Explore the Middle East

From Egypt to Iran, and the Israel-Gaza conflict, explore the region and understand the key themes.

Article
  1. Comment
  2. Community
An Istanbul street curves and the sun illuminates one side

Letter from Istanbul: how many neighbours is it possible to love?

Becky Ruth
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer mass of humanity in Turkey
6min read
Article
  1. Comment
  2. Freedom of Belief
A fisheye view of a large debating chamber in the round.

Bring on the noise: what Trump can do to help the persecuted in Iran and China

Steve Dew-Jones
Dealing with the dictators in Iran and China needs noisy advocates.
6min read
Explainer
  1. Christmas culture
  2. Culture
Silhouttes of three wise men approach the Virgin and Child, painted on stone.

The mysterious Magi: outsiders, outlandish, Uyghur?

Benjamin Sharkey
Many claimed the Wise Men, wherever the story was heard.
7min read
Article
  1. Christmas culture
  2. Creed
An arts and crafts image of the three kings adoring the new born Christ.

Magi: where did the wise men come from?

Mark Gilbert
The origin story of the Middle East's ancient king makers.
6min read
Column
  1. Comment
  2. Middle East
Dots of light, caused by missles, fall across a night sky above the city

‘The silent stars go by’, mocking the Middle East peace process

George Pitcher
Where are today’s witnesses to peace in the Holy Lands?
4min read
Article
  1. Comment
  2. Gaza
A young doctor wearing scrubs smiles.

The human cost of the Israel-Gaza war

Tim Goodacre
A veteran volunteer surgeon laments a well lived life.
5min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Israel
Between two generals wearing camouflage uniforms, a man in a black shirt listens.

Netanyahu’s baffling ability to bounce back

Emerson Csorba
Disliked and embattled, the Israeli premier’s purpose strengthens him.
7min read
Essay
  1. Culture
  2. Middle East
Three members of the Oman Shura sit in it's chamber and hold their hands in prayer

Democracy and the authorities that exist

Andrew Thompson
Should we insist on democracy in the Gulf?
7min read
Essay
  1. Culture
  2. Freedom of Belief
A black clad pilgrim squats and holds his head on the side of a desert road as other pilgrims walk along.

Inside one of the world's great pilgrimages

Andrew Thompson
Invited to experience Arbaeen, a vicar ponders its perpetual lament.
8min read
Article
  1. Comment
  2. Easter
A family look at the concrete shell and remains of a bombed building.

The Friday world of the Middle East at Easter

Todd Deatherage
Violence begets violence in a zero sum world.
7min read
Editor's pick
  1. Creed
  2. Freedom of Belief
A painting of a Sultan's court gathering round as a ambassador is presented.

The Patriarch and the Caliph

Benjamin Sharkey
Medieval Baghdad was an entangled world for the Christians and Muslims who lived and even partied together.
12min read
Explainer
  1. Creed
  2. Israel
A gold-domed, blue-walled octagonal mosque seen through a row of arches.

The most contested real estate on the planet

Peter Walker
Can contradictory views about how God connects to Jerusalem ever be reconciled?
6min read