Middle East & Africa

Byte the bullet

Iran’s electronic confrontation with Israel

The two adversaries are engaged in an intense cyber struggle, with Israel still a click ahead

Putting in a time of war

The bunkers on Beirut’s golf course are in the crosshairs

Still, hazards off the fairway are no excuse for slow play

Conscription

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox still won’t fight, invoking scripture

An age-old argument is making Binyamin Netanhayu face an enduring dilemma

A new age of austerity

The lessons of Africa’s tax revolts

If states want to collect more, they will have to offer something in return

Vroom vroom!

Cheap Asian motorcycles are transforming African cities

The $1,000 boda boda carries a big economic punch

Swinging back to the centre

South Africa’s foreign minister wants better relations with the West

Ronald Lamola’s view counts: he may be the next president

Iran v Israel

Iran’s frightening new playbook for war

It is abandoning the restraint that has prevented open conflict with Israel

Soldiers of misfortune

Why South Africa’s army is floundering in Congo

Its decline is a parable of the rainbow nation

Waiting for disaster

Israeli aircraft buzz Beirut as the drums of war bang loud

As Iran and Hizbullah threaten retaliation for Israeli assassinations, Lebanon is in the firing line

Up with extremism

Hamas’s pick of Yahya Sinwar as leader makes a ceasefire less likely

The appointment of the architect of October 7th ties the group closer to Iran

Lamps going out

The Middle East braces for wider war as Iran weighs its response

After Israeli strikes, America is rushing troops to the region and airlines are steering clear

Ransom notes

Ethiopia is in the midst of a kidnapping epidemic

As the government hails a new IMF deal, lawlessness is spreading