- FRANCE 24

07/02/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: uprising divides Druze in Golan Heights

We begin in Syria where, even as the violence escalates, many Druze continue to support Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Our reporters met with them in the Golan Heights. We then meet Ibrahim, an 18-year-old Syrian who spends every day crafting new songs and slogans for protesters. Finally, we head to Egypt where a band of football supporters have turned into a real political force.

30/01/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

With the Free Syrian army

We begin with an exclusive report from our France 24 correspondents who managed to film alongside Syria's Free Army, a group united in their opposition to President Bashar al-Assad's rule. Next, we discover how the Islamic call to prayer from Palestinian mosques is causing friction in Israel. Finally, we head to Cairo to take a look at the music of the Egyptian revolution.

24/01/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Iran oil embargo: what consequences for Europe?

Europe is weaning itself off Iranian crude after the EU adopted an embargo on oil coming from the Islamic Republic. It now has to find other sources to meet its energy needs. Next, Egypt commemorates one year since the January 25th mass protests that kicked off its revolution. Finally, he was just a maths professor but now he has become a target. Our reporters meet with a Syrian activist who fled his country after receiving death threats.

17/01/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Iran nuclear program: the shadow war on scientists

Another nuclear scientist is killed in Iran and Tehran points the finger at Israel and the CIA. Meanwhile, Israel introduces a stringent new law to crack down on illegal immigration. Finally, we take a look at the film “Beirut Hotel”, a tale of romance set against Lebanon's tense partisan background. As a result, it has been censored and banned by authorities.

09/01/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: Arab League divided over observer mission

Critics say the Arab League’s monitoring mission in Syria is toothless and ineffective. We ask why it won't take bolder steps to stop the violence. Next, we meet the Iraqi Kurd forces keeping Kurdistan safe and stable amid the chaos. Finally, 40% of Egyptians cannot read or write. It's not just an educational challenge, but also an economic challenge to lift these families out of poverty.

06/01/2012 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Iraq: life amid sectarian violence

A wave of bomb attacks hits Baghdad, all targeting Shiite areas. Our reporters meet with Iraqis who have already lived through years of sectarian violence. Plus, it’s a key passageway for the world economy - the Strait of Hormuz is vital to the transit of oil coming from the Gulf. With Iran now threatening to close it off, we look at the strategic importance of this shipping route.

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23/12/2011 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Iraq: a new chapter of violence after US withdrawal

Days after the US left Iraq, is the country headed towards more unrest? Plus, thousands of women take to Cairo's streets, outraged at the army's abuse of female protesters. Finally, our correspondent meets with one of the Palestinians freed in exchange for Gilad Shalit.

16/12/2011 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syrian crackdown: France condemns UN Security Council

“How many more victims does the world need?" The question asked by France's foreign minister, as Paris calls for action against the Syrian regime. Meanwhile, the curtain goes down on the war in Iraq. As the last US troops leave, our correspondent asks what will happen to those Iraqis who fought with Americans. Finally, Israel's ultra-orthodox Jews make headlines as they try to impose sex segregation in Jerusalem.

09/12/2011 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria's deserters hiding in Lebanon

First, Syria's President, Bashar al-Assad, speaks to ABC news and denies ever ordering a crackdown on protesters. We also meet up with Syrian army deserters hiding out in neighbouring Lebanon. Next, Egypt's young, liberal revolutionaries are bitter after a very poor showing in the parliamentary elections. Finally, we discover the top Twitter trend of the year: "Egypt" was the most tweeted word of 2011.

02/12/2011 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syrian crackdown: undercover in Homs

We bring you an exclusive report by TV channel France 2 from the Syrian city of Homs, where foreign reporters are not welcome. Meanwhile, the Muslim Brotherhood expects a big win in Egypt's parliamentary elections - we look back on the movement's troubled history. Finally, any healthy democratic life comes with its dose of satire. One Egyptian man has launched a comedy show poking fun at politicians.