Dubai, 8th Dec. 2008 -- By no means can the Middle East region be perceived today as one that is stable, prosperous or more democratic. By no measure could the region be categorised as being more secure. And by all measures, many policies carried out by the current US administration have played a role in bringing about such a state of affairs, a UAE daily paper asked today.

''The recent statement by George W. Bush with regard to US policies in the Middle East should not come as a surprise. Regardless of the numerous failures of American foreign policy in the region, Bush still blindly defends faulty stances, wrote Gulf News in its comment today.

Dubai, 8th Dec. 2008 -- Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum today offered the Eid Al Adha prayer at the Grand Eid Mussallah in Bur Dubai.

Sharjah, 8th Dec. 2008  -- Eid Al Adha prayers were held across the country with prayer leaders (Imams) pleading to Muslims to invoke the valuable, noble teachings of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) regarding the Festival of Sacrifice.

In their Eid sermons, the Imams said the glorious occasion is a school where faithfuls learn how to show mercy on poor, orphans and needy.

They also urged Muslims to follow the moderate and tolerant approach of Islam and distance themselves from extremism and radicalism and advised parents to raise their children according to good morals and acts.

Dubai, Dec. 7 : International Cricket Council (ICC) President David Morgan has urged the Indian public to support the upcoming two-Test series between the hosts and England.

According to an ICC press release, Morgan said good attendances at the matches in Chennai and Mohali would be a demonstration that people would not be dictated to by terrorists.

He also confirmed he and ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat would be present during the series to show solidarity and support for the people of India and the two teams.

"Safety and security of the players, officials and spectators must be the key consideration at all times," Morgan was quoted, as saying.

Dubai, Dec. 5 : The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) will convene in Cape Town on Sunday for one of its four meetings per year.

The two-day gathering, held at the Westin Grand Hotel on December 7 and 8, will make decisions on a range of matters relating to the playing of cricket as well as recommendations on the business of cricket for consideration by the ICC Board’s January meeting.

A media conference will be held at the conclusion of business on December 8, also at the Westin Grand Hotel, and details of the timing and exact location of that conference will be announced in due course.

Among the items for discussion on the CEC agenda are the following:

Future Tours Programme post-2012

DUBAI, Dec.