Articles written by Neil Gunn
Showing 1-100 of 204 Articles
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Cuneiform Writing From the Palace of Sargon II
The first of the discoveries of cuneiform script, which reinforced the Old Testament story of the seige of Samaria, was made at the ruins of the Palace of Sargon II.
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Soft Credit Searches for Credit Card Applicants
The credit card market is swamped with many different types of card, making the choice for consumers a difficult one. Soft credit searches may make the process easier.
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King Herod Through the Eyes of Early Writers
King Herod the Great, born c 73 BCE, was a central character in the history of the Jewish people. Early chroniclers have allowed a fascinating glimpse into his life.
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Minaret of Jam, a Tribute to the Ghurid Dynasty
The Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located at the confluence of the Hari Rud and Jam Rud rivers in Ghor Province in central Afghanistan.
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The Gates of Jerusalem
Since Nehemiah's reconstruction of Jerusalem's city walls, the gates to this holy place have had a special significance for Jerusalem's citizens and its many visitors.
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Advantages of a Bad Credit Rating Credit Card
Despite the high interest rates charged on bad credit rating credit cards, there are distinct advantages to be gained by using this type of card.
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Insolvency Service Highlight Debt Relief Figures
Insolvencies in England and Wales have risen to their highest level since records began nearly five decades ago, said the UK Insolvency Service.
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Check Credit Report Before Applying for Credit
In the continuing difficult economic conditions how many people understand that multiple credit applications will have an adverse effect on their credit score?
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The Final Weeks of King Hussein of Jordan
His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal, widely regarded as the 'father' of modern Jordan, died on February 7,1999, after a long illness.
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Alternatives to Scottish Bankruptcy
Declaring personal bankruptcy in Scotland should always be the final option as there are a number of alternatives to explore, including the Scottish Trust Deed.
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Bankruptcy in Scotland
The bankruptcy in Scotland process, which can be instigated by either a creditor or the debtor, is administered by the Accountant in Bankruptcy.
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Borrow Money at the Best Loan Rates
In the very competitive loans market, banks try to give the consumer the best loan rates. However those with the best credit scores might consider Zopa, a social lender.
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Government Consultation on Credit Card Practice
New government proposals have been announced (27 October, 2009) which are designed to get UK consumers a better deal from credit card and store card companies.
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Credit Cards to Improve Credit Score
In a recent press release, comparison site uSwitch announced the arrival, in time for Christmas, of a new credit card for those with a less than perfect credit score.
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Zero Percent Balance Transfer Credit Cards
With the summer holiday season only just past and the festive season around the corner, credit card spending will continue to grow in some households.
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Samarkand – Timur's Royal Capital City
Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a hugely important historical site standing proudly on the ancient Silk Route in what is now modern Uzbekistan.
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High Interest Christmas Loans
With the festive season approaching the Internet is already awash with adverts offering Christmas loans but consumers should be aware of the APR before applying.
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Financial Services Authority Mortgage Review
After a detailed review, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has recently announced tough new conditions, due to be implemented, in 2010, on the UK mortgage market.
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Cyrus Cylinder – First Charter of Human Rights?
The BBC has recently reported that Iran has threatened to stop cultural co-operation with the British Museum if the Babylonian Cyrus Cylinder is not returned on loan.
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The Church of the Nativity Bethlehem
The Church of the Nativity in Manger Square in the centre of Bethlehem is one of Christianity's most revered sites. It is according to tradition the birthplace of Jesus
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Choose the Best Credit Card for Use at Christmas
With Christmas approaching, people will be worrying about increasing credit card debt. A 0% on purchases credit card and balance transfer credit card might be the answer.
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Advantages of Using Cashback Credit Cards
Why not earn some extra money from cashback credit cards, which should be used for everyday spending and not kept for that emergency or one-off payment.
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Bank of England Reports Rise in Credit Card Debt
The latest Bank of England Trends in Lending Report has said that although the levels of overall consumer debt fell in June (2009) credit card debt showed a small rise.
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Knights Templar try to Build Support in Europe
Following the final defeats in the Holy Land, Jacques de Molay the Grand Master of the Knights Templar left Cyprus in 1294 for an extended journey through Europe.
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The Demise of Knights Templar in Holy Land
The Knights Templar emerged from the first Crusader army in order to protect Christian pilgrims moving from the Mediterranean ports to the holy city of Jerusalem.
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Few Bad Credit Mortgages in Housing Slump
Over the last 12 months or so conditions surrounding the granting of mortgages have been drastically changed, particularly for people looking for bad credit mortgages.
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Overview of Ancient Persian City of Persepolis
Around five hundred and eighteen years before the birth of Jesus, Darius I, perhaps the greatest of all the Achaemenid kings, founded the Persian city of Persepolis.
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Credit Card Indebtedness in UK Continues to Grow
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reported that £1.5bn of outstanding European consumer debt, much of it in the UK, will not be repaid.
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Isfahan the Safavid Capital City of Shah Abbas
Isfahan (Esfahan) in the Islamic Republic of Iran was chosen by the Safavid Shah Abbas (reigned 1587-1629) as his capital and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Codex Sinaiticus Reproduced in Digital Form
Built at the foot of Mount Sinai, St Catherine's Monastery, is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world and the original home of the Codex Sinaiticus.
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Are Debt Consolidation Loans a Realistic Option
During a time of crisis in their lives some people, particularly homeowners with mounting bad debt, will decide that some form of consolidation loan is the way forward.
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Bosra's Ancient Roman Amphitheatre
Once the thriving capital of the Roman province of Arabia, Bosra, now part of modern Syria, owes much to the building work of second century C. E. Roman emperor Trajan.
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Secured Credit Cards for Bad Credit Risks
Prepaid or secured credit cards for bad credit risks can be an effective way for Americans with high levels of personal debt to rebuild a poor credit report.
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The Search for the Biblical Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula is believed by some traditionalists to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.
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Unsecured Adverse Credit Loans
An online search for unsecured adverse credit loans will display a range of potential sources for this type of loan, which generally has a high rate of interest.
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High Interest Department Store Cards
Store cards generally get a bad press because of the high interest rates charged but if people are careful there are some advantages that come with a store card.
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Best Poor Credit, Credit Cards
The Internet is awash with adverts for " bad debt credit cards" or "adverse credit cards", for some this type of card may be part of the solution to their debt problem.
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Debt Relief Orders a New Form of Bankruptcy
Since April 2009, Debt Relief Orders, a new form of financial help, are available to those people with personal debts of no more than £15,000.
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Ancient Bosra a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bosra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once ancient capital of the Roman province of Arabia, lies 120 kilometres south of the Syrian city of Damascus.
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Debt Advice From the Money Saving Expert
Martin Lewis is without doubt one of the UKs best known financial journalists. With a refreshing no nonsense style, his advice on debt matters is much sought after.
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The Use of Credit and Debit Card Blocking
Credit and debit card blocking also known as putting a hold on a credit or debit card, can create a sometimes unforeseen problem when booking into a hotel.
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The Temple of Bel, Palmyra Syria
Palmyra is one of the jewels set in the Syrian crown. In a city crammed with evocative memories and historical treasures the great Temple of Bel beckons to the curious.
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Points to Consider if Lenders Refuse Credit
During the current credit crunch, banks and other lenders are taking a harder look at credit applications; consequently more consumers are now being refused credit.
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Palmyra Syria a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Palmyra, (Tadmor) Syria now a UNESCO World Heritage Site was, for many years a caravan stop on the great Silk Road that stretched from China to the Mediterranean coast.
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More Young Women in Debt are Made Bankrupt
Figures from the UK Insolvency Service show, for 2008, personal insolvencies in England and Wales rising to 67,428, an increase of 4.6% on the same period in 2007.
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Personal Debt Targeted in New White Paper
Debt statistics released by Credit Action, an independent debt charity, make grim reading, with UK personal debt increasing by 1.4% in the last year to £17.9 billion.
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Mount Nebo, Jordan where Moses Saw Promised Land
Mount Nebo, Jordan is today a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people who visit the spot, where according to the Bible, Moses saw the Promised Land.
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Fed's Advice on Getting Best Credit Card Deals
A Federal Reserve report of June 5, 2009 highlights a fall in levels of consumer credit. The figures include revolving credit which is mainly credit card related.
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Charging Orders a Threat to some Debtors
Citizens Advice has highlighted the threat from some lenders to use Charging Orders to force those with unsecured judgment debts into repaying unaffordable amounts.
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Payday Loans are no Answer to Credit Crunch
An English county council has recently warned families that payday loans, which can rack up interest rates close to 10,000%, are no answer to the credit crunch.
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Suleiman's Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City
The 16th century Damascus Gate, one of a number of entry points allowing passageway through Jerusalem's ancient walls, is the largest and most ornate of the Old City gate
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Can Credit Repair Agencies Fix Bad Credit?
With US banks and other lenders tightening the rules on their lending criteria, some people with less than perfect credit reports are having their applications refused.
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Crac des Chevaliers Syria World Heritage Site
The Crac des Chevaliers (Arabic Qal'at al-Hosn) in Syria, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved examples of Crusader military architecture.
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How to Initiate the Credit Dispute Procedure
Credit reporting agencies have played a key role in the expansion of consumer credit in the US but when credit disputes arise, what are the correct procedures to follow?
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New Credit Card Law Boosts Consumer Protection
President Obama has recently signed into law extensive new controls on the ability of American credit card issuers to unexpectedly raise fees and interest rates.
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US Pawnshops Offer Fast Cash Loans
Many pawnbrokers in the US have seen a rise in business as consumers are cut off from more conventional lenders who are anxious to take fewer risks in today's economy.
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The Mesha Stele From Ancient Moab
Until the discovery in 1868 of the 9th century Mesha Stele at Dhiban (modern Jordan), scant evidence of Moab, a vassal state of the Kingdom of Israel survived.
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How to Obtain a Free Credit Report in the US
The Federal Trade Commission's Build a Better Credit Report offers an insight into how credit scoring works, how it could be improved and how to get a free credit report.
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Federal Trade Commission Offers Advice on FDCPA
The Federal Trade Commission, the US consumer protection agency, offers those struggling with personal debt some practical guidance on the subject of debt collection law.
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The Crusader's Castle at Karak, Jordan
Karak Castle lies near the southern end of the Dead Sea and stands on the site of Kir Moab which in the days of Mesha resisted the attack of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah.
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Advice to Help Avoid Mortgage Foreclosure Scams
With the number of foreclosures rising, and now a fact of life for many US homeowners, the Federal Reserve now recommends five steps for avoiding foreclosure scams.
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Negative Equity and Short Selling in the US
As house values continue to drop, an increasing number of US homeowners owe more on their homes than they are worth, according to Zillow.com, a real estate data website.
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America's Worst Cities for Credit Card Debt
The worst American cities for credit card debt were recently identified in a Forbes USA survey. They provide grim reading for their citizens in an on-going Credit Crunch.
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Credit Card Protection For Consumers
One real benefit that paying for goods or services with a credit card is the added protection given to consumers under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
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Spotlight on Payday and Logbook Loan Advertising
In May 2008 Credit Action a leading UK money charity warned of inappropriate and sometimes illegal payday and logbook loan advertising on some social networking sites.
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The Umayyad Mosque, Damascus Syria
Damascus, Syria is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and home to the Umayyad Mosque, one of the great holy sites of Islam.
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The Mis-selling of Payment Protection Insurance
In June 2008, following a complaint from the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Competition Commission published a report on the unfair selling of Payment Protection Insurance.
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Questions to Ask Credit Counseling Agencies
Faced with a confusing range of agencies offering debt consolidation or debt free solutions, what are the questions that must be asked before choosing a credit counselor?
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Choosing the Right Credit Counselor is Essential
Increasing numbers of Americans, struggling with credit card debt, are faced with difficult decisions when it comes to choosing a reputable, independent debt counselor.
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Nehemiah, Cup-Bearer to Emperor Artaxerxes
The Old Testament book of Nehemiah tells of the rebuilding of the walls and gates of Jerusalem following the Babylonian destruction of the city in 587-586 BCE.
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Credit Action Advise Increase in Personal Debt
Credit Action is a national money education charity, which works in partnership with the major debt counselling charity the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS).
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Nabatean Contol of the Incense and Spice Route
From the 3rd century BCE until the 2nd century CE great camel caravans made the trip from the southern shores of the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean port of Gaza.
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The Accountant in Bankruptcy in Scotland
Figures from the Accountant in Bankruptcy show an increase in bankruptcies in Scotland. In the first quarter of 2009 they have risen by 71% on the same period last year.
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Hatra Iraq a Parthian City and UNESCO Site
Hatra, Iraq, capital of the first Arab Kingdom, is one of the best-preserved examples of a Parthian city and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
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The Dangers of Credit Card Minimum Payments
Research undertaken by Warwick University has shown that many credit card customers are almost compelled to pay only the minimum payment on their credit card bills.
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Ancient Biblical City of Ur of the Chaldees
The Biblical city of Ur of the Chaldees, the modern Tell Muqayyar, and the Tallil airbase are to be found in Iraq, between Baghdad and the head of the Persian Gulf
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Household Budgeting Part of Any Good Debt Advice
Total personal debt in the UK, at the end of February 2009, stood at £1,458bn but how many people considered household budgeting as a way to get out of debt?
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Water Scarcity in Jordan is Damaging its Economy
As Jordan's water supply, from aquifers and river sources, diminishes, water scarcity in Jordan is set to become an increasing problem for the country's economy.
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The Role of Water in Middle Eastern Politics
Recent pollution of the Yarmouk River with oil waste and sewage has again brought the problem of chronic water shortage in the Middle East into sharp focus.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of an IVA
Before applying for an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), people with high levels of personal debt should first consider its advantages and disadvantages.
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Alternatives to Doorstep Loans
Credit Unions or independent financial advice may be a viable alternative to a high interest doorstep loan for people without access to more traditional credit sources.
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A Brief Look at Jordanian Economic Development
For many years Jordan, a country with limited natural resources and only 92,300 sq km in size, has struggled economically in a challenging Middle Eastern environment.
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Misleading Debt Management Advertising
In a recent statement by the UK Ministry of Justice, debt management businesses have been warned not to use misleading advertising to make dubious claims.
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Megiddo the Biblical Armageddon
The ancient city of Megiddo, now a World Heritage Site, is one of the most remarkable tells (hills) in the Levant and scene of the first ever recorded battle in history.
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The High Interest Rates on Credit Card Cheques
Credit card cheques are a way of paying for goods when a credit card is not acceptable. However, consumers should be aware of the high interest rates that are charged.
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Negative Hierarchy Credit Card Interest Payments
Consumers applying for a 0% balance transfer credit card should, before using it, ask if the company if it operates a negative hierarchy interest payment regime.
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Hejaz Railway – Built by the Ottoman Empire
In the first year of the 20th century the Ottoman sultan ordered the start of building work on the Hejaz railway to allow easier access for pilgrims to the holy places.
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Gadara a Greco-Roman City of the Decapolis
The Jordanian city of Umm Qays formally known as Gadara, one of the Greco-Roman cities of the Decapolis, is today a place for quiet contemplation and exploration.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of a Secured Loan
A secured loan is often considered when a person needs debt consolidation, a holiday or other purchase but remember the loan gives security to the lender not the borrower
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Ottoman Rule in 16th Century Jerusalem
When Ottoman Sultan, Selim I appeared, with an army, at the gates of Jerusalem in 1517 he was welcomed by the Ulama who peacefully presented him with the keys to the city
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Jordan's Role During the First Persian Gulf War
The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2,1990 started a major international crisis resulting six months later in the first Persian Gulf War.
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The Pitfalls of a Flat Rate Interest Car Loan
Buying a car is for many people the second biggest purchase after a house that they will make, so finding the best and cheapest car loan is essential.
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OFT Closes Look-Alike Debt Advice Websites
In a climate of increasing personal debt levels more people than ever have been turning to debt advice or debt consolidation companies for help.
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A History of Baalbeck Lebanon
Tucked away in Lebanon's beautiful, yet troubled, Bekaa Valley is Baalbeck, site of some of the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture.
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Short Term Unsecured Loans from Pawnbrokers
As banks continue to restrict their lending, two of the UK's biggest pawnbrokers have recently reported higher profits and plans for expansion.
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Pitfalls of Personal Loans of Last Resort
For people struggling to keep pace with a deteriorating financial situation the temptation to apply for a personal loan of last resort can be irresistible.
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Do Credit Repair Agencies Have a Useful Role
For those with a poor credit score, consulting a credit repair agency may be tempting but there is nothing the agencies can do, that they can't do themselves.
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Advantages of Using a Credit Card
Although one of the causes of spiralling bad debt, in many respects it makes good sense to apply for credit card for purchases. Look at the e advantages over paying cash.
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Best Credit Cards With 0% Interest on Purchases
For many people looking for the best short-term bank loan to make a purchase, a new credit card offering 0% interest on purchases is often a better way forward.
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Pitfalls of Applying for a Cheap Unsecured Loan
For people, with increasing personal debt, looking for a cheap unsecured loan to see them through a difficult financial period, there are some pitfalls to be aware of.
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