The following are editorial opinions from newspapers from around the world which may be of interest to Royal Gazette readers.

The Times, London,–on the way forward in the Middle East

Hillary Clinton answered the question yesterday of who in the West is driving policy on the Middle East. She began her first visit to the region as Secretary of State with the most intractable issue: what to do about Gaza. At a pledging conference in Sharm el-Sheikh she joined dozens of others promising Gaza substantial cash to rebuild houses and infrastructure destroyed by three weeks of Israeli air attacks.

The issue, however, is not money. With Europe and the Gulf states also pledging generously, a total of $3 billion was raised swiftly — more than the sum requested. The issue is whether the money will bring peace any nearer. America and its partners insisted that none would go to Hamas, which controls Gaza.

They were less clear, however, about how the money would be spent. With Israel blocking deliveries of steel and cement — on the ground that they could be used for making weapons — little can be done to repair the ruins. And with Hamas still failing to halt all rockets being fired across the border and refusing to acknowledge Israel's existence, there is no guarantee that any buildings reconstructed would not be hit again by Israeli jets. ...

Gulf News, Dubai, UAE, –on the terror attack on cricket

The cowardly terror attack on Sri Lanka's cricketers in Pakistan is an act worthy of the utmost condemnation. The deed has not only shaken the belief of those who firmly held on to the hope that attacks on sportsmen and cricketers — who are adored in the South Asian countries — would be spared of such actions but it has also dented the ambitious plans that cricket in Asia would have had ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

The hopes and aspirations of both cricketers and fans have now been dealt a severe blow by yesterday's shocking events.

The World Cup in 2011 has been awarded to four countries — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Even though the allocation of matches is yet to be decided, it is now evidently clear, following a statement by the International Cricket Council (ICC) chief David Morgan, that Pakistan will not be considered as a cricket playing venue unless dramatic changes are made. The statement in a manner of speaking could tragically sound the death knell of Pakistan cricket. ...

For the ICC, who are based in Dubai, yesterday's events will ensure that they are hard pressed to make right decisions in order to protect the interests of players, sponsors and officials. Security will dominate all discussions.

Cricket in South Asia is more than just a game. It is the way to the realisation of a dream. It soothes the wounds inflicted by upheaval. It provides succour cutting across rifts created by faith, caste and creed. Sadly ... that image of hope has been smashed to smithereens.