Middle East

Getting Truants Back to School

Poor families offered food aid to persuade them to let their working children resume their studies.

Film-goers Flock to See Syrian Productions

New cinemas showing domestic films draw crowds and revive fortunes of industry.

Mixed Fortunes for Palestinians

Many live in overcrowded refugee camps, but some have turned their makeshift homes into a prosperous town.

Damascus Slum Dwellers Fear Eviction

Residents complain of dreadful conditions, but worry redevelopment plan will leave them homeless.

EU-Turkmen Talks to Focus on Energy

Life in Border Refugee Camps

US Sanctions Renewal Causes Dismay

Decision to maintain restrictions at time of increased diplomatic engagement surprises observers in Damascus.

Return to the Marshes

Border Turks Want Door to Armenia Kept Shut

Plan to reopen frontier between Armenia and Turkey wins few friends in towns and villages on Turkish side.

Calls for Inquiry Into Kurdish Soldiers' Deaths

Rights group want investigation into spate of suicides among soldiers completing national service.