Latest update: 31/10/2011 

- demonstrations - Iraq - Lebanon - Mahdi Army - Saudi Arabia - Syria - US military


The Syrian shadow army

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Our reporters meet with Syrian defectors who have rallied the dissident Free Syrian Army. Also, after Barack Obama's announcement that the US will soon end its war in Iraq, Moqtada al Sadr's militiamen say they will make sure every last soldier leaves by the end of the year. Finally, following the death of Saudi Crown Prince Sultan, we look at the intricate workings of the kingdom's succession system.

THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Syria conflict: the view from Damascus
11/06/2013 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria conflict: the view from Damascus

How does one live life in the middle of a civil war? We meet the residents of Damascus. Plus, trying to win the women's vote in Iran: both reformist and conservative presidential candidates are doing what they can to swing female support in their direction. Finally, Egypt warns Ethiopia that "all options are open" over its construction of a Nile dam that Cairo says would cause massive water shortages.
Aleppo: Islamists take charge in rebel-held areas
04/06/2013 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Aleppo: Islamists take charge in rebel-held areas

We head to the war-torn Syrian city of Aleppo, where Islamists rule the roost in rebel-held areas. Next, Turkey's prime minister is under pressure amid massive protests. We look at the sources of the popular rage and whether secularism is in danger. Finally, we meet the young Palestinian who is proving a hit in regional TV sensation "Arab Idol".
Syrian conflict: Lebanon's Hezbollah confirms long-suspected involvement
27/05/2013 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syrian conflict: Lebanon's Hezbollah confirms long-suspected involvement

This week, Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah confirmed that the group's militants from Lebanon are fighting alongside the regime in Syria. We bring you an exclusive report from the Lebanon-Syria border. Next, Iran reacts angrily to criticism from France and the US over the barring of would-be candidates in next month's presidential election. Finally, a film which was partly shot in Israel is banned in neighbouring Lebanon.
Syria: the battle for Qusair
20/05/2013 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: the battle for Qusair

We focus on the Syrian town of Qusair, where fighting has intensified in recent days. Amidst the turmoil of the conflict we also take you to an oasis of relative calm: the Lycée français in Damascus. Meanwhile, seismologists warn that a big earthquake in Istanbul is just a matter of time, so what's the Turkish government doing about it? Finally, we meet the comedian being dubbed the Jerry Seinfeld of Saudi Arabia.
Turkish-Syrian border: twin car bombings raise fears of conflict spillover
13/05/2013 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Turkish-Syrian border: twin car bombings raise fears of conflict spillover

Turkey points the finger of blame at Syria for twin car bombings which killed dozens at the border - Damascus denies any involvement. We also meet the world's richest Palestinian, a man who refuses to give up trying to restart the peace process. Finally, we discover a new Israeli music sensation...with a French twist.

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