Egypt

Solidarity is the key
Arab leaders are charging to cement a united stand to avoid losing any kind of control over the region's future. Nevine Khalil reports from Marrakech on President Mubarak's visits to Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya

Whipping the NDP into line
The ruling National Democratic Party is determined to ensure that its MPs toe the party line during this year's parliamentary session. Gamal Essam El-Din reports on the establishment of an NDP whip committee

Standards of justice
Defendants in the case of the Islamic Liberation Party, who include two Britons, say they are on trial for their beliefs. Jailan Halawi was in court

Until proven guilty
The news director of Egypt's state-owned television organisation pleaded his innocence at the opening session of his trial fors charges of accepting bribes, he also implored journalists not to smear his reputation ahead of a ruling

Region

Olives and lives
Israeli settlers are making Palestinian farmers' olive harvesting a terrifying experience. The objective is to "encourage" them to leave their lands. Jonathan Cook reports from Kfar Yasuf

From Jenin to Ariel
Palestinian resistance groups are focusing on Israeli military targets, reports Khalid Amayreh from Hebron

'Fearing Hizbullah'
Hizbullah has remained silent about its alleged role in an Israeli army spy-ring. Beirut, however, might have cause to worry. Mohalhel Fakih reports from the Lebanese capital

Pageant without borders
Although Libya has exhibited a flair for the dramatic in its dealings with the rest of the world, it might just outdo itself this week when it plays host to the Miss Net World beauty pageant, writes Willa Thayer

International

Brazilian samba
The election of Lula in Brazil will make a profound difference to much of Latin America, writes Hisham El-Naggar from Buenos Aires

A Russian tragedy
Russia's hostage ordeal has focused the world's attention on the plight of the Chechen Republic and the Russian response to its demands, reports Shohdy Naguib from Moscow

London's new villains
Osama Bin Laden's "ambassador to Europe" was captured and arrested last week in London. The arrest is unlikely to help Britain in its war on terror but it may avert criticism that Britain is haven for Islamists, writes James Corbett

Indonesia turns inward
Bali may have sealed the political future of Megawati Sukarnoputri, writes Damien Kingsbury from Sydney

Economy

Focus

A new sales pitch
The government is trying out a new technique to get companies slated for privatisation off its hands. Niveen Wahish reports

A time to buy
A conference introducing the general public to the workings of the stock market and encouraging investment was attended by Sherine Abdel-Razek. She witnessed a broad spectrum of public opinion

Hope on the horizon
At this week's Arab Women's Summit, a new organisation dedicated to improving women's fortunes will be born. Reem Leila reports

Focused on the issues

Uniting under one entity

Living

Features

Egypt's Eton recalled
One school. One city. And one hundred years of rich history between them. Fatemah Farag traces the ups and downs of Victoria College

Years of living dangerously
Armed conflicts have exacerbated the health situation across the region. Hala Sakr investigates the relationship between health and war and highlights the problems created by the US use of depleted uranium in Iraq, and interviews the WHO chief

Sports

Winning isn't everything
It will be just the sand, the horses, the fresh desert air, and a display of sheer strength and determination. Nashwa Abdel-Tawab will join a flock of riders from dawn until dusk to monitor their endurance