A lustrous strand of his silver hair dangles coyly on his broad forehead. His gaping mouth and double chin exude pomp and authority. His eyes dart around the People's Assembly as he examines new faces and recognises old MPs. Speaker Fathi Sorour fixes his audience with an ominous glare: "The new session commences," he blurts out.

parent page (22 - 28 December 2005, issue #774)