More than 700 global thinkers from 60 countries have gathered in Dubai to seek solutions to some of the key issues faced by the global leadership in a three day Global Agenda Summit conference that will formulate some suggestions for the next year’s annual World Economic Forum in Davos.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai while addressing about 700 delegates of the Global Agenda Summit Conference said that the UAE economy is recovering from the impact of the global financial crisis. He further said:
The measures …

According to Colliers International’s House Price Index, there has been a 7% increase in the value of residential properties in Dubai between July and September, the first increase since the market fell. Property prices in Dubai returned to approximately the same level as those recorded in second quarter 2007 in September.
Apartment prices increased by 6% quarter on quarter, villa prices increased by 9% and townhouse prices increased by 7% compared to the second quarter.The overall volume of market transactions increased by 64% during the third quarter compared to the previous …

More than one million UAE residents are suffering from diabetes despite better health services and better awareness, Dr Abdul Razzaq Al Madani, chairman of the Emirates Diabetes Association told a diabetes congress.
Dr Razzaq said an equally high number of people are pre-diabetic, a condition where the blood sugar level is high, but not high enough and that they could turn diabetic over a period of time.
The speaker told 700 delegates the situation is grim and the five Gulf States – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman – and that …

The European Union’s support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy should be widely welcomed. Undoubtedly, Pakistan has convinced foreign partners that Pakistan is serious about fighting the militants who threaten the stability and integrity of the country because of the ongoing military operation in south Waziristan.
We are mistaken if we believe that we will have a free hand in spending the 300 million euros a year aid that the European Union is giving us. It is time that our politicians realized that aid offered by the international community always comes with ‘strings’ …

Afghanistan’s Independent Election Commission (IEC) has  called off a runoff scheduled for November 7, 2009 after Dr. Abdullah Abdullah the only challenger withdrew from run-off. Consequently IEC has declared  Hamid Karzai elected as president of Afghanistan.
The Independent Election Commission’s chief Azizullah Ludin told a news conference:
The Independent Election Commission declares the esteemed Hamid Karzai as the president … because he was the winner of the first round and the only candidate in the second round.
Dr. Abdullah quit the election process because of his doubts over the legitimacy of the election. …

Abdullah Abdullah who indicated his withdrawal from the Afghan Presidentail run-off elections has annouced that he will be no longer running for elections on November 7, 2009. Mr. Karzai’s only challenger in the Afghan run-off has accused the government not meeting the demands for a fair election free from frauds.
Dr. Abdullah told the reporters:
As far as I’m concerned, the decision I have reached is not to participate. I have strong, strong reservations about the credibility of the process.
Karzai who had been favorite to win the run-off after getting more votes …

World Bank has expressed its dissatisfaction over the pace of progress on revenue reforms in Pakistan, attributing it to resistance from ‘vested interest’ and ‘lack of political will.’
According to a report of the World Bank Review Mission submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) the World Bank has advised the government of Pakistan to bypass the parliament and implement taxation reforms through a presidential ordinance. The report suggests that going to the parliament could result in ‘undesired consequences’.
The report said:
The government of Pakistan has some options to follow …

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton answered critical questions on US policy in Pakistan while unveiling cash for universities and calling for peace with India.
Hillary Clinton earlier visited a mosque in Lahore on the second day of a visit focused on public diplomacy and strengthening moves towards democracy.
Clinton’s visit to the second largest city in Pakistan, which has been hit by a series of gun, suicide and grenade attacks this year, has been accompanied by draconian security measures a day after a car bomb killed 104 in Peshawar.
Clinton said:
Horrific bombing’ …

A car bomb tore through a packed market in Peshawar, killing 95 people and trapping casualties under pulverised shops, in one of Pakistan’s deadliest attacks.
The explosion detonated in a crowded street in the Meena Bazaar of Peshawar, one of the most congested parts of the volatile northwest city, sparking a huge blaze and ending in carnage routine shopping trips for scores of people. The death toll of the blast occurred in Meena Bazar Peshawar has climbed to 95, hospital sources said. More then 200 people injured in the blast.
The injured …

S.1707
Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by Senate)
SEC. 203. LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN ASSISTANCE.
(a) Limitation on Security-related Assistance: For fiscal years 2011 through 2014, no security-related assistance may be provided to Pakistan in a fiscal year until the Secretary of State, under the direction of the President, makes the certification required under subsection (c) for such fiscal year.
(b) Limitation on Arms Transfers: For fiscal years 2012 through 2014, no letter of offer to sell major defence equipment to Pakistan may be issued pursuant to …