Saleh Al-Naami monitors Israeli preparations for a strike against Hamas

Abbas and Olmert meet again and get nowhere, again. Khaled Amayreh reports

Fatah Al-Islam's women and children have at last left Nahr Al-Bared camp, heralding the final battle which could last days or weeks, Lucy Fielder reports

A new Shia-Sunni-Kurdish accord provides a breathing space, but for how long, asks Salah Hemeid

While US military operations expand, Iraq's non-functioning political process remains deadlocked, writes Nermeen Al-Mufti

The NDP's attempts to hold competitive elections for party posts elicit mixed reactions in political circles, writes Gamal Essam El-Din

The confrontation between the government and the Muslim Brotherhood has reached new levels, writes Gamal Essam El-Din

Judges prepare themselves to resist attempts to further compromise their independence, writes Mona El-Nahhas

Migrant birds have tested positive for the H7 strain of bird flu, reports Reem Leila

Saadeddin Ibrahim finds himself the centre of yet another storm following an article written for The Washington Post, reports Karim El-Khashab

Saleh Al-Naami explains why Fatah, Hamas and Israel all reject elections

Time is running out for Lebanon's government and opposition to step back from the brink before flash-point presidential elections, Lucy Fielder reports

An upward spiral in living and food costs presents a serious problem for millions of Egyptians. Sherine Abdel-Razek goes shopping

The Supreme Court's decision to allow ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan has reduced even more of President Musharraf's options, writes Graham Usher

While UN peacekeeping has done little to calm the world's troubled waters, the UN's other mandate -- development -- has had some success despite its many problems, argues Eric Walberg

Maybe Egyptians know how to party after all: Salonaz Sami meets a new generation of DJs

Salonaz Sami examines a phenomenon

Serene Assir is unimpressed by the falsity of 3al Qahwa

By Sahar El-Bahr