THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Political and social events from the Middle East. The program is recorded under live conditions with exclusive reports and interviews, hosted by Lanah Kammourieh. Watch the show on FRANCE 24 Mondays at 6:40 pm Paris time.

Syria: uprising divides Druze in Golan Heights
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.
With the Free Syrian army
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.
Iran oil embargo: what consequences for Europe?
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.
Iran nuclear program: the shadow war on scientists
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.
Syria: Arab League divided over observer mission
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.
Iraq: life amid sectarian violence
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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Iraq: a new chapter of violence after US withdrawal
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.
Syrian crackdown: France condemns UN Security Council
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.
Syria's deserters hiding in Lebanon
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.
Syrian crackdown: undercover in Homs
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.
Egypt revolution: a military regime in crisis
THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Egypt revolution: a military regime in crisis

Egyptians want power handed back to civilians. It's a challenge in a country where the army has been kingmaker for decades. Meanwhile, Yemen's president has given up power - we ask what his next step will be. Finally, we look at how ordinary Syrians are feeling the bite of international sanctions.
Syria crackdown: Arab League turns up the heat
THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria crackdown: Arab League turns up the heat

The Arab League gets tougher on Syria and suspends Damascus. We take a look at why the group has now taken action. Also, what is the real death toll from the Syrian violence? France 24 Observers say the army is hiding bodies so they cannot be counted. Finally, Hosni Mubarak's party is back - a court rules the NDP can run in Egypt's upcoming elections.
IAEA: the threat of an Iranian bomb
THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

IAEA: the threat of an Iranian bomb

The Islamic republic fears a strike, after a new UN report suggests it is out to get the nuclear bomb. But Iran has warned that any attacks will be met with an iron fist. Also, the city of Homs in Syria is reeling after a week of shelling and raids. Hospitals are overwhelmed and food is in short supply. Finally, militias are using guns with silencers in a new wave of assassinations in Iraq.
Syrian crackdown: can the Arab League peace deal hold?
THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syrian crackdown: can the Arab League peace deal hold?

Will Bashar al-Assad keep his promises? A day after the president's pledge to end the bloodshed, more people are gunned down in Syria. Also, Palestinians hope that their admission to UNESCO as full members will help protect their top cultural and religious sites. Finally, we take a look at a campaign to free Egypt's star blogger, Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who has been jailed by the ruling generals.
The Syrian shadow army
THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The Syrian shadow army

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.
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