Arab leaders and officials attacked the United Nations on Sunday after Russia and China blocked a resolution condemning the Damascus government as an official Syrian newspaper hailed the Russian and Chinese move, calling it a catalyst for the speeding up of reform. Burhan Ghalioun, head of the opposition umbrella Syrian National Council, called Moscow and Beijing’s veto “a new licence to kill from these two capitals for Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and his criminal regime, which just yesterday killed 300 people.” more...

62,762 nationals got jobs in 2011, says Bakri
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said has given emphasis to the development of human resources through education, training and rehabilitation during the past years of the Blessed Renaissance, according to HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Bakri more...

NGO crackdown endangers aid to Egypt: Hillary
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said late on Saturday a crackdown by Egypt’s military rulers on US and local pro-democracy groups could jeopardise aid for the Arab nation. Egypt decided to try 44 people, including Americans more...

Euro zone urges Greek reforms for rescue deal
Euro zone finance ministers told Greece it could not go ahead with an agreed deal to restructure privately held debt until it guaranteed more...

Australia dominate India
A half-century by debutant Matt Wade and some middle-order slogging by the Hussey brothers propelled Australia more...