Worldfocus' Mohammad Al-Kassim looks at headlines from Middle East news outlets, including: a talk-show host's critical assessment of President Obama's first year in office; a legendary football rivalry; and a prediction about a third intifada.

Mohammad Al-Kassim, a producer at Worldfocus, blogs here about soccer's popularity around the world -- exemplified by a piece from the Al Arabiya news channel. Translated from the Arabic, it tells the story of a young Egyptian couple who found an unusual way to balance their passion for soccer with their wedding day.

When it comes to smoking, the hookah -- or water pipe -- is a common sight throughout most of the Arab world. The pipes are often shared by many smokers, but health officials in Jordan, worried about the spread of swine flu, are now offering smokers what they say is a healthier choice.

Daniel Levy of the New America Foundation discusses President Barack Obama's approach to the Middle East, from broadcasting to the Muslim world that "Americans are not your enemy" to trying to help create a lasting cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.