For decades, politicians in Beirut have blamed their inaction on outside forces
Cecilia Sala was detained days after arrest in Milan of Iranian engineer wanted in US
Parliamentary election follows two years of political deadlock blamed on militant group now weakened by war with Israel
Islamic republic seeks to project strength in winter exercises following repeated strategic blows in Middle East
Defiance of headscarves accompanied by growing demand for stylish options among those following Islamic republic’s dress code
Last-minute show of support for US president’s close ally as he nears his final days in office
There are few grounds for optimism over the Palestinian question but the west can help Syria get back on its feet
The country’s loss of human capital underscores systemic problems
Strikes near Roman, Crusader and Ottoman sites flattened some and left others with ‘invisible’ damage
Scattered bodies and records of executions and other crimes laid bare in chaotic aftermath of rebel takeover
Few western intelligence officials say they would approve something similar to Israel’s pager attack
Cecilia Sala jailed days after two Iranians were detained in Italy and Switzerland for allegedly passing on drone technology
Boss of World Health Organisation among those present during Israel’s strike on Sana’a airport
Incursion by Israeli forces 8km north of UN ‘Blue Line’ adds to allegations of truce violations
From Gaza and Lebanon to Syria, the region has experienced a year of multiple devastating conflicts
Reformist government promises removal of more internet curbs as it seeks to ease restrictions on population
Hakan Fidan meets Abu Mohammad al-Jolani and says Donald Trump will back Turkey over Kurdish forces
Ninety per cent of country’s crude came from Iran before fall of Bashar al-Assad, says refinery chief
Strikes on port and energy infrastructure aim to weaken Iran-backed group’s military capabilities
Ankara and Gulf states also criticise goal to ‘expand borders’ in annexed territory after Syria rebels toppled regime
President Masoud Pezeshkian calls on population to conserve enough gas to last freezing winter
Defence minister calls on IDF to prepare for winter while US and Turkey meet to shore up fight against Isis
Human rights group criticises attacks on civilians where no evidence was found of any potential military targets
Over 4,000 flown home in the face of rebel victory and overthrow of ally Bashar al-Assad
Masoud Pezeshkian and his supporters say measures will be tough to enforce as hardline parliament pushes for approval
