The Higher Steering Committee intensified its meetings in Cairo yesterday with the hope to reach agreement on the outstanding issues. Egyptian media sources said the dialogue is waiting for international approval on the formula program of the temporary Palestinian government. ....more
Interior Ministry in the discharged government in Gaza led by Hamas said Rafah Crossing will be closed today also despite the Egyptian announcement that the crossing is opened for two days. ....more
Olmert announces failure of prisoners exchange deal. Hamas denies any changes in its demands and Egypt confirms Hamas version. Israel considers tightening pressure on Gaza through the crossings and im ....more
Tayyeb Abdul Rahim: the government of Olmert evaded peace and we must be held responsible. (Al-Quds) ....more
The Higher Steering Committee discusses solutions to the issues that were not resolved in the committees’ discussions. Three issues remain unresolved. (Al-Quds) ....more
EDITORIAL OF THE WEEK
Break down the US-Arab door with mutual respect By: Rami G. Khouri Is a new page being turned in relations between the Arab and Islamic world and the United States? It would seem so, to judge by many of the interactions at the three-day annual US-Islamic World Forum in Doha, Qatar, hosted by the Brookings Institution's Saban Center and the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The latest gathering last weekend of over 160 engaged scholars, activists,