Hebronising the West Bank
Israel's "restraint" translates into the settlers' latitude and both are policies authored by Ariel Sharon. Graham Usher reports from Hebron

Keeping a low profile
A meticulously drawn agreement between exiled Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghosheh and the Jordanian government brought a two-week crisis to a quiet end, reports Lola Keilani from Amman

Annan pushes Sahara autonomy
Both Morocco and the Polisario Front welcomed the United Nations resolution to discuss autonomy plans and keep open the referendum option, Rasha Saad reports

The sky's limits
Turkey downplayed recent joint air manoeuvres it held with Israel, knowing the sensitivity of its Arab neighbours and the general sympathy Palestinians enjoy among Turks since the Intifada started, Gareth Jenkins writes from Istanbul

Triangular ties
The Turkish Ambassador to Egypt, Aykut Cetrige, finds himself his country's top diplomat in Cairo at a time when questions are raised about the close military collaboration between Turkey and Israel. --read on--

Parisian tones
There was more than diplomatic finess to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's visit to Paris, reports Sherine Bahaa

Grappling with a manifold crisis
As Berbers continue their revolt in Algeria, Diaa Rashwan explains how their demands reflect serious discontent throughout the country: especially among the young

'Smart sanctions' on the shelf
CONFRONTED with the threat of a Russian veto, Britain and the US on Monday shelved a proposal to revamp Iraqi sanction and instead decided to extend the current UN humanitarian programme for five months without change.--read on--

Upping the ante in Beqaa
The latest Israeli escalation of violence in south Lebanon renewed the internal debate on the role of Hizbullah resistance, Zeina Abu Rizk reports from Beirut

Region Briefs

Grave breaches

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