Latest update: 01/11/2010 

- Iran - Iraq - Nuri al-Maliki - Syria - WikiLeaks


Wikileaks: war put Maliki in the hot seat

Wikileaks' revelations on the Iraq war put premier Nuri al-Maliki in a difficult spot. The leaked files allege widespread police abuse, on his watch. Afghan president Hamid Karzai says he regularly receives "bags of cash" from Tehran. And Iran starts loading fuel into the Bushehr nuclear reactor. We look back on the history of that power plant - Iran has been working on it for thirty five years.

Syria unrest sparks clashes in neighbouring Lebanon
21/05/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria unrest sparks clashes in neighbouring Lebanon

Battles broke out on Sunday night in Beirut, after a Sunni cleric was shot down by the army. Many fear the Syrian conflict could be spilling over into neighbouring Lebanon. Meanwhile, Egyptians go to the polls to choose a new president. Voters want their next leader to address basic issues, such as security, food, and jobs. Finally, our correspondent reports from southern Yemen, where al Qaeda has established a new base.
Who is to blame for Damascus bombings?
14/05/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Who is to blame for Damascus bombings?

In Syria, more than 50 people were killed last week when car bombs targeted a six-lane highway and an intelligence building. The attacks raised questions about extremist activity in the country. Meanwhile, a feisty TV debate between leading presidential candidates provides plenty of entertainment for Egyptians. Finally, we meet an Iraqi film director who is determined to bring the silver screen to the people of Baghdad.
Syria:  the inside UN observers mission
07/05/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: the inside UN observers mission

The government calls it burgeoning reform, the opposition “a shame”. Syria votes in parliamentary elections. In Egypt an upsurge in violence taints what many are calling the transition to democracy ahead of the presidential election, and we look at the supermodel playing a temptress in a spy movie set in Dubai.
Syria: a faltering ceasefire
30/04/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: a faltering ceasefire

First, we go to Syrian where the head of the UN observer mission has arrived in Damascus to take charge of the operation. Next, bloggers, writers and websites in the West Bank say they're being censored for speaking out against the Palestinian government. Finally, the Far East meets the Middle East in Doha.
Bahrain: Shiite opposition ups the ante
23/04/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Bahrain: Shiite opposition ups the ante

They were the real story at the Bahrain Grand Prix. As the glitzy race took place in the Gulf kingdom, thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding change. Next, Egypt stops gas exports to Israel. We look at what lies behind this move. Finally, our correspondent meets with hunger striker Khader Adnan, released after months of detention in Israel.

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