The Obama administration was doubtless surprised by the unexpected decision of the Arab League to grant the green light to the imposition of the no-fly zone.

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Among the standouts: a dark, brooding Corinth self-portrait drawing and a charming, light-struck August Macke of an Arab on a donkey.

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In the latest of a series of approvals of questionable foreign takeovers of American interests, CFIUS has given the green light to a company owned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to acquire contracts to manage port facilities in New York , Newark , Philadelphia , Baltimore , Miami and New Orleans .

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A Harriet Miers moment

The United Arab Emirates is also building nuclear power reactors, four Korean light water rectors, in full transparency and with full support from the international community.

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Arab governments have chafed at being shown in an unfamiliar, often unflattering light.

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But it is necessary to observe -- especially in light of all the changes that are happening in post-Arab Spring countries -- that female political participation in a country's democratic process cannot be the end of the story.

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The need for Arab leaders to speed up reforms, scrap trade barriers and seek new ways of boosting sluggish industries has clearly taken on a heightened sense of urgency in light of the uprisings that swept through the region during the Arab Spring.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

His work has shed important, and I would say fascinating, light on the ties that link Brazilian, lusophone society with the Arab world.

UNESCO: Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture