The Yearbook of Islamic and Middle Eastern Law is the flagship publication of the Centre of Islamic and Middle Eastern Law (CIMEL) of the school of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London. It is increasingly regarded as the leading international forum for commentary on, and analysis of, emerging issues in a field of study of everincreasing global significance. There is no more useful and thorough précis of what has happened in Islamic and Middle Eastern law over the last year. With Volume 8 -and the advent of Martin Lau as co-editor with Eugene Cotran- the Yearbook begins an expansion of its purview into non-Arab Islamic countries, beginning in this volume with essays covering issues in Afghanistan and Kenya. The Yearbook will continue to be an authorative source of insightful commentary and scholarship on relevant developments wherever the influence of Islamic law is felt.