Esposito, Turkey, Israel, Margot Veillon - Al Ahram

John L Esposito's academic fame and his specialisation in issues like political Islam and Muslim-Christian relations make him something of an international intellectual celebrity as well as a magnet for neoconservative criticism back home. Over the past 35 years Esposito, professor of religion and international affairs and of Islamic studies at Georgetown University, has authored and co-authored more than 30 books covering Islamic movements from North Africa to South East Asia, among other issues. A consultant to the Department of State as well as to corporations, universities and the media, Esposito, 69, is an authority on many of today's more pressing political affairs, issues that have, if anything, become more relevant with the election of a US president who has committed himself to improving his country's relationship with the Muslim world. -
John Esposito tells Amira Howeidy now that Barack Obama is president of the United States and not a hopeful candidate he needs to move forward, get new faces into his administration and deliver - 'The bottom line'

The Turkish government's attempt to clear mines along its southern and eastern borders triggers nationalist sentiment amid accusations that reclaimed land will be leased to Israelis, writes Gareth Jenkins in Ankara - One minefield to another

Israel is pushing ahead with settlements, defying Obama to punish Adam, prophesies Khaled Amayreh in occupied Jerusalem - Forbidden fruit

Gamal Nkrumah writes on an exhibition of works by the Swiss artist Margot Veillon, who spent her life in Egypt - A life in Egypt