Mauritania's presidential elections, while inconclusive yet, show that the country is moving positively towards political democracy, writes James Martin in Nouakchott

Israel's Olmert remains determined to undermine any genuine effort towards peace in the Middle East, writes Khaled Amayreh in the West Bank

Arabs say they will not amend the Beirut peace initiative, but Dina Ezzat asks whether they can update it

Hakim's dominance seems threatened as the US military admits that force alone will not secure Iraq, writes Nermeen Al-Mufti

Last weekend's Baghdad conference was meant to break the ice, if nothing else, writes Salah Hemeid

Opposition and government forces inch closer towards a deal, but how lasting can a settlement really be, asks Serene Assir in Beirut