Lebanon urged to resist violence
Syria's president and the Saudi king call on Lebanon's rival factions to avoid turning to violence amid mounting political tensions in the country.
Hamas fighter dies in air strikes
A Hamas militant is killed and several are injured by Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, hours after a Palestinian rocket hit the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon.
Saudi warned on expelling Somalis
The UN refugee agency urges Saudi Arabia to stop deporting Somalis, saying 2,000 have recently been sent to Mogadishu.
Arab League endorses direct talks
The Arab League backs direct Palestinian peace talks with the Israelis, but leaves the timing to the Palestinians, officials say.
Gun and bomb attacks hit Baghdad
At least 16 people, including several security force members, are killed in shootings and explosions in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, officials say.
Canada jails Iran nuclear suspect
The Ontario Court of Justice in Canada sentences a Toronto man to four years in prison for trying to export nuclear-related items to Iran.
Japanese tanker in damage mystery
Officials investigate damage to a Japanese oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, amid reports of a collision or an attack.
Iran stoning lawyer 'is missing'
Rights group Amnesty International accuses Iran of persecuting a lawyer involved in the high profile case of a woman sentenced to death by stoning.
Hamas bans Gaza lingerie displays
Mannequins and pictures of underwear models will be removed from women's clothes shops under new rules announced by Hamas.
Nepal lifts ban on Iraq workers
The government in Nepal lifts a ban that prohibited Nepalis from seeking work in Iraq.
Graphics: Oil and sanctions
Iran has faced waves of international sanctions since the Islamic revolution in 1979, but what effect have they actually had on the country and its economy and trading behaviour?
Business empire of Revolutionary Guards
Iran's sophisticated, energy-rich economy is increasingly coming under control of the secretive Revolutionary Guards, the BBC's Mark Gregory writes.
China-Iran: Old ties, modern dependency
Sanctions imposed on Iran are having an effect on its business ties with China, reports Chris Hogg.
Analysis: Do economic sanctions work?
Is there any evidence that sanctions have worked against countries in the past? The BBC's diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus reports.
Fossil sparks whale of a row for Egypt customs
The fossil of a whale is at the centre of a bizarre customs wrangle at Cairo airport, the BBC's Jon Leyne reports.
Israel researchers develop 'sniff controlled' wheelchair
Scientists develop a device that allows people with severe disabilities to control a wheelchair and communicate by sniffing.
Algeria
Key facts, figures and dates
Bahrain
Key facts, figures and dates
Egypt
Key facts, figures and dates
Iran
Key facts, figures and dates
Iraq
Key facts, figures and dates
Israel/Palestinian territories
Key facts, figures and dates
Jordan
Key facts, figures and dates
Kuwait
Key facts, figures and dates
Lebanon
Key facts, figures and dates
Libya
Key facts, figures and dates
Mauritania
Key facts, figures and dates
Morocco
Key facts, figures and dates
Oman
Key facts, figures and dates
Qatar
Key facts, figures and dates
Saudi Arabia
Key facts, figures and dates
Sudan
Key facts, figures and dates
Syria
Key facts, figures and dates
Tunisia
Key facts, figures and dates
United Arab Emirates
Key facts, figures and dates
Yemen
Key facts, figures and dates
Golan Heights
A profile of the Syrian plateau captured by Israel in 1967
Saudi Arabia celebrates its heritage
The BBC travelled to Riyadh for Saudi Arabia's first ever international conference dedicated to preserving Islamic Urban Heritage.
Changing times
What the Syria-Saudi visit means for Lebanon
Lords to Lod
The Israelis taking cricket very seriously
Hit by sanctions
Black market boom as Dubai curbs trade with Iran
Picture of health?
Hosni Mubarak's busy schedule may dispel health rumours
Iranian voices
How will sanctions on Iran affect ordinary people?
Olympic dreams
Rowing amid gunshots and bombs in Baghdad
Holding out
Direct talks are tough sell to weary Palestinians