CNN's Ben Wedeman reports on Egypt's efforts to regain lost artifacts plundered during the age of European domination.

Play-in-page video:

Beirut, Lebanon (CNN) - The leaders of Lebanon and Syria vowed to improve cooperation between their two countries Sunday, tying up a meeting aimed at thawing frozen relations.

Syrian President Bashar Assad greets Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri (left) on his arrival in Damascus.

"We want to open new horizons between the two states," Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said at a news conference at the end of the two-day meeting, which happened in Damascus, Syria.

"We had good and excellent discussions based on mutual clarity and honesty," he added. "We are betting on a better future for both countries and peoples, in economy, trade as well as all other levels."

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was not at the news conference. Official Syrian news agency SANA reported that both al-Assad and Hariri "saw the visit as a starting point to restore cooperation between the governments of Syria and Lebanon."

"Both sides agreed that the institutions and ministries in both countries directly coordinate and communicate to remove all obstacles to the cooperation on all levels," SANA reported.

Hariri has previously blamed Syria for the 2005 assassination of his father, Rafik Hariri, a former Lebanese leader who was a prominent figure opposing Syria's continuing presence inside Lebanon.

A United Nations investigation found indications of Syrian involvement, but Syria denies responsibility. A U.N.-backed tribunal has been created to investigate the killing.

The two leaders did not discuss that issue or the assassinations of other anti-Syrian figures in Lebanon, Hariri said Sunday. They also did not discuss requests by a Syrian court to question Lebanese officials.

Asked whether any guarantees were exchanged regarding the Lebanese-Syrian relationship, Hariri responded, "I don't want to go into details." He added that the meeting proves "a relationship is being built in both countries' interest and in the benefit of future openness."

A popular uprising after the elder Hariri's killing in 2005 helped lead to the withdrawal of Syrian forces after almost 30 years of military and political domination of Lebanon.

Under international pressure, Syria opened an embassy in Beirut almost a year ago, and a Lebanese ambassador arrived in Damascus a short while later. It was the first time the two foes established diplomatic ties since their independence more than six decades ago.

The United States, which also accused Syria of involvement in Rafik Hariri's assassination, withdrew its ambassador four years ago. President Obama decided to make an effort toward reconciliation and announced earlier this year that he was returning a U.S. diplomat to Damascus.

CNN's Cal Perry reports from Dubai on the impact the financial crisis is having on the migrant worker population.

Dear all,

A reminder that you can join in discussions on by becoming an IME fan on Facebook.

Young Iraqis use film to fight fear and reclaim Iraq's streets. CNN's Isha Sesay reports

Iraq's National Museum is partnering with Google to offer a virtual tour of the museum. CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom reports.

The United Arab Emirates celebrated on Wednesday 38 years of independence with nationwide celebrations from concerts to exhibitions and a grand finale firework display in the capital Abu Dhabi.

Emirati boy celebrated National day. ADACH-Abu Dhabi

Fireworks finale along Abu Dhabi coast. ADACH-Abu Dhabi

Emirati traditional celebratory dance. ADACH-Abu Dhabi

By Andrew England in Abu Dhabi and Simeon Kerr in Dubai, FT.com
December 1, 2009

(FT) - Whether knowingly or not, Dubai, a city state built with grandiose long-term plans financed by piles of short-term debt, has cut off a crucial lifeline that may have helped it navigate the storm that threatens to engulf it.

Emirati traders follow the market's movements in Dubai as the stock market plunged Monday.

One of the immediate consequences of the emirate's decision to seek a standstill agreement with Dubai World's creditors, after weeks of officials talking up the prospects of their meeting their obligations, is to curtail its ability to raise financing through capital markets.

Analysts say that in the current climate it will be all but impossible for Dubai to issue bonds and tap fresh loans because of the damage to its credibility. That means its ability to refinance debts - estimated to be at least $80bn - will be severely hampered.

Many investors are looking to Abu Dhabi as the lender of last resort, whether bilaterally or under the cover of the United Arab Emirates' federal government. But there has been no word from the UAE capital, while the only federal statement has been that the central bank, which is backed by Abu Dhabi, will support local banks and set up a liquidity facility for those in need. Read full article

The Iraqi Football Association has been banned from playing in international matches. CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom reports.