A study of the responses to democratisation of government in the Maghreb. The author examines the role of the media, society and the authorities in creating both opposition and support for the changes. Index, notes, refs, xii, 212pp, UK. ZED BOOKS, 1842771612

Offers a critical assessment of the role of the European Union in promoting human rights in the world. BNS, 225pp, UK. FRANK CASS, 071465292X

A concise and timely report on the state of freedom in 19 countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Based on the annual Freedom House survey Freedom in the World, this book clearly outlines political rights and civil liberties over the past decade, as well as key indicators of religious, economic, and ethnic composition of each country's population. It is an indispensable reference for the media, policymakers, academics, and researchers who respect the survey's judgments and appreciate the simplicity of its methodology and want to better understand the politics, economics, society, and security of the region. 84pp, USA. ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD PUBLISHERS.

Examines the influence of Islamist movements in national and international power politics, in the equilibrium of the world of finance, and the articulation of gender issues in Islamic and non Islamic countries alike, including Sudan, Algeria and Egypt. Index, 198pp, UK. ROUTLEDGE.

Originally written after Anwar Sadat's assassination in 1981, the Egyptian philosopher's work is now available in English for the first time. Zakariyya critiques contemporary islamism and secularism, and discusses implementation of shariah. Translated and with an introduction and bibliography by Ibrahim M. Abu Rabi'. Index, bib, notes, xxv, 170pp, UK. PLUTO PRESS.

A collection of ten essays which explore the complex relationships between individuals, social groups and the state in contemporary North Africa. Index, notes, b/w photographs, 186pp, UK, 071468337X

An examination of locally produced filmmaking in post independence Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia (1960s to present). Also analyzes ten particular films, among them El Chergui, Chronicle of the Years of Embers, Omar Gatlato, Halfaouine and Ali Zaoua. Appendices feature useful dictionary of feature filmmakers and a chronological list of films. Index, bib, notes, apps, b/w photographs, list of acronyms, xv, 278pp, USA. INDIANA UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Argues that many analysts miss what is going on in Islamic societies because they fail to recognise the kin-based model of social and political life, which the author contrasts with the Western class-centred model. In a skilful synthesis, she shows how the logic of Islamic legal codes and kin-based political power affect the position of women. Maps, notes, bib, index, xix, 341pp. USA. California UP, 0520225767