28 Nov. - 4 Dec. 2002 [614]
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FRONT PAGE
The politics of gesture
All the signs are that Ariel Sharon will defeat Binyamin Netanyahu in Likud's leadership elections and continue as Israel's prime minister, writes Graham Usher from JerusalemCatch twenty-two
Co-operating with weapons inspectors may not be enough to save Iraq from American military action, reports Dina Ezzat
EGYPT
Tuning out
The Horseman has fallen off the saddle. Amira Howeidy reaches for the remote controlOpposition MPs ready their guns
Several cabinet ministers will soon be facing the wrath of opposition MPs. But, as Gamal Essam El-Din reports, the parliamentary opposition remains both divided and disheartenedTo feel safe, again
Egypt is under the gun again for its human rights record. But, asks Amira Howeidy, does this change facts on the ground?Police hit 'spy ring'
Nine Egyptians are expected to stand trial before a state security court on charges of spying for Israel. Jailan Halawi reviews the caseLast chance for calm
Nevine Khalil and Soha Abdelaty report on Cairo's efforts to convince Iraq that full co-operation with UN weapons inspectors is the only way to go
REGION
What really happened
How did the Israeli army kill UN worker Iain Hook last week? Jonathan Cook seeks answers in JeninTo draw a roadmap
Arab states need to be clearer about the road ahead and the 'map' they should be following. Dina Ezzat reportsMiriam as human shield
Jonathan Cook, in Jenin, uncovers chilling facts on the killing of Iyad Sawalha, leader of Al-Quds BrigadesIslamism at the ballot box
With the impressive electoral gains made by moderate Islamists in several Middle East countries, Rasha Saad explores the implications of their victory Who's playing hide and seek?
With United Nations weapons inspectors resuming their mission in Iraq, Saddam Hussein's hour of truth seems near, writes Salah HemeidSharon's campaign trail
Khaled Amayreh reports on Israel's reinvasion of the West BankTurning on the house of Saud
An FBI probe and strained relations -- Lamis Andoni traces the roots of the anti-Saudi campaign in the US
INTERNATIONAL
Losing Russia
Hydar Jemal (or Geidar Jemal as he is known in Russian transcription) is a philosopher, public figure, ideologist of political Islam and chairman of the Russian Islamic Committee. He talked to Shohdy Naguib in Moscow of the Arab states' political ineptitude vis-à-vis RussiaEmbers of unease
A strike by Britain's fire-fighters threatens Tony Blair's New Labour project and promises to further erode support from his working class constituency, reports James Corbett from LondonUnderlying currents
Last week, the sinking of the oil tanker 'Prestige' sent a flurry of accusations from Spain. The crying, however, seems to be over Gibraltar rather than spilt oil in LondonWinds of change?
Using elections as a springboard, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has managed to keep all the aces in his hand. Iffat Malik reports from IslamabadBeyond salvation
The sectarian violence that resulted in the cancellation of the Miss World beauty pageant in Nigeria threw into sharp focus the country's ominous religious divide, writes Gamal NkrumahDevil in the details
A recent survey on the attitudes of Arab and Jewish communities in the United States towards America's Middle East policy revealed that they both continue to support a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel. Khaled Dawoud reports from Washington
As the Bush administration beats the drums of war in Iraq, Nyier Abdou finds growing opposition around the world
Kicking and screaming
Anti-war activists in the US and Europe are making sure that if a US-led coalition goes into Iraq, a considerable portion of the public will not go quietlyUnfinished business
The rumblings about a US-led war in Iraq have been audible since the fall of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan last November..--read on--
ECONOMY
Re-opening Pandora's box
Economists and the business community agree that a US attack on Iraq could spell disaster for the Egyptian economy, but disagree on the extent of the damage. Al-Ahram Weekly investigatesAt the tip of a knife
Tourism industry insiders fear the industry could be dealt a devastating blow in the event of a military strike against Iraq. Rehab Saad reportsOPINION
Sadat maligned
In the first of a series of articles Ibrahim Nafie begins a reassessment of the career of President SadatMisinformation about Iraq
A fantastical future, predicted by the terminally disengaged. Woe to Iraq, writes Edward SaidMitzna's victory
Mohamed Sid-Ahmed examines the changes likely to affect the Middle East equation in the light of the new leadership of Israel's Labour PartyBack to the future
There are, writes Marwan Bishara, only two options for solving the Palestinian/Israeli conundrumTime for a fresh look
Towards furthering its own interests, the Arab world would do well to learn more about the US, argues Abdel-Moneim Said in this installment of his ongoing series on Arab reactions to 9/11The myth of "E"
Before electronic government, comes effective and efficient governance, writes Hisham El-SherifMinor tensions or major crisis?
Recent months have seen evidence of an impending crisis in Egyptian-US relations. The Bush Administration seems determined to pursue its neo-imperialist policies in the Middle East despite Egyptian objections, writes Hassan Abu-TalebEditorial: International responsibility
Close up Bogeyman in hiding
By Salama A SalamaSoapbox Way of the future
By Amr ElchoubakiLabour's new face
By Naguib MahfouzCULTURE
Sheherazade takes on all comers
Oedipus never got a look in, writes Amal Choucri CattaPlain Talk
By Mursi Saad El-DinIn progress: Disharmony strikes
Based on an interview by Amal Choucri CattaLet sleeping dogs lie
By Nigel Ryan
In crossing the Mediterranean Gilbert Cosset brings a fresh vision to play on familiar Egyptian scenes, writes Georges Bahgory --read on--Briefs
Compiled by Amina ElbendaryIslam, Disney style
The first Islamic cartoon? But what's it all about, asks Amina Elbendary
FEATURES
Castles and caravanserais
The beautiful kingdom of Jordan combines both modern and ancient civilisations and offers visitors a variety of tourist attractions. Mahmoud Bakr visited some monuments of a bygone ageShower party
You had to leave the bright lights of Cairo to see last week's meteor shower. Jenny Jobbins escaped to Dahshur
HERITAGE
Amelia's legacy
The Egypt Exploration Fund was founded 120 years ago. Jill Kamil traces some of the highlights of its achievements from the pioneering era to today's meticulously planned investigations
LIVING
On being one of 'us'
By Yasmine El-RashidiCheese-Topped Veal with Spinach
Oh yeah
Gamal Nkrumah takes to a taste of LibyaRamadan with a global touch
Ramadan, the nation's longest holy season, has always had its festive side. But now the glamourous side of the month is finding its way into home decoration, says Nesmahar Sayed
TRAVEL
Castles and caravanserais
The beautiful kingdom of Jordan combines both modern and ancient civilisations and offers visitors a variety of tourist attractions. Mahmoud Bakr visited some monuments of a bygone ageShower party
You had to leave the bright lights of Cairo to see last week's meteor shower. Jenny Jobbins escaped to Dahshur
SPORTS
Futsale kicks off
Futsale has finally hit Egypt, and the national team is being given the chance to kick itself into the spotlight. Inas Mazhar reports
READER'S CORNER
Letters to the editor
CHRONICLES
Al-Ahram: A Diwan of contemporary life (469)
In the religious courts
PROFILE
'Amm Hussein Al-Hadari:
A limited existence
Profile by Yasmine El-Rashidi
PEOPLE
Pack of Cards
By Madame SosostrisLimelight
By Lubna Abdel-Aziz