The woman behind CIA director David Petraeus’s exit

CIA Director David Petraeus resigned abruptly following reports of an extra-marital affair with a journalist. In a letter to the CIA, Petraeus acknowledged poor judgement in carrying on the affair with his biographer Paula Broadwell while in Afghanistan. He admitted it was unacceptable behaviour. (more…)

Kafa fighting to protect women from rape and abuse in Lebanon

For 25 years Sahar has been living in fear.

From the beginning of her relationship with her husband, she knew something was very wrong. He was intensely jealous, self-centred and would lash out at her for no apparent reason. He and her family refused to let her end the relationship, however. She felt trapped and the emotional and physical abuse only got worse. (more…)

Porn found in Syrian leader’s mailbox from alleged mistress

The undated picture shows the woman, clad only in white lingerie, pressing herself against a wall as her clothes lie discarded in a heap at her feet. On the day Mr Assad received the photograph, his troops opened fire on a number of funeral processions in Syria, killing at least 12 people. (more…)

Berlusconi to stand trial in sex case

The Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, is to face trial on charges of sex with a 17-year-old girl – and the case will be heard by three female judges, a court has ordered.
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Pope’s surprise condom remarks fuel debate

Pope Benedict’s statement on the use of condoms appears to be a relaxation of a hitherto uncompromising Vatican ban on the use of artificial contraception.

A crack has opened in the Church’s ban on contraception because of the Aids epidemic, particularly in Africa. (more…)

Sex and the City rejected by Abu Dhabi

Carrie Bradshaw and her friends are packing their suitcases, putting on their high heels and heading to Abu Dhabi, where luxury hotels and pristine beaches serve as a glamorous backdrop for their next adventure. But the “Sex and the City” sequel was actually filmed thousands of miles away in Morocco, because the film’s premise is just too racy for the conservative, oil-rich capital of the United Arab Emirates. In fact, officials in the Muslim country’s capital may decide the movie is too sexy for their city. (more…)