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

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.

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.

06/05/2013 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: Damascus, Tehran accuse Israel of 'playing with fire'

Syria and its ally Iran warn of possible retribution for several air strikes on Syrian soil, assumed to have been carried out by Israel. Next, Lebanon may have made progress towards greater tolerance of homosexuality, but discrimination has by no means gone away. Finally, we take you to a new exhibition on hieroglyphics at the Louvre to find out more about just who the ancient scribes were.

29/04/2013 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Syria: 'Growing evidence' of chemical weapons use

Has the Assad regime used chemical weapons in Syria? If so, will this be the "game changer" Washington threatened it might be? Next, we meet Israel's Bedouin soldiers, who are exempt from military service, but play a vital role in securing Israel's borders. Finally, despite a wave of sectarian tensions, nightlife in the Iraqi capital is making a comeback.

22/04/2013 - THE WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST

First elections in Iraq since US withdrawal

In a key test for the Iraqi government, the first elections are held since US troops left the country. Next, the ongoing violence in Syria takes its toll on the country’s rich cultural heritage. Finally, we meet the Yemenis who refuse to give up the search for their loved ones who vanished during the rule of Ali Abdullah Saleh.