Middle East

Sebastian talks to Kathryn about Iran and the nuclear talks - with a growing sense that they may fail and then what next?. And Libya's presidential election is due on Christmas Eve, but looks all but… Audio

Christmas Day is a time of tradition for a lot of people, but that sense of tradition doesn't always extend to the dinner table. Indeed, more and more people are shunning the season's traditional fare… Audio

Istanbul is reported to be home to some 400,000 to 600,000 stray dogs and cats, hence why locals in Turkey's largest city sometimes refer to it as 'Catstanbul.' But it's the exploits of a local canine… Audio

As someone who is involved in the tourism industry in Tel Aviv, life has been something of a roller coaster for Cantabrian Alex Jones in recent times. He's Calling Home this morning. Audio

Sebastian has the latest on Afghanistan as the UN condemns the Taliban for their increasingly violent response to dissent. In Lebanon there is a new government has just over a year after the previous… Audio

The latest on the massive fuel tanker explosion in Lebanon which has killed 20 people and wounded dozens. Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter. Audio

Sebastian has an update on the mutual ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza and he also talks to Kathryn where things have got to with the Iran nuclear deal. Audio

A mutual ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza will begin in about an hour - Israel hasn't yet confirmed the exact time. The ceasefire agreement follows a security cabinet… Audio

The Iran nuclear deal, with Tehran ruling out holding an informal meeting with the US and Europe on ways to revive a nuclear deal, adamant that the US would have to lift unilateral sanctions. Also the… Audio

On the Weekend Panel this morning are Josie Pagani and Bernard Hickey. Among other issues, they take a look at the rates hikes in Wellington, ties (or lack thereof) in our Parliament, and Air New… Audio

The assasination of Iran's top nuclear scientist has provoked outrage in the country. Audio

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain have signed agreements fully normalising their relations with Israel at the White House, what's happening in Lebanon a month on from the catastrophic Beirut… Audio

Sebastian talks to Kathryn about the resignation of the Lebanese Government following Beirut's deadly port explosion Sebastian Usher is a BBC Middle East analyst, editor and reporter. Audio

Sebastian talks to Kathryn about the state of emergency in Lebanon in the aftermath of the deadly port explosion which has devastated Beirut. Audio

"If your picture is not good enough, it's because you're not close enough." That's the mantra of Israeli solider-turned-wildlife-photographer Amos Nachoum. His film, Picture of His Life is screening… Video, Audio

The trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on corruption charges has opened in Jerusalem, days after he began a new term in office. Mr Netanyahu is the first standing leader to face trial… Audio

Journalist Robert Fisk has spent the past 40 years living in war zones, covering conflict in the Middle East. He's dedicated to being on the ground and on the frontlines, and this commitment has… Video, Audio