November 2006



Editorial




Comment



Easing a nuclear showdown
Real men negotiate with Tehran





Freedom under fire
“They hate us for our freedoms”? If only they knew





Connection needs
High-speed Internet access still in the slow lane in Lebanon






Lebanon









Homegrown fancy foods carve a niche in the region
Putting money where the mouth is – Lebanon’s boutique foods








Hizbullah wages media battle with a controversial new marketing campaign
Controversial billboards on airport road – Hizbullah’s ad campaign



Levant



Soft drinks sector in a fizz
Soft drinks sales surge in Syria








A school for future kings
Back to school in Jordan Prepping the next leaders









GCC
















North Africa



China's gateway to the Middle East an Africa?
China syndrome Egypt pushes for China factories











Land of opportunity for Arab investors
New investment arena Algeria open for business





Opening the domestic market
Free trade Libya, Tunisia test new ties



Banking & Finance



Privatization gains momentum
Banking on reform – Egypt’s BOA sold





Investment banking soars
Jordan’s financial markets ready to take off





Hurdles still face private face
Banking reforms- Syria loosens up ?



Talking to



UAE extends a hand to lebanese school children
Mohammed al-Rumaithy – Help from the UAE