The proposed Iraqi-US agreement allowing American forces to remain in the country after their UN mandate expires is already exacerbating Iraq's problems, writes Salah Hemeid

The "death ride" -- welcome to 21st century torture, says Khaled Amayreh in occupied East Jerusalem

Egypt's national football team is being compared with the teams playing in Euro 2008. There is no doubt who's on the short end, writes Alaa Abdel-Ghani

Promises of a friendlier US position towards Egypt, and the rest of the region, were voiced by a supporter of the Democratic Party candidate. Dina Ezzat heard what might happen

Hamas and Israel agree to a truce that starts at 6am today, reports Doaa El-Bey

In the aftermath of the attack against monks at Abu Fana Monastery and with Pope Shenouda III once again in the US for medical treatment, Copts are left pondering the implications, writes Gamal Nkrumah

The People's Assembly ends its current session at breakneck speed, writes Gamal Essam El-Din

Borg Al-Borollos still seethes over bread and flour shortages. Reem Leila visited an angry people

The fate of E Agrium's proposed plant in Damietta has yet to be sealed, reports Mohamed El-Sayed

Despite the Iraqi government's crackdown on militiamen in Al-Amarah, Al-Sadr might turn out to be the winner, writes Saif Nasrawi

The Syrian regime doesn't have partners and doesn't allow power sharing, but is willing to listen, writes Basel Oudat

As Iran seems reluctant to freeze its nuclear activities in return for technological and economic incentives, Western powers are preparing a fourth round of sanctions. Rasha Saad reviews the latest developments

Protecting social welfare is what the government alleges to be the main focus of the new budget. Sherine Abdel-Razek examines the validity of these claims

It was clear what Pakistan's lawyers were marching for last week, but who were they marching against, asks Graham Usher in Islamabad

The Irish referendum, the new Club Med and Bush's Euro fest to solicit trans-Atlantic solidarity are to ensure that his vintage war on terror is not dead in the water, but none of them hold any water, writes Gamal Nkrumah

A History of Egypt: From earliest times to the present, Jason Thompson, Cairo: The American University in Cairo Press, 2008. pp383, 2 maps, 80 b/w photos

By Lubna Abdel-Aziz

Five African champions, Egypt included, look for revenge during the fourth round of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers across the continent, Inas Mazhar reports