Foundation of the State of Israel
Richard Cavendish describes the formation of the state of Israel, proclaimed by David Ben-Gurion, on May 14th, 1948.
Middle East
Beirut's past comes to life
Re-opening of the National Museum.
Israel's Dig for History
Keith Feldman explores the multi period sites in northern Israel dating from the Iron Age to the late Byzantine era.
The Crescent and the Flag
Aram Bakshian on the historic tensions of Islam and secular nationalism
The First Intifada: Rebellion in Palestine 1936-39
Palestinian revolt - not in Israel today but under the British mandate fifty years ago. Charles Townshend traces its impact and discusses its character.
Helping Ham's Hammams
Ann Hills explores the Yemen Arab Republic's unique historic capital.
Lebanon's Damned Inheritance
Michael Houses looks at the grievances and history of the troubled Middle East country.
The Syrian Cuckoo: Rome and the Unconquered Sun
Running after foreign gods - Richard Stoneman explains how Rome's Syrian rival, the city of Palmyra, and her formidable queen Zenobia influenced the religion and mores of the later Empire - and brought us in the process Christmas Day.
Syria's Disappearing Palace
Terence Mirabelli investigates why Syria is losing an archaeological site.
Kuwait Exhibits Islam
Kuwait has enjoyed wealth far longer than the other oil producing states of the Middle East and is proud to spend its riches on its heritage, as Philip Mansel explores here.