Two years after Cast Lead Hamas is indomitable and the Palestinians withdrawn, writes Graham Usher in Gaza

As direct Palestinian-Israeli talks begin, few are optimistic, but all know the outcome will be decisive, writes Khaled Amayreh in the West Bank

Israel's new prospective army chief of staff is a man who makes war his only option, writes Saleh Al-Naami

US combat operations in Iraq may be officially over, but the mischief of the invasion lingers on, writes Salah Hemeid

Those planning to invade Iran because of its nuclear programme have found a new tact, notes Amani Maged

Sudan is yet again under the spotlight on Darfur and the ICC indictment of Al-Bashir, writes Gamal Nkrumah

Last week's clashes have raised fears that Lebanon's politicians are losing the will to keep a lid on the country's tensions, reports Lucy Fielder from Beirut

Escalating violence reopens Somalia's wounds, writes Gamal Nkrumah

In September a new French envoy will attempt to push forward peace between Syria and Israel while some observers believe his job is to mediate between Syria and the US, reports Bassel Oudat in Damascus