The sensationalist comments of Syria's former vice-president were ill-timed and inappropriate, even if true, writes Ibrahim Nafie

Though universalist in outlook, political Islam found fertile ground in Egypt's 20th century history. Seventy-five years on, integrating secular and religious political trends is yet to be achieved, writes Mustafa El-Feki

Amid scandals of government spying on US citizens, Bush faces the challenge to open 2006 on a cleaner wicket, writes Mohamed Hakki

Collective amnesia seems the order of the day as Ariel Sharon's health takes a serious turn for the worse, writes Ramzy Baroud

That true democracy in the Middle East would threaten US strategic and economic interests explains why it won't be happening soon, according to Ayman El-Amir