Bite-Size News

Iran MPs Want To Shut Down Benetton Stores

A group of prominent MPs have called for the Italian clothing retailer Benetton to quit Iran, saying its fashions are a bad influence on female consumers...

Female consumers? Benetton's fashions are a bad influence on people with fashion sense everywhere.

Egypt Will Not Bow to Foreign Pressure

President Hosni Mubarak said Monday that Egypt will not bow to foreign pressure in response to recent criticism from the United States over allegations that his government has increased human rights abuses.

"We extend a hand of friendship and cooperation with all, but no one can impose on us what we don't accept and which does not comply with our position towards Egyptian and regional issues," Mubarak said.

Is Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, teaching Mubarak his effective practice of sticking his head in the sand? Next we'll hear that there aren't any gays in Egypt.

Extra Levy on Cigarettes To Add JD35m to Treasury

A higher levy on cigarettes is expected to raise JD 35 million in extra revenue for the Treasury. The government raised on Sunday the special tax by 100 fils on each packet of cigarettes and by 10 percent per liter on alcohol beverages to beef up revenues for the state budget.

Bad news for the addicted. Good news for the rest of us.