While always turbulent, the Middle East this month experienced a series of curious and, in some cases, appalling incidents. News from the region In Syria, in a strike, apparently by Syrian or Russian jets, on a camp for internally displaced Syrians killed over 30 civilians and prompted international condemnation. IS rockets also destroyed much of a 7,000-capacity refugee camp on […]
Under pressure in Syria and Iraq, so-called Islamic State increased attacks abroad while churches in Turkey were on high alert after nationwide terror warnings. News from the region Syria Syrian citizens in many areas enjoyed some respite from violence after a ceasefire between government and non-jihadist groups began (27 February) and was mostly observed. A significant development in the ongoing […]
While a partial ceasefire in Syria has been the main story in the region, moves to recognise the extremist targeting of Christians and other religious minorities as genocide could lead to greater protection and easier asylum for those fleeing jihadists. News from the region A partial ceasefire in Syria, brokered by Russia and the US, finally came into force at […]
“War-war” continued apace in Syria as “jaw-jaw” in Geneva was put on hold. Meanwhile, excitement in Tehran contrasted with a sombre mood in Cairo on the fifth anniversary of Egypt’s revolution. News from the region A new series of meetings in Geneva that had brought most parties fighting in Syria to the negotiating table was suspended on Wednesday (3 February) […]
A turbulent year ended and a new one began with a sharp escalation of tensions between Saudi Arabia and its chief rival, Iran. This month’s briefing looks at the year ahead. The year ahead for the region The New Year began at full speed. The execution of Nimr al-Nimr, a leading Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia, prompted international condemnation with […]
For the Middle East, 2015 has been another year of head-spinning complexities. In the conflicts and humanitarian crises, Christians have sometimes been the first to be attacked, but have often given the lead in responding to need. This month’s Briefing recaps the year that was. In January we look to see what 2016 might bring. News from the region In […]
Another eventful month saw Russia and Iran join the Syria talks table, a shock election result in Turkey, and a thumbs down for ideas of an autonomous Christian region in Iraq News from the region It has been a year of surprises in Turkey and last week brought the latest. No one, including the ruling AK Party itself, expected a […]
A British intelligence officer has reportedly said he stopped counting the complex layers that form current Middle East tensions after he got to seven. A further combustible layer was added this month by Russia’s military intervention in Syria. News from the Region Russia’s entrance into the ever-thickening complexity of the Syria war has put everyone on edge. President Putin has […]
Four years after Syria erupted into civil war, the domino effects of Syria’s collapse took centre stage in Europe as the refugee crisis reached new levels. News from the region Syria’s civilian exodus rolled on as the country’s troubles continued to proliferate. Last week, Russian jets were spotted in the country, as both Iran and Russia carried on backing the […]
The latest twist in the ever-turning Middle East has been Turkey’s sudden engagement in the war against Islamic State and an unexpected renewal of conflict with Kurdish separatists. Iran’s proposed renewal of relations with the West has also put the cat among the pigeons. News from the region The deal reached on Iran’s nuclear development programme continues to stir a […]