Iraq institutes law making ties with Israel a criminal offence for all Iraqi governmental and independent institutions, as well as foreign nationals working in Iraq.

The British Prime Minister is reportedly attempting to lobby the rulers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to help curb prices by increasing output, as energy sanctions on Russia have begun to hurt the West.

It seems that the region has always been a war zone, at least in recent memory, and that there have always been one or two countries ravaged by conflict and destruction in the region.

International Mother Language Day, Feb 21, warrants a look at one of the most beautiful and important languages Persian which has inspired many great poets, including Goethe.

Saudi Arabia assembled a coalition in early 2015, for invading Yemen, the poorest country in the region, yet only two countries still remain loyal to the Saudis; The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

The KSA is entertaining the world, with film festivals, music concerts and Formula 1 races, encouraging the world to look the other way when its leaders are perpetrating the gravest violations of human rights, both at home and abroad, with impunity.

President Macron's visit to the UAE in early December was concluded with a controversial $19bn arms deal for 80 Rafale fighter jets and 12 military helicopters.