The former journalist and thriller writer tells Al Majalla what inspires him to depict the reality of the Middle East and the wars that have gripped the region

The Lebanese armed group is trained and equipped much better than Hamas

Muhammad Shia al-Sudani is hoping to help Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syria's Bashar al-Assad mend fences, yet it is precisely the issue of fence security that means he will struggle.

Nada al-Azhari's 'An Arabian in Iran' shows how the country's people have been cut off from the region by the regime. Full of insight into daily life, it captures a sense of post-imperial turmoil

The refugee crisis in Africa's third biggest population is causing both economic and social problems, with rent prices up and job opportunities down. Resentment is growing, as are calls for controls.

An important institutional body with an 8-year term, this collection of ageing and sclerotic clerics is meant to wield real power by overseeing the Supreme Leader. In practice, they simply nod along.

The ruling Conservative Party is light on detail and aspiration, beyond the sale of weapons, while the opposition Labour Party has more to say on issues like Iran and Palestine.

Several big parties are to stand again in the national presidential election on 7 September after concerns that recent votes have been the rigged rubber-stamping of a preferred candidate.

The prolific author and pioneering literary critic has a rich creative legacy spanning over five decades. He tells Al Majalla why art should stay faithful and how his work has embraced the future.