Even condemning something as reprehensible as racism remains controversial to some states, writes Curtis Doebbler

Will the People's Assembly be dissolved or not? Gamal Essam El-Din examines the flurry of rumour and counter-rumour

Who's who in the Hizbullah cell? Jailan Halawi sifts through the contradictions

Doaa El-Bey looks at the American push to reach a two-state solution

For now, at least, it's full steam ahead for Bar Association elections, reports Mona El-Nahhas

Archaeological traces found at Taposiris Magna west of Alexandria may indicate the tomb of one of the most famous couples in history, Queen Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, reports Nevine El-Aref

As Israel's right-wing leaders prepare for a new military offensive on Hamas, Israeli security sources worry about a new Intifada in the West Bank, writes Saleh Al-Naami

Increasing indications are that Obama will act to see the implementation of a Palestinian state, regardless of the prevarications of Tel Aviv, writes Khaled Amayreh in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem

A new round of reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas is due to take place in Cairo next week, but with little hope of a breakthrough, writes Amira Howeidy

The crisis between Egypt and Hizbullah is not so much about the results as the post-poll outcomes of Lebanon's upcoming elections, writes Omayma Abdel-Latif from Beirut

An Iraqi envoy's talks with government opponents in Cairo highlight a sharp split, writes Salah Hemeid

Egyptian banks may have escaped the meltdown of the financial crisis, but they are feeling the pinch of the slowdown in the real economy, Niveen Wahish reports

Hany Abou-El-Fotouh wonders whether companies have learnt any lessons at all from the global financial crisis

A balmy breeze blows in Trinidad but the good times were sputtering in the Western Hemisphere before the credit crunch, notes Gamal Nkrumah on the summit of the Americas

How far can President Barack Obama improve the image of the United States in the Arab and Muslim worlds? Gihan Shahine gauges public sentiment

At Anna Boughiguian's latest solo exhibition at the Safar Khan Gallery, Gamal Nkrumah discovers that, where rivers meet, desire gives way to spirituality

The renowned Iraqi oud player and composer Naseer Shamma was the guest of honour this week at the Egyptian Press Syndicate. Rania Khallaf attended

Rashda Ragab reviews a new version of Sleeping Beauty at the Egyptian Puppet Theatre

Should husbands give up their roles as primary breadwinners in favour of their wives, wonders Amira El-Naqeeb

The 11th Sinai International Open Bowling Championship begins in Cairo, Ghada Abdel-Kader reports