Lebanon's Nahr Al-Bared stand-off between the army and Fatah Al-Islam militants has entered its third week, with no solution in sight. Lucy Fielder reports

The Security Council's ratification of a special tribunal to try the suspected assassins of Rafik Al-Hariri invokes fears of foreign intervention in Lebanon, Lucy Fielder reports from Beirut

Following his presidential victory and signs of international acceptance, Bashar Al-Assad might prematurely be assuming smooth political sailing for Damascus, writes Sami Moubayed

The US has no choice but to engage in dialogue with Iran, writes Mustafa El-Labbad

Hopes for a ceasefire dim as Israel rejects Palestinian proposals for cessation of fighting, reports Khaled Amayreh in East Jerusalem

Marking months that have witnessed nothing but massive civilian casualties, Al-Maliki's media mouthpiece celebrates a year of "achievements". Nermeen Al-Mufti takes note