Government declared 8 April presidential election "turning point for democratisation" after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika reelected with 85% of vote. In qualified step forward, Algerian military, which has in past sponsored presidential candidates, affected neutral posture. Although voting mostly free, disqualification of certain candidates and surprising scale of president's victory raised questions as to its fairness.

President Mubarak discussed Israeli PM Sharon's proposed Gaza pullout plan with George W. Bush at Bush's Crawford, Texas ranch. Mubarak concerned pullout will scuttle Roadmap, leave Cairo in charge of Gaza security. Egypt reportedly considering abolishing controversial Emergency Law - in place since 1981 - limiting civil and political rights.

Despite renewed pledge 6 April to stop building and assembling centrifuges for uranium enrichment, international community increasingly suspicious that Tehran less than forthcoming with inspections and secretly building bomb.

Deadliest month for U.S. troops since war began (138 killed, compared with 82 in November 2003, 2nd deadliest month) as heavy fighting raged across several parts of Iraq. Associated Press reported at least 1,361 Iraqis killed in April. Hundreds of Iraqis killed in Fallujah following U.S. invasion of city. End to siege appeared likely 30 April as Marines began withdrawing; replaced by Iraqi force led by former Saddam general Jassim Mohammed Saleh. U.S. forces also encircled holy city of Najaf, where radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr holed up with heavily armed followers - reports suggest mosques being used to stockpile weapons. Battles around Najaf and Kufa killed dozens of insurgents. Rocket attacks and bombings on markets, buses, and other civilian targets have outraged Iraqis, but anger increasingly directed at Coalition for failure to provide security - exacerbated by new photos of U.S. forces humiliating Iraqi prisoners. Insurgents made headlines around world with hostage-taking spree: nationals of several countries remain in captivity. U.S. reportedly agreed to proposal by UN special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi to create non-political caretaker government - replacing Interim Governing Council - to oversee transition period between 30 June sovereignty handover and holding of elections in January 2005. 483 Coalition soldiers, including 429 Americans, and thousands of Iraqis killed by hostile fire since declared end of combat operations on 1 May 2003.

Israeli helicopter attack killed Hamas leader Dr Abdel Aziz Rantisi, who replaced Sheikh Ahmed Yassin after latter assassinated 22 March. Israeli PM Ariel Sharon threatened - and then backed down - that Yasser Arafat could also be targeted. New Hamas leader unnamed, but likely Mahmoud Zahar, Rantisi's deputy. In U.S. policy shift, President George W. Bush publicly backed Sharon plan for unilateral withdrawal from Gaza Strip, prompting criticism from EU and outrage from Palestinians and Arab states. Members of Sharon's Likud party to vote on plan 2 May, but PM equivocal on whether he might still take plan to Knesset if party votes against it.

Authorities said major terror plot foiled. Police seized chemicals and intercepted 3 trucks packed with explosives, destined, according to 2 suspects captured in 20 April raid, for government buildings and U.S. embassy. Suspects reportedly linked with suspected terrorist leader Abu Musab Zarqawi. King Abdullah cancelled meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush after latter endorsed Israeli PM Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw from Gaza Strip.

Israeli army chief said 26 April second stage of German-mediated prisoner exchange between Israel and Hizbollah progressing and could lead to information on fate of Ron Arad, Israeli airman missing since 1986.

U.S. lifted most sanctions against Libya following Tripoli's continued cooperation on WMD. Muammar Qaddafi made triumphant return to Europe, visiting Brussels 27-28 April.

New Spanish PM Zapatero visited Morocco, pledging increased cooperation against terrorism. 14 Moroccan terror suspects remain in Spanish custody.

Series of clashes between militants and police shook kingdom. Bombing of security forces building in Riyadh 21 April killed 5, including 2 senior police officers, and injured 148 - extremist group al-Haramin Brigades claimed responsibility. Days later police killed 5 militants in Jeddah, 4 of whom reportedly among Saudis' most wanted terror suspects.