This Library Note provides background reading in advance of the debate in the House of Lords on 1 July on recent developments in Syria, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Debate on 1 July: Recent Developments in Syria, the Middle East and North Africa (846 KB , PDF)
This Library Note provides background reading in advance of the debate in the House of Lords on 1 July on recent developments in Syria, the Middle East, and North Africa. It provides in-depth information and material on Syria, and a brief summary of recent developments in selected countries in the Middle East and North Africa (Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Egypt and Libya). This Note adds to and updates information provided in House of Lords Library Note LLN 2012/029 Recent Developments in the Middle East (13 July 2012).
Debate on 1 July: Recent Developments in Syria, the Middle East and North Africa (846 KB , PDF)
This article summarises recent developments in the war between Russia and Ukraine and assessments of whether Russia could use tactical nuclear weapons in the conflict. Tactical nuclear weapons are designed for use on the battlefield, and they have lower explosive yields than ‘strategic’ nuclear weapons. Commentators have argued that the risk of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons is low, but it could rise if Russia faced defeat in Ukraine.
The BBC World Service delivers news in over 40 languages through TV, radio and digital services. It has a weekly reach of 365 million people and is principally funded by the BBC licence fee, with some grants from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. In September 2022, the BBC announced plans to “accelerate its digital offering” which, it said, would lead to around 382 job losses and more language services being digital only. It said “tough choices” were necessary to make savings.
The six countries that together comprise the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have long been criticised for their human rights records. The UK’s engagement with GCC members, whether bilaterally or collectively through recent trade negotiations, has drawn criticism as a result. Critics of continued engagement suggest it could risk the UK being seen to condone continuing human rights abuses, although the UK government maintains that it regularly raises human rights concerns with GCC partners.
