Iran's declaration that its scientists have successfully enriched uranium took the West by surprise, writes Marian Houk

Amid rising tensions between the newly formed Palestinian Hamas government and Israel, Erica Silverman in Ramallah interviews Hamas member and Parliament Speaker Abdul-Aziz Duwaik

Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority Ismail Haniyeh outlines the basis for comprehensive peace

International aid freezes threaten to strangle the democratically elected Hamas-led government, Khaled Amayreh and Erica Silverman report from the West Bank and Gaza

Mubarak's statements on the close Shia association with Iran might have caused unintentional sensitivities. However, as Dina Ezzat reports, they send a clear appeal for non-intervention in Iraqi affairs

The National Democratic Party is organising a one-day conference to shore up support for controversial legislation, reports Gamal Essam El-Din

The Shura Council has agreed that the assets of Mamdouh Ismail, owner of the ferry Al-Salam 98, should be sequestered pending the outcome of the investigation into the ship's sinking, reports Gamal Essam El-Din

Mona El-Nahhas reports on attempts to end the sequestration of the Engineers' Syndicate

As another victim falls prey to avian flu, Reem Leila reports on the inadequacies of the national awareness campaign to combat the disease

A decision over the Iraqi prime minister position continues to impede the creation of a government three months after elections

Francis Fukuyama's change of heart on Iraq comes too late and at too high a price, writes Firas Al-Atraqchi

Across Baghdad are broken memories and roots of endurance, writes Nermeen Al-Mufti

The demonisation of Shia is on the rise, argues Abbas Kadhim

Sherine Abdel-Razek reports on the growing appeal of mutual funds for small retail investors, many of whom were badly burned during last month's stock market correction

Berlusconi disputes Prodi's slim victory at the Italian general elections, reports Samia Nkrumah from Rome

Maggie Morgan listens for signs of the developing public persona of Ahdaf Soueif

The Armenian General Benevolent Union celebrates its centenary this week. Inas Mazhar consults with the institution's Egypt President Berdj Terzian, finding out about history, culture and lifestyle

Are they impermeable to make-believe? In a month dedicated to autistic children, Reem Leila walks into a world of their own