David Blair's Blog, page 10

Iran repeats backing for Assad and rejects peace talks with Syrian 'terrorists'

After the unanimous passage of UN Resolution 2254, Iran breaks the new international unity over Syria

Rwanda's leader joins the African autocrats who rewrite the law to hold power

This year, Britain has given ��321 million of aid to African countries where leaders have prolonged their dominance by dropping term limits from their constitutions

Grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini enters politics as succession battle looms in Iran

The grandson of the leader of Iran's revolution runs for a seat on the Assembly of Experts, which will choose the next Supreme Leader

African leaders vow to prevent 'genocide' in Burundi as UN warns of civil war

The East African country is at "bursting point" as an authoritarian leader struggles to hold power - but there is no agreement over how to respond

America and Britain agree to close inquiry on Iran's nuclear weapon ambitions

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concludes that Iran stopped researching nuclear weapons technology in 2009 and closes the file

Russia sends warning to West with show of strength in Syria

Attacks on lightly armed rebels with advanced submarines and warplanes used as signal Putin is matching US and Britain in arms race

David Cameron writes to Iran's president over British grandfather jailed for four years

The Prime Minister has asked for the release of Kamal Foroughi, 76, who has been in Evin prison since 2011

Tony Blair has learnt important lessons from Iraq. It's a shame no one wants to listen

The MPs who quizzed the former prime minister ran through irrelevant questions without listening to what he was actually saying - and missing an important comment on Syria

Jacob Zuma accused of 'grotesque irresponsiblity' after sacking South Africa's finance minister

With the economy in trouble and South African debt hovering above junk status, the president has sacked one of the few respected ministers

Iran sends defiant signal to the West with missile test

Hardliners show their discomfort with the nuclear deal by testing a new missile with a range of at least 1,000 miles