Asia

Stinking giant a hit in Basel

The rare blooming of a giant flower, taller than a man, that stinks of carrion, has been drawing thousands of visitors to Basel University’s botanical garden. The only previous time a titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) produced a flower in Switzerland was 75 years ago. World-wide, there have only been 134 […]

Saleh agrees to step down under GCC deal

By SAEED AL-BATATI | ARAB NEWS SANAA: Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh has agreed to a proposal by Gulf mediators to step down within 30 days and hand power to his deputy in exchange for immunity from prosecution, state television announced Saturday. The protest movement demanding his immediate departure earlier said […]

Mahram law heaps frustration on women

By MARIAM NIHAL | ARAB NEWS JEDDAH: Saudi and foreign women in the Kingdom who wish to travel abroad often feel the heat of severe traveling regulations. Saudi laws dictate that women cannot travel without their mahram’s (male guardian) permission and in some cases can only tour with them. GCC countries […]