Crossed roads
Palestinians passed the third year of the Intifada this week seeking leadership -- they didn't find it. Graham Usher reports from Jerusalem

'What are we waiting for, assembled in the forum?'
Tamim Al-Barghouti ,in New York, attends the funeral service for Edward Said

Framing takes time
A six-months time frame for Iraqis to write a new constitution is a good idea, but are Iraqis willing to wait, asks Salah Hemeid

Arab flags over Detroit
In the first conference of its kind, Arabs and Americans together scrutinised their dysfunctional relationship. Dina Ezzat reports from Detroit

Inappropriate appropriations
The Bush administration feels the heat over its Iraq policy as it seeks $87 billion for military and reconstruction costs. Khaled Dawoud reports from Washington

Denouncing a show trial
Imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouthi delivered an eloquent defense of himself and the Intifada before an Israeli court. Khaled Amayreh reports from Jerusalem

Second year success
Gamal Mubarak and the NDP's young reformists seem to have shifted the balance of power within the ruling party. Gamal Essam El-Din reports

Ebeid's last stand?
NDP insiders and opposition figures alike told Al-Ahram Weekly that Prime Minister Atef Ebeid's government's survival depends on the way it deals with rising prices and the dollar squeeze

Winds of change
The NDP's annual conference ended on an upbeat note, as President Mubarak called for new reforms. Nevine Khalil reports

'Too little, too late'
The NDP now has to prove that its promises for political reform are more than just hot air, political analysts told Omayma Abdel-Latif

Economic Intifada
Egyptians marking the Intifada's third anniversary seized the opportunity to protest their own government's policies. Amira Howeidy reports

Egyptian at last?
A long-awaited amendment to the Egyptian Nationality Law is about to become a reality. Reem Leila examines the chances of children born to foreign fathers becoming Egyptian

First-year German U
The new German University in Cairo will be offering a German curriculum, taught in English, with a focus on science and technology. Shaden Shehab examines the ambitious educational endeavour's prospects for success

Economy:

Optic illusions?
Do the latest figures on the Egyptian economy herald recovery or signal crisis? asks Salah El-Amrousi

Bright prospects for natural gas
Natural gas projects in Egypt are experiencing a boom. Sherine Nasr reports