Who – or what – will replace Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei

Politics
Michael Stephens, RAND Europe and John Kennedy, RAND Europe Leadership transitions in dictatorships can signal upheaval – for better or worse – and in Iran that moment has now arrived. The death of the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in a US airstrike on Tehran on...

‘Destruction is not the same as political success’: US bombing of Iran shows little evidence of endgame strategy

Farah N. Jan, University of Pennsylvania Shortly after the opening salvo of U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 – with missiles targeting cities across the country, some of which killed Supreme Leader...

How the Iran war could create a ‘fertiliser shock’ – an often ignored global risk to food prices and farming

Nima Shokri, United Nations University and Salome M. S. Shokri-Kuehni, United Nations University; Technical University of Hamburg Tehran is moving to restrict – or effectively close – the strait of Hormuz to shipping, as...

The oil price surge is just one symptom of a supply chain network that is not fit for this age of global tensions

Maryam Lotfi, Cardiff University The escalating conflict between Iran, the US and Israel has taken a critical turn. The strait of Hormuz – one of the most important shipping routes for oil and gas – is...

Folklore Passed Down in Bahrain’s Quiet Corners

You can still hear fragments of Bahrain's oldest stories in the hush of alleys, the rhythm of dhow oars, and the low voices over cups of kahwa in coastal majlis. These tales, woven...

Festivals That Light Up Iran’s Cities

Over centuries Iranian cities have been transformed by festivals that combine fire, lanterns, music and public gatherings, creating nights when streets, squares and riverbanks glow with shared celebration. Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is...

Tourist Attractions That Tell Bahrain’s Story

Bahrain
Many sites across Bahrain trace its arc from the ancient Dilmun civilization to a contemporary Gulf state, offering visitors tangible links to trade, faith, craft and resilience. Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) sits on an artificial mound that marks millennia of occupation; its excavated layers reveal fortified settlements, trade contacts with Mesopotamia, and later Islamic rebuilding. The fort and surrounding archaeological landscape are recognized by UNESCO for their long-standing role in regional history. The Pearling Path in Muharraq preserves a network of merchant houses, diving huts and trading corridors that once powered a global pearl economy. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the path interprets social life, the rhythms of pearling...

Traditional Dishes in Doha

You will find Doha's culinary heritage in dishes like machboos, harees, thareed and luqaimat, shaped by Arabian, Persian and Indian influences; this guide outlines...

Urban Trips Through Cyprus’s Layered Cities

Cyprus
It's a journey through overlapping histories: ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, Venetian walls, Ottoman bazaars...

Palestine Heritage – UNESCO Sites Explained

UNESCO lists key Palestinian cultural and natural sites, explaining their history, significance, and preservation challenges to guide informed heritage stewardship.The Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls Jerusalem's Old City walls encircle centuries of...

Photo Spots That Capture Cyprus in a Frame

With its sunlit shores, ancient ruins and rugged mountains, Cyprus frames scenes that suit every photographic style - from sweeping landscapes to intimate cultural portraits. Coastal gems include Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) for...

Culinary Travel Through Bahrain’s Past and Present

Over the centuries, Bahrain's location at the crossroads of the Arabian Gulf, Persia, India and East Africa shaped a...

Folklore Passed Down in Bahrain’s Quiet Corners

You can still hear fragments of Bahrain's oldest stories...

Culinary Travel Through Bahrain’s Past and Present

Over the centuries, Bahrain's location at the crossroads of...

Backpacking Bahrain, One Island at a Time

You can island-hop through Bahrain with a backpack and...

The Typical Dishes That Shape Bahraini Identity

It's the blend of sea, spice and migration that...

Yemen Food Guide – Traditional Dishes in Aden

With Aden's rich coastal heritage, local cuisine features saltah, fahsa, mandi, grilled fish, and sweet halwa. This guide outlines traditional ingredients, cooking methods, and...

Yemen Visa Guide – Entry Rules and Permit Process

Yemen requires visitors to secure appropriate visas and permits before travel; this guide explains entry rules, application steps, documentation, and consular contacts to help...

Yemen Travel Guide – Key Sites in Sana'a Old City

You can explore Sana'a Old City's UNESCO-listed architecture, bustling souks, historic mosques and towering mud-brick houses. This guide highlights must-see sites, practical tips and...

Dubai Visa Guide – Entry Rules for Dubai Tourists

Dubai requires visitors to meet visa eligibility, present valid passports, and follow application, entry, and health rules; this guide outlines types, durations, fees, and...

UAE Public Transport Guide – Metro, Bus, Taxi Tips

With concise fare, route and schedule guidance, this guide explains UAE metro, bus and taxi operations, ticketing options and on-board etiquette for confident, efficient...