CAIRO (AP) — A look at the key players in Egypt’s politics trying to influence Wednesday’s referendum on the constitutional amendment that sets broad rules for Egypt’s first presidential election. The ruling National Democratic Party and eleven minor parties also have announced participation in Wednesday’s election. . Hosni Mubarak: President …

BEIRUT (AFP) — Free of the shackles of its powerful neighbour Syria, Lebanon votes on Sunday in what is being hailed as the first truly free elections in three decades — with the anti-Damascus opposition set to win. Many of Syria’s once-powerful allies have already thrown in the towel and …

TEHRAN (AFP) — Campaigning for next month’s presidential election officially got under way in Iran on Wednesday after hardliners agreed to let two reformists into a race dominated by hardliners and conservatives. The field of eight men will be battling to succeed reformist President Mohammad Khatami, near the end of …