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

A near deal
A much publicised swap of individuals held by both Israel and Hizbullah brought hope to families on both sides, but Tehran is in two minds about it. Mohalhel Fakih reports form Beirut

Light at the end of the tunnel
The Sudanese government and its chief armed opposition group finalised an agreement on security that is designed to end Africa's longest-running conflict, writes Gamal Nkrumah

World Bank wants reform
The world's top financial organisations call on the Arabs to change their social and political traditions. Mohamed Darwish writes from Dubai

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

Neighbourly disaffection
Syria walks a thin line when it comes to Iraq says Imad Fawzi Shoeibi , as it tries not to legitimise the status quo

City of fire
Despite its vast oil fields, the city of black gold suffers from a chaotic present and an unknown future. Nermine Al-Mufti reports from Kirkuk