Middle East

Anti-Baathist Campaigning Overshadows Issues

Services, security and corruption take a backseat as election centres on Baathism.

25 Feb 10

Opposition wants to retain unitary Syrian state, rejects self-rule for Kurds.

25 Feb 10

Conference delegates say greater parliamentary representation has helped, but isn’t enough.

25 Feb 10

Authorities aim to reduce the risk of violence and voting-related problems on election day.

25 Feb 10

Political tensions escalate sharply as parliament and police investigate series of attacks on opposition figures.

25 Feb 10

Poppy producing area diversifies into heroin as crop price falls.

24 Feb 10

Brief clash highlights risk of further conflict as Iran sets out to guard oil reserves.

22 Feb 10

International embargo on Iran has tied the hands of dissidents.

22 Feb 10

With official labour bodies in the hands of the state, its opponents have no means of rallying workers to the cause.

22 Feb 10

The lives of many ordinary Iranians have changed irrevocably since the emergence of the Green Movement.

22 Feb 10

Support local journalists