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Reports in the Arab media suggest that Hamas and Fatah may be close to a deal, or a partial one at least. The deal relates to some sort of unity government in an attempt to get Aid from the West, aid that was cut off after Hamas took power earlier this year. This may mean a peace between fighting factions within the Palestinian territories, and some hope for the Palestinian people who are increasingly desparate. So what are the chances that they have finally put aside their differences?

The battle for America continues ahead of fairly important mid-term elections in November, and things are getting a little dirty.

In Ohio, the Republican candidate for governor, Kenneth Blackwell, accused his Democratic challenger, Ted Strickland, in their concluding televised debate this week, accusing him of cosying up to an eccentric group called the North American Man Boy Love Association, or Nambla, and associating himself with a man convicted of exposing himself to young children.

All over the world, politicians do and say things to get themselves elected. In Britain, the opposition party leader, David Cameron has been blogging and drinking tea with rappers. Its a fairly transparent way of appealing to young voters. But do you trust your politicians? Do they speak for you or reflect your concerns? What do you think of blatant dirty-tricks campaigns? Are your amused by them? Does it alter they way you vote?

People are still rowing over the veil - is it divisive? And should there be places where dress code is more important than religious beliefs?
The woman at centre of veil case.
Teaching assistant Aishah Azmi, who has caused a stir for refusing to take off her veil during lessons, has a determined and focused character.

Energy and how we will keep our lights on is exercising EU ministers. And since Russia has oil and gas, criticisms of its recent record on civil liberties will be somewhat muted. So what is more important - energy or human rights in Russia?
EU to discuss energy with Putin - European Union leaders are meeting in southern Finland to discuss how to ensure stable supplies of energy

And news has just come in that President being made against Moshe Katsav, the Israeli President. According to a journalist standing nearby Putin said to Katsav:

What a mighty man he turns out to be! He raped 10 women - I would never have expected this from him. He surprised us all - we all envy him!

Aides say the President does not find rape funny... What do you think?

Top Have Your Say debates.

"Can North Korea be restrained?
A high-level Chinese envoy returns from North Korea expressing optimism about defusing the nuclear crisis. Send us your views.

"Is it time for a change of policy in Iraq?
President Bush has conceded parallels between events in Iraq and the Vietnam War. Send us your views.

"Is torture ever acceptable?
Almost a third of people worldwide say some torture is acceptable to fight terrorism, a ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ World Service poll finds. Send us your views.

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