Sharon's old new year
Palestinian options will vanish as rapidly as their lands under Ariel Sharon's plans for the year ahead

Tug of war
With Saddam behind bars America's troubles continue?

Civilians in the cross-hairs
As Israel rages through the West Bank and Gaza, Bethlehem celebrates another dismal Christmas under occupation

Egypt:

Year of the seven challenges
Prime Minister Atef Ebeid's annual policy statement -- with its warning of further economic woes for the nation -- was unlike the upbeat reports of previous years

Toying with court rulings
Although invalidated by several court rulings, last week's by-elections were held to fill 22 vacant seats in the People's Assembly and the Shura Council

'The other Israel'
A new NGO attempts to build a case against Israeli racism

Spinning disaster
Low cotton yield this year is threatening to bring the spinning and weaving industries to a halt

'I feel I am burying Bam'
The earthquake that struck the historic Iranian city of Bam has turned much of the city into a mass grave

International:

A tough season in Pakistan
It has not been a good week for Pakistan, and particularly not for its President Pervez Musharraf

Last frontier
Away from the public eye and far from the media's attention, China is waging a controversial campaign it claims is an important front in the war on terror

Living:

Party in history
Of Pyramids birthdays, Sacred Lake buffets and Manial Palace weddings: the transformation of Egypt's archaeological heritage into a colourful backdrop for the festivities of the rich