David Blair's Blog, page 25

The whole world is trying to 'topple' me, says Netanyahu

The Israeli prime minister claims to be the target of a "worldwide effort" to ensure his defeat in next Tuesday's election

Iran condemns 'untrustworthy' America as Senate letter casts doubt over nuclear deal

Philip Hammond, the Foreign Secretary, warns that the letter from 47 Republican Senators "could become a spanner in the works" of nuclear talks

How a US-Iran nuclear deal might transform the balance of power in the Middle East

The silver-haired man with a deceptively mild manner stood before a map as deferential officers briefed him on their offensive.

Oil middleman between Syria and Isil is new target for EU sanctions

Syria's regime is not only buying oil from Isil, but helping to operate the terrorist movement's oil and gas facilities

Islamic State will try to profit from the treasures of Nimrud

With oil revenues falling, the terrorist group will resort to smuggling antiquities as another way of making money

Netanyahu throws caution to the winds with all-out assault on Obama's Iran policy

David Blair provides a line by line analysis of the Israeli prime minister's momentous address to Congress, which broke all the rules of etiquette between world leaders

'US citizen' carries out suicide bombing in Iraq, claims Isil

Terrorist movement says an American "brother" attacked Iraqi soldiers with a truck bomb - but there is no independent confirmation of the claim

US and Iran close in on nuclear deal as talks resume

The two sides are close to settling the vital question of Iran's capacity to enrich uranium

Iraq chooses a risky course by mobilising Shia militias for Isil offensive

Analysis: The bid to recapture Tikrit relies on Shia militias, who may deepen the alienation of the local Sunni population.

North Korea infiltrates UN with father-and-son team of spies

The father worked for Unesco and his son for the World Food Programme - until both spies were unmasked