Bashar al-Assad, 10 years in power

In Syria, Bashar al Assad celebrates ten years in power. One decade on, Syria has slowly come out of its international isolation. But it treads a fine line between its ties to Iran, and a fragile thaw with Western powers. In Iran, authorities suspend the execution Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. The woman convicted for adultery and sentenced to death by stoning. And in Egypt, smoking is very common among its population, and the government is now trying to introduce a smoking ban in Alexandria.

Programme prepared by Laure Manent and Gregory White

19/03/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: Al-Qusayr and its sniper alleys

In an exclusive report we meet the fighters defending one of Syria's few remaining rebel strongholds. Next, shock and anger in Lebanon, after a local TV channel airs images of a domestic worker being brutally beaten. Finally, the passing of a patriarch- Egypt's Coptic Christians mourn the death of Pope Shenouda III who died after a long illness aged 88.

13/03/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: opposition remains divided

One year after the uprising began in Syria, the opposition is still divided and disorganized. We will take a closer look at these fault lines. Then, we will visit one hospital in Lebanon treating refugees from the battered city of Homs. Finally, in Egypt, women take to the streets demanding more say in the country's politics.

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05/03/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: A harrowing escape from Homs

The journalists who escaped the nightmare of Homs in Syria tell the story of their long and dangerous journey out of the besieged city. Next, we meet Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkol Karman as she works to build a new Yemen. Finally, an imaginary subway train has been crisscrossing through Palestinian territories. Our correspondent finds out more about this original art installation.

27/02/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria referendum: Reform or farce?

As the bombs continue to fall on Homs, Syria organises a referendum on a new constitution. The government says it will pave the way to a new democratic era, but Western powers dismiss the vote as a charade. Meanwhile, the Syrian strife sends ripples through Lebanon. We report on sectarian tension in the northern city of Tripoli. Finally, Iran triumphs for the first time at the 84th Academy Awards as the divorce drama "A Separation" wins an Oscar.

20/02/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Mani: a photographer in the firing line

He has brought us some of the best and most disturbing pictures of the Syrian uprising. Photojournalist Mani meets with France 24's reporters. Next, in Yemen, it’s election time but separatists in the south are sitting this one out. They want to break away from the rest of the country instead. Finally, we discover the martial art of ninjutsu, which is gaining a cult following in Iran.