Tycoons in trouble
The government's crackdown on businessmen who defaulted on their bank loans witnessed a serious new escalation this week. Gamal Essam El-Din reports

Promising partnerships
NGOs are at the head of institutions required to contribute to the national effort of modernising Egypt. Dahlia Hammouda reports from the annual NGO conference

Pathway to the past
A nearly two-decade old dream, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation looks set to finally see the light. Nevine El-Aref witnessed the placing of its foundation stone

A good catch?
Confusion surrounds the recent announcement that a high-ranking Al-Qa'eda official is in Egyptian custody. Jailan Halawi investigates

Hard times for Heshmat
Does parliament's rapid removal of one of its Muslim Brotherhood MPs hearken an escalation in the chronic confrontation between the government and the banned group? Gamal Essam El-Din reports

Newsreel
STARTING 2003, Egypt will officially celebrate Coptic Christian Christmas, which falls on 7 January of every year

A leftist reshuffle?
As a leading member aims to introduce a quiet sort of opposition to the Tagammu Party's attitude, some party members cry foul. Mona El-Nahhas examines the prospects

Park or play?
A massive underground garage being built in Zamalek has attracted a fair share of controversy. Dena Rashed reports

An uncertain road
The explosive issues plaguing the Middle East look no closer to being resolved. Nevine Khalil reports

Democratic rumblings
Omayma Abdel-Latif gauges reactions to the US's new role as a "democracy broker" in the region, finding deep scepticism to be the overwhelming mood

Khul' law passes major test
Although the Supreme Constitutional Court recently ruled in favour of a controversial new divorce law, Mariz Tadros discovers that the path to marital equality for all remains mired with thorns