While Israel talks of starving the Palestinians, Hamas continues its preparations for government, reports Khaled Amayreh in the West Bank

A film about Palestinian suicide bombings is causing controversy, and gaining much accolade, ahead of the Oscars in March, reports Erica Silverman

The high-profile visit by Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal to Turkey has put the host country in the spotlight, writes Gareth Jenkins from Ankara

The battle for the presidency appears to be face of the ultimate showdown between the two dominating alliances in Lebanon, writes Hicham Safieddine

One year after Al-Hariri's killing, and Syria is struggling. Omayma Abdel-Latif in Damascus examines prospects for political reform in the wake of 12 unprecedented months

Buthaina Shaaban, key Syrian spokesperson, speaks to Al-Ahram Weekly about the future of Syrian-Lebanese relations and Syria's stand on investigations into Al-Hariri's killing, one year on

But two weeks before a crucial meeting of the IAEA, Iran is engaged in last-minute diplomacy with Europe and Russia to avert possible sanctions, Rasha Saad reports

Is the current Iraqi government a threat to its people, asks Firas Al-Atraqchi

The latest ICG report reveals Iraq's resistance groups are more confident and less divided than the US military wants us to think