There's a fine line between realism and optimism in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, an advocate of peace, love, tolerance, and non-violence, deeply admired Islam. His message resonated with major figures, from Mahatma Gandhi to the Grand Mufti of Egypt.

El-Mostafa Benlamlih, a UN humanitarian co-ordinator in Syria, asks what's next for the country and outlines what it faced either side of a disaster that also brought its people some hope for change

After taking control of the regional army HQ, the militia resumed its racist violence against a tribal people, killing one of the country's most respected leaders and turning their guns on civilians

Gaza has shown us that conflicts are often not 'manageable' indefinitely

Israel's attacks on Gaza hospitals show a sinister pattern, doctors say

The appointment of David Cameron as Foreign Secretary caught the entire British political press corps off guard

While the human toll of the war has been insufferable, the economic repercussions are also devastating and may be irreversible.

The war in Gaza has given the Kremlin powerful grounds for accusing the West of double standards. This explains why President Vladimir Putin's rhetoric has changed to sound more anti-Israeli.