In order counter the potential threat from Iran, the United States military expanded its land and sea missile defense system in and around the Persian Gulf.

Gallup polls conducted during 2009 show that among Arab League countries, the opinion of United States leadership has improved over the last year.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is expanding into Canada. The Vermont-based company announced recently that it has acquired Timothy's Coffees of the World for $157 million (USD), according to a company press release.

Red Team vs Blue Team, its fighter pilot training exercises again at Nellis Air Force base in Las Vegas. Starting in 1975, it is the worlds largest most comprehensive training available for US and invited pilots from around the world.

In the latest attempt to kick start negotiations aimed at bringing peace to the Middle East, U.S envoy for the region George Mitchell has paid his second visit to the Syrian capital Damascus within a month.

"I fear for the safety of my step-brother and my father,” said Qatar-based Sara in a trembling tone to her friend speaking at the other end of the telephone line from Mumbai.

A Saudi Arabian woman activist has been refused passage out of the counry's border to Bahrain because she had no permission from a male guardian. Women in Saudi are not allowed to vote, drive or travel without permission from a male guardian.

In a move likely to be controversial depending on which side of the fence one stood at, the Los Angeles city Mayor, Villaraigosa, called on residents and fans to help pay for Michael Jackson's Memorial.

The eighth annual Arab Media Forum will include a number of workshops and sessions that debates some of the vital issues that concern the media in the region.

Pakistani forces say they have killed 64 'militants' in fighting in northwest Pakistan's Buner and Swat districts. The army says 37 militants were killed in Swat, where a peace deal to end Taliban violence has collapsed. Two soldiers have also died.