The late Al haj M.M. Musthapha who rode like a colossus the political arena of the Eastern Province for well over three decades passed away on October 3, 2000. Since he shunned politics for quite some time the younger generation, especially those below 40 years may not be aware of the signal role played by him in politics. Al haj …

Palestinian fighters in Gaza during last month's conflict killed seven men accused of collaborating with Israel. The Hamas government says it is investigating how they were killed before they could be tried in court. Al Jazeera's Nicole Johnston reports from Gaza – Warning – Viewers may find the pictures in this report disturbing. Posted December 11, 2012 Executed Gaza 'collaborators' …

Gold: $750   Over the past 30 years now, I’ve used known economic and demographic trends to predict major economy and market shifts with uncanny accuracy. If you know my work – and that of my firm, HS Dent – you know we’ve helped a lot of investors save money and become wealthy by accurately forecasting major economic events over the years. We …

  Is HSBC's $1.9bn (£1.2bn) fine enormous or a drop in the ocean? Well, it's a record for the offence of money laundering and breaking sanctions, which could be said to underline the gravity of the bank's actions. On the other hand, the sum represents about four weeks' earnings given the bank's pre-tax profits of $21.9bn last year. The financial pain is …

  The population in the Galle Fort World Heritage City has declined during the past few years according to the latest census statistics. The population of 1,589 persons in 2009 has decreased to 961 people. Galle Heritage Foundation chairman Parakrama Dahanayake attributed it to amplified land and property purchases by foreigners within the pristine citadel during the past few years. …

Iskanders carry 1,500-pound warhead at 1.3 miles per second Reza Kahlili served in CIA Directorate of Operations, as a spy in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, counterterrorism expert; currently serves on the Task Force on National and Homeland Security, an advisory board authorized by Congress. He is the author of the award winning book "A Time to Betray" and regularly appears …