Malala Yousufzai took a bullet to teach us an invaluable lesson: The biggest threat to organisations such as Al Qaeda and the Taliban is not drone warfare or military crackdowns. The biggest threat to the Taliban, as they well know, is the democratic empowerment of average and young people in the Middle East. Malala Yousufzai's pen is mightier than the drone. For too long, the average citizenry, and particularly youngsters, have been marginalised and neglected in political processes across the Middle East.

The 4th International Environmental Forum of Arab-African Youth in Luxor governorate which was held with the participation of 35 African and Arab countries ended on 21/10/2012. The forum tackled issues of the Nile Basin countries, water and public diplomacy to negotiate files of water in Nile Basin countries.

Despite the novelty of the contemporary art phenomena in Saudi Arabia, female artists are resilient and determined to break into the regional and global art scene. Through three interrelated narratives that challenge the realities of contemporary Saudi culture, Sarah Abu Abdallah, Sarah Mohanna Al-Abdali and Manal Al Dowayan use diverse styles to probe and reflect on questions of identity and freedom in Soft Power, which opened 13 October at Alaan Artspace’s inaugural exhibition.

Since the Delhi International Arts Festival made its debut in December 2007, this multi-art multi-venue annual gala, conceived and organised by the Prasiddha Foundation, has become one of the most accessible, innovative and exciting cultural gatherings in the capital. Over the years, it has taken the shape of an umbrella festival for several short duration events as well. This year’s line-up has artists from all corners of the globe.

Japanese Foreign Minister Genba Koichiro set off to visit Britain, France and Germany on Oct. 15, 2012. It is said that he will elaborate on Japan's attitude and stance and seek "understanding" from the international community on the Diaoyu Islands issue during the visit since he believes that the three countries exert great influence on world opinions. This is merely a part of Japan's moves to launch public opinions against China on the Diaoyu Islands issue.

Federal Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim said on Friday the government was trying for better market access for local businesses in international markets by concluding FTAs and PTAs with a number of countries through active trade diplomacy. He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday. Issues which came under discussion included: under-invoicing, duty on raw materials from India, decline in leather export ban on export of poultry to Afghanistan.

AN American musician, Leon Mobley says cultural exchange programmes are vital among artistes because they enrich culture. Mobley, who was in the country to hold workshops with Zambian musicians, said sharing experiences helps musicians learn from each other and develop their mind with new ideas.

Viet Nam and Bulgaria will boost their burgeoning friendship with a cultural exchange programme in 2013, which will see each country host culture weeks devoted to the other. Viet Nam‘s culture minister Hoang Tuan Anh confirmed the plans following a meeting with Bulgaria's visiting Deputy Prime Minister, Simeon Djankov, on Thursday.