Suzanne Maloney is an expert on Iranian politics, energy and economic reform in the Middle East, and U.S. policy toward the region. Prior to her position as a senior fellow with the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings, she was a member of the State Department’s policy planning staff; a Middle East advisor at ExxonMobil Corporation; and director of a Council on Foreign Relations task force on America’s Iran policy. Author of Iran’s Long Reach and contributor to such works as Which … [Read more...]
A Solution for Syria – Take Action NOW!
Just weeks ago the kids in this image were gassed to death in their sleep. There is one peaceful way to stop these massacres - if Iran and the US sit down to talks and bring the warring parties to the table to get a ceasefire. For the first time the two Presidents are showing dialogue is possible. Let's tell them the world wants talks to start saving lives now! Sign the Petition NOW! Just weeks ago the kids in this image were gassed to death in their sleep, but it feels the world … [Read more...]
CANADA, further support to those affected by the violence in Syria
PM announces further support to those affected by the violence in Syria September 6, 2013 St. Petersburg, Russia Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced further Canadian support to help address the worsening humanitarian situation in Syria. “The Government of Canada stands with the people of Syria as they continue to face unfathomable hardships at the hands of the Assad regime,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Canada’s support, together with that of its allies, will help … [Read more...]
Cairo, Making sure Every Woman Counts!
Cairo - Population and development in the Arab region were issues discussed this week in Cairo, during a three-day conference that ended with a declaration highlighting the need to empower women, promote gender equality, and step up efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals. “The status of women is the measure of a nation,” said Sima Bahous, Regional Director of Arab States from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the opening of the event. “A truly developed and truly … [Read more...]
Saudi Crown Prince Nayef honoured for work with UN agency on Palestinian projects
The late Crown Prince will be remembered for his commitment to humanitarian and relief work all over the world. 28 June 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN-Habitat, the agency charged with ensuring adequate shelter for all, today honoured the late Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his support of Palestinian projects. In his speech, Mr. Ban also offered his “heartfelt appreciation” the people and leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Committees and … [Read more...]
Lorre White reports, ‘Dubai ruler sets up Emirates Excellence Council’
Emirati Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum. (AFP/Getty Images) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and vice president and prime minister of the UAE, has announced the establishment of the Emirates Excellence Council in order to foster a “national culture that encourages all to achieve excellence” in the Gulf state. The council will see all of the UAE’s existing local and federal excellence programmes brought under one umbrella. Sheikh … [Read more...]
Statement by Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Director of Emergencies
UNICEF correspondent Chris Niles reports on UNICEF's response to the worsening situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. Statement by Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Director of Emergencies, at the launch of new UN appeals for Syria GENEVA, 7 June 2013 – “The Syria conflict is one of the gravest crises facing children anywhere in the world today. Four million children’s lives have been devastated and an entire generation is at risk. “Despite challenges encountered, UNICEF and partners have … [Read more...]
Gender Pay Discrimination in Jordan: A Call for Change
The International Labour Organization is working with the Jordanian government and its social partners to help narrow the pay gap between men and women. "I only received a rise of around three per cent, while my male employees received seven per cent." AMMAN (ILO News) – When Amira*, a Jordanian schoolteacher, asked her principal for a pay rise, it was refused. A few months later she was fired. “The official reasons given for my dismissal were weak. I’m sure they wanted to … [Read more...]
“Building on Progress in Afghanistan: 2014 and Beyond”
Washington, D.C. – A discussion on "Building on Progress in Afghanistan: 2014 and Beyond” was held in Washington today at an event organized in partnership between the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), offering a big picture of the country’s current situation and development challenges. A similar briefing with Afghanistan partners was organized on 9 May in New York, co-hosted by the Afghan Mission to the United Nations and the … [Read more...]
Syrian Women Giving Birth in Exile
ZA'ATARI, Jordan — In a tent hospital bed, a Syrian woman who was four months pregnant when she fled her country's civil war cradles one of the newest residents of this dust-swept refugee camp: Her newborn son, just delivered by Caesarean. Around a dozen babies are born every day in Za'atari camp, which is home to 120,000 Syrians and counting – and there's only one, overworked Moroccan doctor performing C-sections. Still, the clinic where he operates and several other field hospitals here … [Read more...]