Last year's election of Ehud Barak, the Israeli prime minister, and his promises of a comprehensive Middle East peace, gave Egypt another chance to play its favourite role as regional leader. Cairo has again become the buzzing centre of Arab diplomacy. Both Mr Barak and Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader, are frequent visitors....more

RELATIONS WITH THE EU AND AFRICA
Policy makers continue to play for time  May 10

ISLAMISTS
Frustrations buried but not removed  May 10

NGOS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Activists despair of struggle  May 10