),resultcookie.length); var path=linkChannelsid.substring(linkStart,linkChannelsid.indexOf("|")); return path; } function getCookieByName ( cookie_name ) { var results = document.cookie.match ( '(^|;) ?' + cookie_name + '=([^;]*)(;|$)' ); if ( results ) return ( unescape ( results[2] ) ); else return null; } function Delete_Cookie( name, path, domain ) { if ( Get_Cookie( name ) ) document.cookie = name + "=" + ( ( path ) ? ";path=" + path : "") + ( ( domain ) ? ";domain=" + domain : "" ) + ";expires=Thu, 01-Jan-1970 00:00:01 GMT"; document.getElementById("maindiv").style.display="none"; } function Get_Cookie( name ) { var start = document.cookie.indexOf( name + "=" ); var len = start + name.length + 1; if ( ( !start ) && ( name != document.cookie.substring( 0, name.length ) ) ) { return null; } if ( start == -1 ) return null; var end = document.cookie.indexOf( ";", len ); if ( end == -1 ) end = document.cookie.length; return unescape( document.cookie.substring( len, end ) ); } function removeDivs(){ document.getElementById("maindiv").style.display="none"; } </script>  <div id="recommended-reads" class="you-might-also"> </div> <script language="javascript"> var x =getRecommenedCookie('recommendedReads'); if(x!=null){ var innr="<h2 class=\"clear\"><span>Recommended reads </span></h2> <div class=\"scroller clear\"><div class=\"scroller-window\"><ul class=\"scroller-items\" style=\"margin-left: 0px;\">"; var ids=x.split(";"); var check = 'no'; for(i=0;i<10;i++){ if(ids[i] != null && ids[i] != '' && ids[i] != 'undefined') { check = 'yes'; y=ids[i].split(":::"); if(i==0){ if(y[1] == '') { innr=innr+'<li class=\"first-child\"><div class=\"article-teaser \"><h4 class=\"headline\">'+y[0]+'<a class=\"more\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"> Read article <span>'+y[0]+'</span></a></h4></div></li>'; } else { innr=innr+'<li class=\"first-child\"><div class=\"article-teaser article-teaser-with-image\"><h4 class=\"headline\">'+y[0]+'<a class=\"more\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"> Read article <span>'+y[0]+'</span></a></h4><div class=\"image\"><a title=\"'+y[0]+'\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"><img height=\"112\" width=\"160\" src=\"'+y[1]+'\" alt=\"'+y[0]+'\"></a></div></div></li>'; } }else { if(y[1] == '') { innr=innr+'<li><div class=\"article-teaser \"><h4 class=\"headline\">'+y[0]+'<a class=\"more\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"> Read article <span>'+y[0]+'</span></a></h4></div></li>'; } else { innr=innr+'<li><div class=\"article-teaser article-teaser-with-image\"><h4 class=\"headline\">'+y[0]+'<a class=\"more\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"> Read article <span>'+y[0]+'</span></a></h4><div class=\"image\"><a title=\"'+y[0]+'\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"><img height=\"112\" width=\"160\" src=\"'+y[1]+'\" alt=\"'+y[0]+'\"></a></div></div></li>'; } } } } innr=innr+"</ul>"; document.getElementById('recommended-reads').innerHTML = innr; if(check == 'no') { document.getElementById('recommended-reads').style.display = 'none'; } } else { document.getElementById('recommended-reads').style.display = 'none'; } function getRecommenedCookie(cookie_name) { var results = document.cookie.match ( '(^|;) ?' + cookie_name + '=([^;]*)(;|$)' ); if ( results ) return ( unescape ( results[2] ) ); else return null; } </script>  </div>   <div class="grid-4"> <div class="schlonck accordion"> <ul> <li> <h3 class="channel-1"><a href="#">News</a></h3> <div class="accordion-content channel-1" style="display: none;"> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news">UAE news</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/tourism">Tourism</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/technology">Technology</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/science">Science</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health">Health</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/education">Education</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/courts">Courts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/transport">Transport</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment">Environment</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/politics">Politics</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide">Worldwide</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa">Africa</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe">Europe</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/americas">Americas</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east">Middle East</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia">South Asia</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific">Asia Pacific</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="topics-list"> <h4>Topics</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/UAE ministries/Ministry of Labour">Ministry of Labour</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Location/Europe/Netherlands">Netherlands</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Location/Europe/Denmark">Denmark</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Location/Africa/Sudan">Sudan</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Location/Asia/China">China</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Events/Volvo Ocean Race">Volvo Ocean Race</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="in-this-section two-col clear"> <h4>More from The National</h4> <ul class="col-one"> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=">SOUND & VISION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">THE GUIDE</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/topics">THE NATIONAL TOPICS</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li> <h3 class="channel-2"><a href="#">Business</a></h3> <div class="accordion-content channel-2" style="display: none;"> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation">Aviation</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking">Banking</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy">Economy</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy">Energy</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights">Industry Insights</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/markets">Markets</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/media">Media</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/property">Property</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/retail">Retail</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/technology">Technology</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/telecoms">Telecoms</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/travel-tourism">Travel & tourism</a></li> </ul></div> <div class="topics-list"> <h4>Topics</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Location/Asia/India">India</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Location/Europe/Cyprus">Cyprus</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Hotels">Hotels</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/UAE companies/Emirates">Emirates</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/UAE companies/TAQA">TAQA</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/UAE companies/Etihad">Etihad</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="in-this-section two-col clear"> <h4>More from The National</h4> <ul class="col-one"> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=">SOUND & VISION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">THE GUIDE</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/topics">THE NATIONAL TOPICS</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li> <h3 class="channel-3"><a href="#">Sport</a></h3> <div class="accordion-content channel-3" style="display: none;"> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/boxing">Boxing</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket">Cricket</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football">Football</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/golf">Golf</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/horse-racing">Horse racing</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/motorsport">Motorsport</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/north-american-sport">North American sport</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby">Rugby</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis">Tennis</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport">UAE sport</a></li> </ul></div> <div class="topics-list"> <h4>Topics</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Columns and sections/Chuck Culpepper's columns">Chuck Culpepper's columns</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Sports teams/English Premier League football teams/West Bromwich Albion">West Bromwich Albion</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Subjects/UAE neighbourhoods">UAE neighbourhoods</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Subjects/UAE cricket 2010">UAE cricket 2010</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Sports teams/English Premier League football teams/Arsenal">Arsenal</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Sports teams/English Premier League football teams/Aston Villa">Aston Villa</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="in-this-section two-col clear"> <h4>More from The National</h4> <ul class="col-one"> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=">SOUND & VISION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">THE GUIDE</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/topics">THE NATIONAL TOPICS</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li> <h3 class="channel-4"><a href="#">Lifestyle</a></h3> <div class="accordion-content channel-4" style="display: none;"> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home">At home</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family">Family</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being">Well being</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/house-home">House & home</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion">Fashion</a></h4></div> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/motoring">Motoring</a></h4></div> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance">Personal finance</a></h4></div> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel">Travel</a></h4></div> <div class="topics-list"> <h4>Topics</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/People/Motoring people">Motoring people</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Columns and sections/M magazine/Ask Ali">Ask Ali</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Columns and sections/Travel">Travel</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Columns and sections/Personal finance">Personal finance</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Columns and sections/Personal finance/Fiscal view">Fiscal view</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Subjects/Pop-up Abu Dhabi">Pop-up Abu Dhabi</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="in-this-section two-col clear"> <h4>More from The National</h4> <ul class="col-one"> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=">SOUND & VISION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">THE GUIDE</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/topics">THE NATIONAL TOPICS</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li> <h3 class="channel-5"><a href="#">Arts & Culture</a></h3> <div class="accordion-content channel-5" style="display: none;"> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art">Art</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books">Books</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film">Film</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music">Music</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/on-stage">On stage</a></li> </ul></div> <div class="topics-list"> <h4>Topics</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Subjects/Look ahead 2011">Look ahead 2011</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Columns and sections/The Review">The Review</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Location/Middle East/Qatar">Qatar</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Location/Middle East/Lebanon">Lebanon</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Subjects/Art">Art</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Location/Middle East/Iraq">Iraq</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="in-this-section two-col clear"> <h4>More from The National</h4> <ul class="col-one"> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=">SOUND & VISION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">THE GUIDE</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/topics">THE NATIONAL TOPICS</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div>       <div class="ad-space-banner"> <center> <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ if(typeof(ord) == 'undefined') {var ord = ''; } if(typeof(surroundTag) == 'undefined') { var surroundTag = ''; } if(typeof(article) == 'undefined') { var article = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } if(typeof(vars) == 'undefined') { var vars = ''; } if(typeof(meta) == 'undefined') { var meta = ''; } if(typeof(Comp_Name) == 'undefined') { var Comp_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Country_Name) == 'undefined') { var Country_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Team_Name) == 'undefined') { var Team_Name = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(admcdfp_sitelang) == 'undefined') { var admcdfp_sitelang = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } var scriptval = 'tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=220x550,120x600,160x600;tile=3;'+vars+';'+demographics+';'+surroundTag+';ar='+article+';lan='+admcdfp_sitelang+';!c='+category+';ord='+ord+'?'; document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/'+scriptval+'"><\/script>'); //]]> </script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=220x550,120x600,160x600;tile=3;ord=123456789" target="_blank"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/tn.ae_news/news_worldwide;lev1=home;sz=220x550,120x600,160x600;tile=3;ord=123456789" border="0" alt=""/> </a> </noscript> </center> </div>  <div class="channel-topics channel-1-topics clear"> <h2>In the News</h2> <div class="grid-2 grid-nested-first topics-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/UAE companies/Finance House">Finance House</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/Worldwide companies/Metro">Metro</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/Worldwide companies/Toyota Motor">Toyota Motor</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/Worldwide companies/Nestl茅">Nestl茅</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/WikiLeaks">WikiLeaks</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/United Nations">United Nations</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-2 grid-nested-last people-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/People/Leaders and politicians/Mahmoud Ahmadinejad">Mahmoud Ahmadinejad</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/People/Leaders and politicians/Benjamin Netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/People/Leaders and politicians/Mahmoud Abbas">Mahmoud Abbas</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/People/Leaders and politicians/Nicolas Sarkozy">Nicolas Sarkozy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/People/Leaders and politicians/Barack Obama">Barack Obama</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/People/Leaders and politicians">Leaders and politicians</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> function func(url){ window.open(url,url); } </script> <div class="external-links"> </div> <div class="e-mail-sign-up clear"> <h2>Get the most from <img height="31" width="166" src="/web/20110101204709im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/logo-the-national-e-mail-sign-up.gif" alt="The National"></h2> <form method="post" name="frmGetTheMost" action="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://172.17.100.244:8082/portal/site/thenational/menuitem.1cb9c7d72183b3a0b444ebd76f4611ca/?vgnextoid=f68c5a16c7ca6210VgnVCM100000fb6511acRCRD&vgnextfmt=default"> <label for="signup_emailaddress">Sign up to our newsletter</label> <input type="text" class="text" name="emailID" value=""> <input type="submit" value="Sign Up" class="button"> </form> </div> </div>    <script language="JavaScript" src="/web/20110101204709js_/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/jslib/exchanger.js"></script> <script language="JavaScript"> function nullSrc() { return ''; } var theBuffer; function exchangerInit() { theBuffer= new exchanger("hiddenframe"); } function sendDataToServer(data) { theBuffer.sendData("/portal/site/thenational/template.PAGE/action.process/menuitem.1cb9c7d72183b3a0b444ebd76f4611ca/?action=process_dhtml&"+data); } function showReturnData() { alert(theBuffer.retrieveData("myNewData")); } </script> <iframe name="hiddenframe" style="width:0;height:0;visibility:hidden" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709if_/javascript:top.nullSrc();"> <layer name="hiddenframe" width="0" height="0" visibility="hidden"> </layer> </iframe> </div> <div class="footer clear">  <div class="section-navigation grid-16"> <h2>Sections</h2> <div class="clear"> <div class="grid-3 grid-nested-first national-conversation"> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">The National <span>Conversation</span></a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment">Comment</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/analysis">Analysis</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/editorial">Editorial</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/letter">Letters</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/industry-insights">Industry Insights</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/authors?type=journalists">Our journalists</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-3"> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=Media">Sound & Vision</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=Photos">Pictures</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=Videos">Videos</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=Audio">Audio</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/insidethenational">Inside the National</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-3"> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">The Guide<span> </span></a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">Practical Information</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/social/social.guide">Social Information</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/historical/historical.guide">History</a></li> </ul> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/events">Events</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/events?upcoming=1">Upcoming Events</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/site/thenational/my-national-topic">My events</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-3"> <h3 style="color: black">Online Features</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://thenational.newspaperdirect.com/">E-Paper</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Events/Competitions">Competitions</a></li> </ul> <h3 style="color:black">From The Paper</h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/thereview">The Review</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/m">M Magazine</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/weekender">Weekender</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-4 grid-nested-last"> <h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/site/thenational/my-national-topic">My National</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/site/thenational/template.MY_ACCOUNT#pref">Edit preferences</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/site/thenational/my-national-topic">Manage alerts</a></li> </ul> <p class="story"><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/contact-us">Do you have a story?</a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="channel-map clear"> <h2>On the site:</h2> <ul> <li class="grid-3 channel-1"><h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news">News</h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news" class="sub-section">UAE news</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/courts">Courts</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/education">Education</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment">Environment</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health">Health</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/politics">Politics</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/science">Science</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/technology">Technology</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/tourism">Tourism</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/transport">Transport</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide" class="sub-section">Worldwide</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east">Middle East</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia">South Asia</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/americas">Americas</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe">Europe</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific">Asia Pacific</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa">Africa</a></li></ul></li></ul></li><li class="grid-3 channel-2"><h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business">Business</h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights">Industry Insights</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation">Aviation</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking">Banking</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy">Economy</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy">Energy</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/markets">Markets</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/media">Media</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/property">Property</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/retail">Retail</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/technology">Technology</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/telecoms">Telecoms</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/business/travel-tourism">Travel & tourism</a></li></ul></li><li class="grid-3 channel-3"><h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport">Sport</h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/boxing">Boxing</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket">Cricket</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football">Football</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/golf">Golf</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/horse-racing">Horse racing</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/motorsport">Motorsport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/north-american-sport">North American sport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby">Rugby</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis">Tennis</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport">UAE sport</a></li></ul></li><li class="grid-3 channel-4"><h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle">Lifestyle</h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/motoring">Motoring</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel">Travel</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home" class="sub-section">At home</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being">Well being</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/house-home">House & home</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family">Family</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance">Personal finance</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion">Fashion</a></li></ul></li><li class="grid-3 channel-5"><h3><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture">Arts & Culture</h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art">Art</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books">Books</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film">Film</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music">Music</a></li><li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/on-stage">On stage</a></li></ul></li> </ul> <div style="clear:both;float:right;padding:0.5em 0 0 0;font:16px 'Georgia'"> Can't find what you are looking for? Try <a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/topics">The National Topics</a> </div> </div>  <div class="links"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/about-us" target="_self">About us</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/contact-us" target="_self">Contact us</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://www.admedia.ae/en/career.php" target="_blank">Work for us</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/standard-content/privacy-policy" target="_self">Privacy policy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/terms-and-conditions" target="_self">Terms and conditions</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/advertise-with-us" target="_self">Advertise with us</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20110101204709/http://www.thenational.ae/subscribe" target="_self">Subscribe</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20110101204709js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/functions.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20110101204709js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/community.js"></script>   <script type="text/javascript" language="JavaScript"> //<![CDATA[ document.write(unescape('%3Cscript%20type%3D%22text/javascript%22%20language%3D%22JavaScript%22%20src%3D%22')); document.write((location.protocol.indexOf('https')>-1?'https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/https://me-ssl':'https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://me-cdn')+unescape('.effectivemeasure.net/em.js%22%3E%3C/script%3E')); //]]> </script> <noscript> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20110101204709im_/http://me.effectivemeasure.net/em_image" alt="" style="position:absolute; left:-5px;"/> </noscript>    <script type="text/javascript" src="//web.archive.org/web/20110101204709js_/http://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/v60.js"> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var pvar = { cid: "mena-admedia", content: "0", sample_size: 10, server: "secure-uk" }; var feat = { surveys_enabled: 1 }; var trac = nol_t(pvar, feat); var _rsND = trac.getSchemeHost(); var _rsCI = "mena-admedia"; trac.record().post().do_sample(); </script> <noscript> <div> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20110101204709im_/http://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/cgi-bin/m?ci=mena-admedia&cg=0&cc=1&ts=noscript" width="1" height="1" alt=""/> </div> </noscript>       <script src="/web/20110101204709js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/webtrends.js" type="text/javascript"></script>     <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ var _tag=new WebTrends(); _tag.dcsGetId(); //]]>> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ // Add custom parameters here. //_tag.DCSext.param_name=param_value; _tag.dcsCollect(); //]]>> </script> <noscript> <div><img alt="DCSIMG" id="DCSIMG" width="1" height="1" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709im_/http://statse.webtrendslive.com/dcs5ayzy010000wkhck6r0oil_3o3h/njs.gif?dcsuri=/nojavascript&WT.js=No&WT.tv=8.6.2"/></div> </noscript>   <script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-18693758-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/https://ssl' : 'https://web.archive.org/web/20110101204709/http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>  <link href="/web/20110101204709cs_/http://www.thenational.ae/vgn-ext-templating/common/styles/vgn-ext-templating.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

World news and international headlines - The National