Critic?s Notebook: Building Museums, and a Fresh Arab Identity

In Abu Dhabi and Qatar, large-scale cultural projects, particularly museums, are being planned and built in an effort to reshape corners of the modern Arab world.

Somali-Born Teenager Held in Oregon Bomb Sting

Federal prosecutors say a Somali-born teenager plotted a car bomb attack at a crowded Christmas tree lighting in Portland but the bomb was part of a sting.

Mexican Politician Released in Mexico

Diego Fernandez de Cevallos, a Mexican politician and former presidential candidate who was kidnapped in May, has been released, daily El Universal reported.

Saudis Arrest 149 Qaeda Suspects Over 8 Months

The announcement came as the terrorist group?s Yemen affiliate has said it plans to continue attacks on the United States and its financial system.

Iraq?s Troubles Drive Out Refugees Who Came Back

Iraqis who fled the height of the war and then returned are leaving in a second exodus, fueled by violence and unemployment, that shows how far Iraq remains from stability and security.

Debt Crisis Highlights I.M.F.?s Renewed Role

Given the shift in growth momentum to the emerging markets from the West, the next head of the I.M.F. may come from one of the developing nations.

The Saturday Profile: An American in Peru, Out of Jail but in Limbo

Now released from prison, Lori Berenson shows a sense of regret, but a country may not be ready to forgive.

Exhibition Review: Babylonian Tablets That Survived Millenniums

A remarkable selection of Old Babylonian tablets at New York University shows how sophisticated the society?s mathematics was and how many similarities to later Western systems existed.