Perilous times


The US preparations for an attack on Afghanistan have divided Pakistan. Khaled Dawoud reports from Islamabad

War of the worlds


Intolerance and fanaticism are descriptive of those who sponsor acts of terrorism, but also of those who blame a religion or a people for those acts, writes Thomas Gorguissian from Washington

New target, same drill


As the US gears up for yet another war on terrorism, policy-makers in Libya and Sudan are undoubtedly experiencing a feeling of déjà vu, writes Michael Jansen

Smothered by the flag


Can a small, but real, anti-war voice make its way to the mainstream? Nyier Abdou finds the spirit of protest alive and kicking in the US

Just dropping by?


As the British Foreign Secretary courts Iran to aid a US-led coalition against terrorism, Tehran struggles for consensus and considers the incentives for cooperation. Azadeh Moaveni reports

Welcomed by some


Turkey's pledge of full support to the US as it gears up to strike Afghanistan is viewed with concern by many Turks. Gareth Jenkins reports from Ankara

Opening the doors


Ahdaf Soueif hopes that this time around, it will be not about winning but about winning over

The other losses


In casting its net so wide, an international coalition against terrorism will inevitably catch a variety of fish. Pascale Ghazaleh wonders where the endangered species will find refuge

Letters to the editor

Tales of injustice


Historically riven by religious and ethnic conflict, Afghanistan has long born the burden on its neighbours' wants. Yehia Ghanem recalls a trip to the frontline

The American art of war


What shape will the US war against terrorism take? Galal Nassar assesses the US arsenal -- including its ideological weaponry

Doing 'God's work'


As the US looks to Africa in its "war against terror," it should be careful not to see every Islamist as a terrorist. Gamal Nkrumah writes

Creative license


The attacks on the US have led to plenty of bizarre theories about "whodunnit". Omayma Abdel-Latif reports

Gambling on unity


Will the US strike Iraq? Dina Ezzat reviews the possibilities