Proposed auctions for a range of cultural and architectural treasures are being opposed by experts and the public alike. There are fears that the plans could be the first of a wave of privatisations.

Former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker reviews the growing power of the Iran-backed militia in Iraq under Al Sudani's tenure and how it could backfire on him.

Tension over the Helmand River has a long history. While violent clashes could have wider implications, there are also signs that Tehran can be pragmatic toward Kabul.

The de-escalation trend being driven by Arab states is undoubtedly an encouraging development for the region, but until the underlying root causes of instability are resolved, crises will continue.

The step-by-step approach to ending the crisis could possibly backfire, as happened in Lebanon with Hezbollah. Wider international support may help.

Six months after Iraq formed a new government, Iraqis have mixed views on al-Sudani's performance

Israel has been increasingly lethal, surgical, consistent, bold, and transparent in its military attacks on Syria

A breakdown of recent developments in the Middle East that give credence to the belief that the US is not as invested as it once was

The precedent for altering a country's name was set decades ago but the reasons for doing it can be very different

Three factors that limit optimism over the deal are Iran's radicals, China's unwillingness to play a more significant security role in the region and Israel's fear over Iran's nuclear programme