The Arabs at a crossroads
The first-ever Arab Human Development Report reveals serious deficits in freedoms, gender equality and the dissemination of knowledge. Reviewing its findings, Gihan Shahine asks its lead author some tough questions and sifts through mixed reactions

'A person who is not free is poor'
In an exclusive interview Nader Fergany, lead author of the Arab Human Development Report, speaks about the internal and external challenges facing the Arab region

Steps to prosperity
Another UN report shows that Egypt is potentially on track in meeting international development goals. Al-Ahram Weekly peruses the facts and figures

A warning bell
From acclaim to harsh criticism, the international press sounded off on the first Arab Human Development Report. Gihan Shahine samples the reactions

The shackles of underdevelopment
Dina Ezzat reads the UNDP's report with an eye on the Arab-Israeli conflict