Omayma Abdel-Latif sounds out reactions to President Hosni Mubarak's pre-campaign democratisation pledges

Omayma Abdel-Latif assesses the prospects of a promised end to 25 years of martial law

The death of Sudan's vice president could plunge the country deeper into crisis, writes Gamal Nkrumah

Amr Hamzawy assesses the changing dynamics of reform in Saudi Arabia

Don't be fooled by appearances -- it is Abbas rather than Sharon who is in trouble, writes Graham Usher in Jerusalem

With two weeks to go, Gazans are looking ahead to a life free of military occupation -- they hope, writes Khaled Amayreh in Palestine

Although many would argue that President Hosni Mubarak -- the ruling National Democratic Party nominee_will easily win this year's presidential elections, candidates from 14 parties are nonetheless giving it a go. Mona El-Nahhas and Mustafa El-Menshawy speak to some of the hopefuls, assessing their chances, and providing glimpses into their electoral platforms

As the Wafd Party abandons a boycott to field a presidential candidate, Fatemah Farag examines its motives

EOHR's annual report in Egypt paints a grim picture

While preparations are underway in Gaza to claim victory once Israel withdraws, much work will be required to rebuild the shattered Strip, writes Erica Silverman in Gaza

Delayed to mark the passing of Saudi Arabia's monarch, much continues to ride on the upcoming Arab summit, Dina Ezzat reports

Current bickering over the constitution augurs ill for Iraq, writes Salah Hemeid

Analysts believe the IRA will follow through on present promises to completely disarm, reports Ahmed Reda from London

Pakistani authorities scramble to act as international attention turns to the country's religious schools, writes Iffat Idris from Islamabad

Her most recent hearing adjourned, Hind El-Hinnawi tells Yasmine Fathi about the schizoid society in which we live

A vocational training programme will revive and preserve mediaeval handicrafts in Islamic Cairo. Nevine El-Aref reports on the first phase of the project