Egypt

Islands of contention: Tiran and Sanafir

A tumultuous tale of two islands that span decades.

Middle East

Police officers killed in Egypt checkpoint attack

Authorities say at least eight dead in Naqb, about 70km from Kharga city, in New Valley province in the Western Desert.

Maps

Boko Haram Attacks

Explore our interactive map to examine in detail the violent incidents in and around Nigeria from 2009 to 2016.

Middle East

Syrian rebel groups agree to attend Astana meeting

Delegation of opposition factions to attend peace talks but others, including Ahrar al-Sham, plan to stay away.

Libya

What is Russia's endgame in Libya?

Haftar met with Russian officials in an effort to secure military support that would prepare for his control of Libya.

Israeli–Palestinian conflict

Two-state solution 'only way to Middle East peace'

France's Hollande tells representatives from 70 countries it is up to Palestinian and Israeli leaders to achieve peace.

War & Conflict

Civilian deaths reported in shelling near Damascus

Monitoring group says seven dead in assault on village in contested valley which supplies water to the Syrian capital.

Inside Story

Another attempt at peace for Palestine and Israel

Is there still hope for a two-state solution?

Palestine

Palestine: Growing Recognition

Amid efforts to bring the issue back to the negotiating table, 137 UN member nations have recognised State of Palestine.

Palestine

Paris peace conference: A damp squib

A half-century of Israeli occupation is not going to be meaningfully addressed by international meetings.

Maps

Syrian Civil War Map

A map of the Syrian civil war that shows who controls what after five years of fighting.

War & Conflict

Iraqi forces retake key ISIL base as Mosul battle rages

Army says it has seized strategic university complex used as base by ISIL fighters following two days of fierce clashes.

War & Conflict

Syria's main opposition bloc backs Astana peace talks

Clashes continue in parts of Syria in advance of scheduled peace talks in the Kazakh capital later this month.

Middle East

Vatican embassy a 'place of pride' for Palestinians

Palestinian leader meets Pope Francis for the opening of Vatican-based embassy, a day before Paris peace conference.

Palestine

Palestinian Authority set to open embassy in Vatican

President Mahmoud Abbas meets Pope Francis for the opening of the embassy, one day before Paris peace conference.