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The mounting death toll of US soldiers in Iraq will prove crucial to determining the outcome of the upcoming congressional elections. By Habib Haddad in Al-Hayat, the pan-Arab daily published in London

"When a people's life is at risk, the nation is equally at risk. Thereby I say that what is taking place in Egypt now resembles a threat to our national security." -- Fahmi Howeidi, Al-Ahram

"Security forces, whose heavy presence prevail during demonstrations and elections... but in such events [sexual harassment] their absence is inexcusable." -- Sherine Abul-Naga, Al-Masri Al-Youm

"Will [Mubarak's visit to China] achieve the gains its predecessors failed to accomplish?" -- Salama Ahmed Salama, Al-Ahram

"The latest developments in Iraq have shown that the American occupation will end very soon." -- Fouad Dabbour, Ad Dostour

"US policies should show Middle Eastern people that creating a better tomorrow lies in adhering to our identity, culture, dignity and values..." -- Buthayna haaban, Asharq Al-Awsat

"Bush declared he is in Iraq to protect the Zionist entity and oil supplies and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He did not mention anything about democracy..." -- Abdullah Al-Seweigi , Al-Khaleej