Feted by President Lincoln and Queen Victoria, the hero of Algeria and Damascus remains an important, resonant figure 140 years after his death.

How the curtain finally came down on PLO presence in Lebanon

With more than half of Egypt's normal shipping traffic now diverting around Africa and its economy in dire straits, there are serious doubts about its plans to build a parallel canal

Turkey's search efforts after a helicopter crash killed Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi last week shed light on cooperative yet sensitive relations

The PLO chairman now knows that he must leave Lebanon as his fighters are surrounded by the Israelis. The Syrian president is no friend, but agrees to take them in.

With an eye on the Lebanese presidency, the Phalange commander and sworn enemy of Syria sends secret messages of 'reassurance' to al-Assad. Meanwhile, Damascus refuses to host PLO fighters.

Palestine's UN membership, European recognition, and international judicial actions

US envoy Phillip Habib proposes a plan to facilitate the PLO's exit from Beirut. Meanwhile, the Phalange party vows to end Lebanon's 'three occupations'.

Possible ICC warrants are the latest indicators