The main struggle in the region is partly ideological, between moderate, pro-Western groups and Islamist and jihadi groups, and partly it is a contest for power in the region by Iran, in its effort to diminish American influence. The administration’s view is playing into Iran’s hands.

This partnership will help to increase global awareness of Istanbul and Turkey's unique cultural landscape - both historic and modern; as well as strengthening cultural relations between the UK/US and Turkey.

Americans have taken to hummus with gusto, but should the flavour of the traditional Middle Eastern spread be tampered with?

When two young State Department officials took a delegation of Silicon Valley executives to Syria recently, they billed it as a chance to use the promise of technology to reach out to a country with which the United States has long had icy relations.

The Viet Nam-US relationship is at its strongest point since diplomatic ties were resumed in 1995 and ties continue to grow each day. US Ambassador to Viet Nam Michael Michalak made the statement at a press conference held in Ha Noi yesterday, which celebrated the 15th anniversary of the normalisation of Viet Nam-US relations.

Throughout the world, few things are more precious than a safe and abundant water supply. A country that can help another nation improve the availability and quality of water is likely to win friends, regardless of how the respective governments get along.

In a nation with abysmal healthcare, delivering high-quality emergency treatment is a powerful weapon — even though crews can treat only a fraction of those in need.