smuggling

As well as being a vast expanse of desert, the Sahel is a test for Algiers because of its proxy warfare and armed groups adapting drone technology. The biggest risk is that Algeria gets sucked in

Weak state control has led to a breakdown in law and order, resulting in thefts of precious metals and minerals, while the rising value of gold further incentivises such pillaging

In areas like Daraa and Sweida, local groups are elbowing their way into some of the smuggling voids left by Assad's army and pro-Iranian groups like Hezbollah. That means more to fight over.

The first instalment of a two-part investigation into the unprecedented looting of Syria's archaeological sites, Al Majalla uncovers the destruction of a rich archaeological landscape

The 375km Lebanon-Syria border is a story of security, smuggling, sovereignty, and geographical blurring. After a century of disputes and clashes, can new talks settle things once and for all?

The Kingdom is working with European partners in its war on drugs. But with such stellar profits to be made and such keen demand, it has been an uphill battle.

The drug trade is bankrolling the Damascus government through an illicit trade valued at around $57bn. Al Majalla explains why it started and how it's shaping Syrian society.

In Part 2 of a special series, Al Majalla interviews migrants who paid smugglers to get them to Europe, either by sea or by land.

First-hand accounts of the process and people involved from those who had been smuggled into Europe.