Syrian veto a 'licence to kill'
Syria's government has been handed a "licence to kill" by Russia and China, opposition activists say, after the countries blocked a draft UN resolution.
Cairo clashes over football anger
At least four people are killed in clashes between Egyptian protesters and police, amid ongoing anger over deaths after a football match.
BBC accuses Iran of intimidation
The BBC's Director General, Mark Thompson, accuses the Iranian authorities of intimidating those working for its Persian service.
Sinai gunmen release US tourists
Two US women tourists and their Egyptian guide who were kidnapped in the south of Egypt's Sinai peninsula have been released, security sources say.
Libya ex-envoy dies 'in custody'
An ambassador who served under former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi dies after being detained by Tripoli-based militia, Human Rights Watch says.
Opposition gains in Kuwait vote
Kuwait's Islamist-led opposition makes significant gains in the Gulf state's fourth parliamentary election in six years, official results show.
Actor Imam is sentenced to jail
Egypt's leading comic actor Adel Imam receives a three-month jail sentence for insulting Islam in films and plays.
Hariri suspects trial in absentia
The UN-backed tribunal investigating the assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafik al-Hariri says it will try the suspects in absentia.
Gaza protesters target UN chief
Palestinian protesters briefly hold up the convoy of visiting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as he crosses into Gaza as part of a regional peace push.
Gun fight erupts in Libya capital
Rival Libyan militias fight a brief gun battle in central Tripoli amid tension between former rebel groups, witnesses and officials say.
UN positive about Iranian talks
UN nuclear inspectors back from a trip to Iran to discuss its nuclear programme have said the country is "committed" to "resolving all outstanding issues".
Iraq executions despite UN rebuke
Iraq announces the execution of another 17 people, days after the UN condemned Baghdad for carrying out a large number of executions.
Algeria profile
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Lebanon profile
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Libya country profile
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Morocco country profile - Overview
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VIDEO: Iran 'intimidating BBC Persian'
The BBC's director general Mark Thompson has accused the Iranian authorities of intimidating those working for its Persian service.
VIDEO: Tourists staying away from Egypt
Twelve months on from the revolution in Egypt, the country's tourism industry is continuing to struggle.
VIDEO: BBC team smuggled into Homs
Syrian government forces have bombarded the city of Homs with artillery shells and mortars, killing at least 55 people, according to opposition groups.
VIDEO: Hormuz closure threat to shipping
The Middle East's experts on maritime security are meeting in Abu Dhabi this week and talk of Iran's threats of closing the Strait of Hormuz will feature prominently.
Blame game over Egypt's football clashes
The blame game in the wake of a deadly Egyptian football riot
World Cancer Day: Survivors' stories
Survivors share experiences on World Cancer Day
Darker side of Egyptian football
Egypt's football fans care deeply about their teams - too much so
Iranians feel sanctions bite
Ordinary Iranians feel the pain as sanctions bite
Test cricket on sticky wicket in Middle East
Why is England Test cricket not bowling fans over in Middle East?
Iran web abuzz at film's Oscar nomination
Iran social media websites abuzz after film's Oscar nomination