When will Israel realise that security against attackers and intruders can only be achieved in the context of a comprehensive peace settlement that guarantees a secure Palestinian state, rather than by devouring its neighbours’ children.

The bubbling discontentment amongst Americans against the Iraq war may “derive from the incompetent manner in which it has been handled rather than the illegality and immorality,” writes Mahir Ali, but even this “is a small step in the right direction.”

As Tripoli emerges from the diplomatic doghouse, Washington says other recalcitrant states should follow Libya’s lead.

There is a clear and present danger that Iran is next on the American agenda.

Western and Muslim xenophobia fuels the cartoon controversy and alienates both sides further.

Is anyone wondering if women make better rulers than men?

Will Tehran be brought to heel by the US just as Baghdad, despite the fact that the IAEA has failed to unearth any incriminating evidence against Iran of violating the NPT?

Is Israel’s recent pullout from Gaza a turning point or is it mserely a deceptive confidence-building measure aimed at scuttling any prospects of a viable Palestinian state?

Black or white, guilty or innocent, is Michael Jackson bad, dangerous or just off-the-wall?

First Blair, then Bush – now Benedict… God help us, writes Mahir Ali.