“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 […]
While Middle East Muslims observed the Ramadan fast during the height of summer, a wave of terrorist attacks sent shockwaves across the world. News from the region Terrorist attacks in Tunisia, Egypt, and Kuwait this month shook the region and impacted many lives beyond it. ISIS-affiliated militants sought to do multiple things with these killings. Attacking Western holiday makers in […]
While Turkey geared up for elections which could have long-term internal and regional ramifications, the war against ISIS and proxy battles in Yemen dominated elsewhere. Christians in Turkey had reason to celebrate but faced discrimination in Egypt, Israel and Iran. News from the region On 7 June, Turkish citizens will vote in what is seen as one of the most […]
Increased interventions by Saudi Arabia impact Yemen and Syria, while descendants of Ottoman Armenians remember their “Great Catastrophe”. News from the region Changes in Saudi Arabia’s royal family structure are slowly but increasingly affecting the region. The appointments and foreign policy moves made by King Salman (crowned head of state in January) demonstrate a far more proactive Saudi Arabia in […]