The fighting between Israel and the Palestinians, now approaching its ninth month, seems set to intensify as both sides show no sign of backing down in the face of escalating hostilities. Many in the region, and in the European Union, fear Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will raise the temperature further in the weeks ahead if the Palestinians do not buckle under — and if the Americans do not hold him in check.

• Israelis ‘encouraging’ new exodus
• Military cutbacks help forge further amity
• Algerian bloodletting resumes
• Lebanon: Ready to go it alone?
• A bio-terrorist threat unmasked
• Israel’s man in Washington

• Azerbaijan sees a window of opportunity
• Kenana celebrates anniversary with record harvest
• Dubai’s palm islands raise the stakes in regional tourism
• IMF to Turkey’s rescue?
• Stability in Arab stocks
• Bahrain: financial hub of the Middle East

• Edward Said: The last campaign?
• A night to remember - Sting plays Cairo
• Moorish memories
• London hosts sale of antique carpets & textiles
• Other events in June