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The holy fasting month of Ramadan which began on Tuesday was the source of inspiration for cartoonists. The Ramadan lanterns, introduced in this part of the world, are now made in China. "Our cultural heritage is being threatened. What if China decides not to export lanterns to us in Ramadan?" By Mohamed Ezzeddin in Sabah El-Kheir, the Egyptian weekly magazine. Amgad Rasmi in the London-based Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat says the sighting of the crescent which marks the official start of the month is -- to most Arab observers at least -- food-related.

"Mr President: if you want real political and constitutional reform there is no alternative but to draft a new constitution which reduces your powers and limits the number of terms a president can stay in office." -- Magdi Mehana, Al-Masry Al-Yom

"And what next? The president's presence and authority as well as the power of the son has been confirmed and change towards more power and authority is no doubt on its way faster than any expectations." -- Diaaeddin Dawoud, Al-Arabi

"The coming government must include even more traders, manufacturers and skilled specialists in all fields especially those which do not require specific credentials for those who work in them." -- Momtaz El-Qot, Akhbar Al-Yom

"The trial should not become a settling of scores by Shiites and Kurds with Saddam. [It] would be useful only if it enables the whole of Iraq to come to terms with the most tragic period of its modern history." -- Amir Taheri, Asharq Al-Awsat

"'De-Baathification' has become a deeply politicised process that continues to polarise the country and paralyse decision-making on all other issues of governance." -- Helena Cobban, Al-Hayat