The latest stories from the Middle East section of the BBC News web site.
West deplores veto on Syria at UN
Western nations deplore the vetoing by Russia and China of a UN resolution condemning the crackdown in Syria, as dozens are killed in Homs.
VIDEO: BBC team smuggled into Homs
Syrian government forces have bombarded the city of Homs with artillery shells and mortars, killing at least 55 people, according to opposition groups.
VIDEO: Hormuz closure threat to shipping
The Middle East's experts on maritime security are meeting in Abu Dhabi this week and talk of Iran's threats of closing the Strait of Hormuz will feature prominently.
Cairo clashes over football anger
At least four people are killed in clashes between Egyptian protesters and police, amid ongoing anger over deaths after a football match.
VIDEO: Warning from Iran over attack risk
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has warned that any attempt to attack his country's nuclear programme will meet a forceful response.
Sinai gunmen release US tourists
Two US women tourists and their Egyptian guide who were kidnapped in the south of Egypt's Sinai peninsula have been released, security sources say.
