America will face intense scrutiny in 2009, but US President-elect Barack Obama is unlikely to be subject to such an inquisition, writes Gamal Nkrumah

Egypt-US relations should be given a boost by the entrance of Obama to the Oval Office, writes Nabil Fahmi

Sense is returning to East-West relations, despite the US and NATO, affirms Eric Walberg

US failure to build an inclusive international order in the post-Cold War era is at the heart of the world's present troubles, writes Ayman El-Amir

NATO pays Taliban for security and a Canadian is appointed governor of Kandahar. When will the madness cease, asks Eric Walberg

The world watched stunned as the commercial capital of India received yet another blow in 2008. But is 2009 a time for forgiving, wonders Gamal Nkrumah

The disastrous Bush years have left a legacy of war and financial collapse. They have also brought North America to a political impasse, bemoans Eric Walberg