A week ago Ariel Sharon promised the world that Israel will "make possible a free, fair and effective Palestinian election". So much for that, writes Graham Usher in Jerusalem

Israel greeted the new year by killing seven children in the Gaza Strip, reports Khaled Amayreh from Ramallah

Pressure is mounting on the Iraqi government to postpone the forthcoming elections, Omayma Abdel-Latif reports

In spite of protests by key Iraqi figures, the US occupation authorities and the Iraqi interim government insist on holding the elections on time, reports Nermeen Al-Mufti from Baghdad

Humanity comes to the fore in times of catastrophe, writes Gamal Nkrumah

Cairo's mediation role in the region is getting more intensive by the day, reports Dina Ezzat

Is the Nazif government cozying up to the rich at the expense of the poor? Some MPs think so, reports Gamal Essam El-Din

The alleyways of Damshau Hashim may have quieted down, but the Muslim-Coptic clashes that took place there last week leave an indelible stain. Reem Nafie reports from the troubled village

Ahead of elections Nadhim Al-Jasour surveys Iraq's confusing political scene

As Palestinians aspire for a better life, many invest their hopes in Abu Mazen. Many others feel he would shatter their cause. Serene Mulham reports from Ramallah

The New Year holds out at least the promise of peace for Sudan. But how will the deal due to be signed next Sunday play out, writes Gamal Nkrumah

Six months in office have not dampened Investment Minister Mahmoud Mohieddin's reformist zeal. He spoke to Niveen Wahish

The special economic zone in the northwestern Gulf of Suez has been anything but... special that is, reports Wael Gamal

Many Iraqis have fled their country to try and put their suffering behind them. But some of those who have taken refuge in Egypt told Mustafa El-Menshawy a bitter story

Hail, mother of the gods, wife of starry heaven (Homeric hymn to Gea)