New inspector, old hurdles
The new chief arms inspector for Iraq, Hans Blix, may succeed where others have failed. But, writes Salah Hemeid, all the same obstacles stand in his path

The stuff of genocide
Former UN Humanitarian Coordinator Denis Halliday talks to Azadeh Moaveni about sanctions, arms inspections, and the hypocrisy of the West

Conflict circumscribed
Whether heartfelt amnesty or conservative campaign gimmick, the pardon recently granted Tehran's liberal ex-mayor is an intriguing gesture on the part of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, writes Azadeh Moaveni

Censoring the Arabs
A Kuwaiti court's recent conviction of two women writers on blasphemy charges has been seen as the latest in a regional assault on freedom of expression, reports Sherine Bahaa

Slow on normalisation
Despite Israeli and US pressure, Morocco is unlikely to follow Mauritania in upgrading its ties with Israel. Dalal Abu Ghazaleh reports from Rabat

Freedom oases in Jordan
A new media zone could mean jobs, investment and guarantees on freedom of expression for the Jordanian communications industry. Lola Keilani in Amman, suggests that all of Jordan stands to gain