The long-expected appointment of a Syrian ambassador to Lebanon marks the beginning of a new era, or does it? Bassel Oudat asks in Damascus

Beyond announcements of moral support, Sudan's president got very little out of the Arab summit, Dina Ezzat reports from Doha

The world titters over Somali pirates, but doesn't give a toss about Israeli air strikes against Sudan, writes Gamal Nkrumah

Algeria's upcoming presidential elections are set to produce no surprises as Bouteflika maintains his grip on power, writes Amira Howeidy

The JDP suffered its first ever decline in its overall vote, notes Gareth Jenkins

Saleh Al-Naami sees the fruit of dialogue between Palestinian factions

The outlook from the Palestinians' point of view is dismal, but they refuse to give up, confirms Khaled Amayreh in Ramallah

Revelations are emerging of war crimes committed in Gaza by Israel that makes obligatory an international investigation, writes Saleh Al-Naami

Israel's reputation destroyed, its character exposed; but for Israel's leaders, any and all atrocities it commits are to be forgiven, reports Khaled Amayreh in occupied East Jerusalem