InfoAnda - WITNESS

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Italian minister warns against 'ghettos' | 15 February 2010
Yahoo co-founder Yang resigns | | 18 January 2012
Google admits it did not delete Street View data | | 27 July 2012

Mogadishu exodus swells, Islamists battle for town | International | | 5 June 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : WITNESS

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: WITNESS - Bogus late-night calls from Kuwaiti trader Braikan Reuters - Monday, July 27 Ulf Laessing is Reuters' chief correspondent in Saudi Arabia. He has been a reporter for Reuters since 1997 and spent two years in Kuwait covering that country's financial markets before moving to Riyadh in May. ADVERTISEMENT In this story, he recounts his experience meeting the brash broker Hazem Khaled al-Braikan, who died on Sunday in what police said was an apparent suicide after he was named in a U.S. fraud suit. By Ulf Laessing RIYADH - His phone calls could come at any time -- during trading hours, close to midnight or on weekends -- but they always had the same message: "Hi, Hazem here. I have a major scoop for you." And after the third call or so, I managed to track down the mystery Kuwaiti who spoke perfect English and always bragged about his work. Hazem Khaled al-Braikan, who died from a single gunshot wound to the head on Sunday in what police said was an apparent suicide, was at the centre of a lawsuit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission launched against him and other Gulf Arab finance firms. He was 37. On Thursday the SEC said they earned millions of dollars from trades in Harman International Industries Inc and Textron Inc. All firms have denied the allegations [ID:nN23397991] Braikan, who was working in senior positions for the country's biggest investment firm, Kuwait Project Co , liked to boast about his job or his investments and discuss market rumours with reporters. After calling me but never revealing his identity, I tracked him down by dialling the number he was calling from -- an extension at KIPCO's fund arm KAMCO -- left a message with his secretary and rushed to his office in Kuwait City. When his secretary opened his door and announced my presence, Hazem, dressed in a white traditional Arab robe, looked a bit baffled but was very calm and polite. "Hi Ulf, good to meet you," he said, while quickly ordering tea. We discussed Kuwaiti and world politics, but Hazem did not want to reveal any sources for the rumours he had tried to spread with calls to me and other reporters. "I hear it from the market, and I will always tell you first," was his answer, a phrase he repeated often. He gave me several of his business cards, which came from different firms, but not his mobile number, and his calls never stopped. RUMORS Dealing with people like Braikan who openly talked about market rumours is typical of the challenges financial journalists face in the Gulf Arab state. With 17 newspapers competing for news, the financial pages are full of unsourced reports -- the big ones could have up to 15 stories about takeovers, earnings, dividends -- sometimes accurate, sometimes wrong, but mostly market moving. Despite its enormous wealth, Kuwait, which sits on a tenth of global oil reserves, lacks any sort of financial regulator to effectively clamp down on insider trading. It is the only Gulf Arab state where the market -- the second largest Arab bourse -- quasi supervises itself, with plans to set up a financial authority stalled for several years. The bourse, which some locals call a casino, often forces firms to respond to unsourced reports by halting their shares until they issue a statement. But it never managed to stop the corporate gossip mill in Kuwait City. And Hazem regularly got in touch, sometimes several times a week, boasting about his latest plans, while discussing rumours he wanted Reuters to write about. He could be very polite, but also firm and even aggressive, telling me once: "Didn't you see that story in the papers? You're missing a big story!" On that occasion Hazem wanted Reuters to pick up an unsourced report published in a local paper about the supposed bid a U.S. lender was planning for a local Kuwaiti bank he had told us about earlier. No deal ever materialized. Ahead of the Textron hoax in April he contacted me several times late in the evening, sending text messages that he urgently needed to talk to me after I had refused to take his calls, sensing just another market rumour. "There is a major scoop coming," he said when I finally picked up. He gave me the same details of the Textron story which appeared a few days later in a local paper -- moving Textron stock by 47 percent. No deal ever materialized there, either. It was similar pattern with the Harman saga, which happened after I left Kuwait for Saudi Arabia. Hazem called my colleagues announcing a "takeover scoop" that would be coming, and when it appeared in the local press he urged us to pick it up. Just a year ago he was at the top of his career, chatting and lunching with the then Chairman of Citigroup Sir Winfried Bischoff, who was visiting Kuwait after buying a 10 percent stake in Islamic firm Al Raya Investment where Hazem was now boss. Hazem was shaking hands with Bischoff at the reception at the exclusive Chairman's Club in the tower headquarters of Burgan Bank, another KIPCO unit, an in-house restaurant with a bar built in the style of an English pub, but with no drinks on the menu. But that day Hazem, who had earlier taken Bischoff to meet Kuwait's ruler, joined by one of the emir's sons who heads KIPCO, was not eager to get in touch with the media he had tried to use so often. Al-Raya had invited reporters to attend the "media event," but then we were told not to speak to anyone after waiting for more than an hour. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: World Events in Palin's political careerAP - Monday, July 27 Officials say suicide bomber kills 5 in ChechnyaAP - Monday, July 27 Moldova heads for pollsReuters - Monday, July 27 Democrats: We will move forward on health overhaulAP - Monday, July 27 France's Sarkozy has health scare while exercisingAP - Monday, July 27 Most Popular – World Viewed Harry Patch, last veteran of World War I trenches, dies at 111 Lost love letter reunites couple after 16 years Swine flu virus has spread to almost every country: WHO Massive quake moves NZealand closer to Australia Police raid Jackson doctor for manslaughter link View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Monday, 27 July 2009
Richest woman's 'visions' claim amuses Israelis
Six dead in Chechnya suicide bombing: officials
Sarkozy rushed to hospital after jogging collapse
WITNESS
American Apparel Retailer Targeted For Selling "Legalize Gay" T-Shirts
First results due Monday in Iraqi Kurd election
Amy Winehouse Found Not Guilty Of Punching Dancer
Australian Actors Vote To Strike Against Producers
Revolutionary Guard tightens hold in Iran crisis
Afghan vice-presidential hopeful survives attack
Nigeria clashes kill over 50 in northeastern city | International |
Johnny Depp Surprises Fans With Unplanned Appearance At The Comic Con
Castro hints at more belt-tightening for Cuba | International |
Nas Ordered To Pay Kelis $44K A Month For Spousal And Child Support
U.S. wants Syria help in Israel-Palestinian talks
Michael Jackson's Doctor Being Investigated For Manslaughter
Angelina Jolie Revisits Iraq To Meet With Displaced Families
Foundation Bares 2 New Mozart Piano Compositions
Patrick Swayze Denies Heart Attack Reports
VH1's "Lords Of Revolution" Documentary To Feature 20th Century Icons
Clinton says 'no, never' to a White House bid
Envoy: US favors overall Mideast peace accord
Petraeus: US will support Yemen anti-terror fight
Analysis: Fed in the middle of push-me, pull-me
HARD TIMES: School budgets dip, class sizes grow
AP INVESTIGATION: Main Street's soaring sour loans
New direction in terror fight may stem from case
US on verge of closing anthrax probe after 8 years
'Bird racing' at NYC park under federal scrutiny
Southwest flight makes unexpected LI landing
China tightening control over steel industry
China, India can help, not save world economy
India's billionaire Ambani brothers slug it out
Indian farmers fear rain gods may play truant
Action guinea pigs topple Potter at box office
Action guinea pigs topple Potter at box office | Entertainment |
Next week decisive for future of Lacroix
New film shows pranksters battling companies
James Cameron talks tech, "Avatar" at Comic-Con
Ex-'Idol' contestant struck, killed by car in NJ
70-Foot Whale Stuck To Cruise Ship's Bow
Palestinians Take on Israelis in Imaginary Game of 'Wall Soccer'
Opposition in Iraqi Kurd elections claims gains
Sarkozy 'doing well' after jogging collapse: aide
Apple, labels work on plan to boost album sales: report
Iraqi Kurd opposition hails poll breakthrough
Clinton urges North Korea to return to talks | International |
GM crop trials start again in Britain in 'secret': report
Rich countries corner supplies of swine flu vaccine
Ousted Honduran president sees U.S. support waning | International |
Lending slowdown in US: report
Traders, managers to face British watchdog tests
Iran plunged into fresh political turmoil
NATO, Afghan soldiers among 22 killed in unrest
Ex-boxing champ Forrest shot in back and killed
Mediterranean rim battles to contain wildfires
Forty-two dead as sect, police clash in Nigeria
Afghanistan strikes Taliban truce in remote area | International |
Russia frees crime boss wanted by U.S.: report | International |
Myanmar court hears final arguments in Suu Kyi case | International |
France's Sarkozy to leave hospital after dizzy spell | International |
Water crisis uproots Syrian farmers | International |
4 cousins, mom, 3 others die in NY wrong-way crash
New AP bureau chief appointed in Tokyo
IV tube chemical linked to preemie liver woes
Mexico police name suspect in border agent death
Mexican, U.S. Authorities Announce Arrests Of Suspects In Killing Of U.S. Border Patrol Agent
Apple, labels work on plan to boost album sales: report | Technology |
Conn. home-invasion survivor faces court ordeal
NY 3 Car Crash Kills 8, Including 4 Children
Weak oversight mars success of Iraq hotel project
Sarah Palin Steps Down As Alaska's Governor; Parnell Sworn In
Sarah Palin steps down as Alaska governor
Palin issues final Tweet on state account
China venture exchange gets 108 IPO applications
Korea Hot Stocks-Online game issues fall; retailers,Hynix up
China wants 108 firms to list on local 'Nasdaq'
Japan's Nikkei index climbs above 10,000
S.Korea to check bank loan, liquidity data -report
S.Korea June consumer sentiment at near 7-yr high
US seeks action with China on economy
Clinton, Geithner seek action with China on economy
Taiwan gov't fund mulls stock sale -paper
South Korea bonds edge down early, exit talk eyed
Fans get first look at star-studded Iron Man 2 | Entertainment |
TV panels at Comic-Con kept fans intrigued | Entertainment |
Study: HBO leads on TV in showing gay characters
French presidents keep health a 'state secret'
Lost bringing back characters from 1st season | Entertainment |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"Lost" bringing back characters from 1st season
Fans get first look at star-studded "Iron Man 2"
'G-Force' guinea pigs scramble to box office top spot
Timberlake christens eco-friendly golf course
Action guinea pigs topple Potter at box office
Israel confirms first swine flu death
VW may raise 4 bln euros for Porsche deal: report
Kabul hails local truce with Taliban ahead of vote
Afghanistan says strikes Taliban truce in remote area | International |
Gates reassures Israel on U.S.-Iran strategy | International |
Kurd opposition party eyes big gains in Iraq vote
Report: Israeli settler population crosses 300,000
Chechen separatists to halt attacks on police: report
Gunship strikes kill 20 militants in NW Pakistan | International |
"American Idol" Wannabe Killed In An Apparent Homicide
US envoy reaches Cairo on whirlwind Mideast tour
Anna Friel Not Likely To Give Up Acting For Motherhood
Muslim rebels expand Nigeria attacks | International |
Iran's Mousavi says protests will continue: website | International |
EU extends Georgia mission, holds off on U.S. joining | International |
SKorean firms to jointly develop new chips
German far-right leader charged with incitement | International |
Hezbollah's Nasrallah warns Israel over future war | International |
South Africa council workers strike, services crippled | International |
Cambridge police: Race not mentioned in 911 call
US eyes Iranian nuclear response by autumn: Gates
Bikini-clad woman accused of carjacking in Miss.
GOP eyes fate of the `serious sin' senator in La.
Moderate quake strikes N Pakistan; no injuries
Summer bummer: Dude ranches lack dudes, dudettes
NZ signals likely to raise Afghanistan troop level
Obama's Day: It's diplomacy and sports
NZealand woman rescued from overly playful dolphin
Israel's Barak: 'No option' off table on Iran
American al-Qaida to be resentenced for Bush plot
Media moguls rethink Web advertising in downturn | Technology |
Islamabad investigates pro-Taliban cleric
Senate warns against concessions on nuclear treaty
Nepal PM thanks British actress for Gurkha campaign
Dems alone can't deliver Obama health care win
Death toll rises to 10 in Japan landslides, floods
CD shop bombed in northern Pakistan; 2 wounded
Japan man "admits selling trucks" to North Korea
UN chief discusses climate change in Mongolia
NKorea hints at disarmament talks with US
Deadly riot by China steelworkers scuttles merger
Shanghai's first IPO in 11 months shares suspended
Nissan gives preview of its vaunted electric car
Cambodia gets national carrier with Vietnam's help
Cambodia launches national airline
Sikhs, Hindus dread Taliban tax in Pakistan
Seoul shares post longest gaining streak in over 3 yrs =2
Seoul shares post longest gaining streak in over 3 yrs
Hitachi said to take control of key businesses
Audi to open new plant in China in September: report
Action guinea pigs topple Potter at box office | Entertainment |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01