Reaching the limit
Right-wing opponents of Israel's Barak alleged that he was giving Arafat a "free gift," by handing over to Palestinian control three villages near Jerusalem. Graham Usher writes from Jerusalem that the so-called gift was anything but free

Farms foreshadow withdrawal
The issue of the Shebaa Farms, which Lebanon says lie within its territory, might snag Israel's planned withdrawal from south Lebanon, writes Ranwa Yehia in Beirut

Baath cleanup for Bashar
Observers believe the anti-corruption campaign in Syria is only a prelude to major changes that will emerge from the upcoming conference of the ruling Baath Party, reports Atef Saqr from Damascus

Other objectives to fulfil
For half a century, George Habash's name has been synonymous with the Palestinians' refusal to concede the fact of their dispossession. Though he recently resigned his post as secretary general of the PFLP, the old revolutionary will not lay down his arms. In Cairo for the first time in 31 years, he spoke exclusively to Sherine Bahaa of his plans to carry on the struggle, if by different means

'The NIF must take the back seat'
In an exclusive interview, SPLA leader John Garang tells Gamal Nkrumah about how his movement and Sudanese NDA opposition forces stand to benefit from the rift among Sudanese ruling circles

Looking to the future
Royal visit
Hunger strike ends