Egyptian security forces have moved with deadly force to clear two sit-in camps of supporters of the country’s ousted president Mohammed Morsi, leading to wildly differing claims about the death toll.

Egyptian security forces, backed by armoured cars and bulldozers, have moved in to clear two sit-in camps by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, showering protesters with tear gas as the sound of gunfire rang out at both sites, state television and security officials said.

Egypt’s military has moved to tighten its control on key institutions in preparation for an almost certain push to remove the country’s Islamist president when its ultimatum expires.

His fate hanging in the balance, Egypt’s embattled president last night vowed he would not resign, hours before a deadline to yield to the demands of millions of protesters or see the military install a new leadership.

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has called for a December 15 referendum on a disputed draft constitution.

Thousands of people waving Egyptian flags and holding large pictures of Mohammed Morsi are demonstrating across Egypt in support of the president.

Islamist Mohammed Morsi promised a “new Egypt” as he took the oath of office today to become the country’s first freely elected president, succeeding Hosni Mubarak who was ousted 16 months ago.

Whether they have a strong political pedigree or none, women are climbing to the top of Asian politics, writes Vishakha Desai

Firing tear gas and rubber bullets, Egyptian riot police clashed for a second day with thousands of rock-throwing protesters demanding that the ruling military quickly announce a date to hand over power to an elected government.

Women who go through early menopause and cannot have children were offered new hope today after scientists found a way of getting ovaries working again.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered the 3,300-year-old tomb of the ancient Egyptian capital’s mayor.

Archaeologists have discovered the 3,300-year-old tomb of the ancient Egyptian capital’s mayor, whose resting place had been lost under the desert sand since 19th century treasure hunters first carted off some of its decorative wall panels, officials announced today.

Barack Obama called for a “new beginning between the US and Muslims” today and said together they could confront violent extremism across the globe and advance the search for peace in the Middle East.

Al-Qaida's deputy leader has criticised President Barack Obama's upcoming speech to the Islamic world in Cairo, saying it will not change the "bloody messages" the US military is sending Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice articulates Bush Administration aspirations for the promotion of democracy in the lead-up to Egyptian elections, writes Anne Gearan in Cairo.

With their flags whipping in the wind, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas met face-to-face today to announce an end to four years of violence and offer goodwill gestures they hope will start a new era of peace talks.

ISRAEL reopened the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt yesterday, allowing 1,500 Palestinians home after being stranded for three weeks in Egypt.

AS mentor to Osama bin Laden and the brains behind al-Qaida, Ayman al Zawahri is considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists.

As mentor to Osama bin Laden and the brains behind al Qaida, Ayman al Zawahri is considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists.