Kuwait’s new emir

Kuwait, Jan. 29 (Reuters): Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah was sworn in as Kuwait’s new emir today.

Sheikh Sabah, Prime Minister since 2003, is expected to leave oil policy and Kuwait’s pro-Western stance unchanged. Kuwait has about one tenth of the world’s crude oil reserves.

Benazir

Washington (PTI): Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has said she is planning to return to Pakistan from self- imposed exile before the 2007 elections to restore democracy.

Hamas

Gaza (Reuters): Hamas rejected international calls to disarm or put vital aid for the Palestinian Authority at risk on Saturday, suggesting that it could look for alternative sources of funding in the Arab world and beyond.

Afghan Coke

Kabul (AFP): Afghan-made Coca-Cola hit the streets of Kabul on Sunday as distribution started from a $25-million plant. It is among the most significant investments in Afghanistan since the ouster of the Taliban.