BBC Middle East

The head of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem voices his support for a Palestinian state during a procession to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.>>>

Conflict means no festive cheer for Syria's Christian minority>>>

Egypt awaits the result of a referendum on a controversial constitution - widely expected to be approved - as officials check allegations of fraud.>>>

Palestinian militants in Gaza violated the laws of war by firing rockets into Israel during last month's conflict, Human Rights Watch (HRW) says.>>>

UN peace envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi has talks with President Assad in Damascus, a day after dozens were killed in a government air strike on what activists said was a bakery.>>>

In the Syrian capital Damascus, the Christian community is planning a low-key Christmas, as conflict in the country continues.>>>

Dozens of people are killed in a government air strike on a bakery in central Syria, activists say, but Damascus blames the attack on a "terrorist group".>>>

Egypt's main opposition demands an investigation into the referendum on the draft constitution, citing "fraud and violations" in the voting.>>>

An astronomical explanation for Star of Bethlehem?>>>

The camel is an important animal in the Middle East, providing transport, meat, milk - and now leather.>>>

Egyptians appear to have voted in favour of a deeply divisive new constitution, unofficial and preliminary referendum results suggest.>>>

Egypt's Vice-President Mahmoud Mekki resigns, the latest political upheaval as polls close in the controversial referendum on a new constitution.>>>

Tunisia auctions off ousted leader Ben Ali's riches>>>

Egyptians vote in the second leg of a referendum on a new constitution that has deeply split supporters and critics of President Mohammed Morsi.>>>

Syria has consolidated its chemical weapons into "one or two" places to prevent rebels capturing them, Russia says.>>>

Supermodels changing how Arab women are perceived>>>

West scrambles to prepare for Syrian change of power>>>

Congressman Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, speaks to the BBC's Frank Gardner about US concerns over Syria's weapons.>>>

Iran at centre of Washington divide over next defence secretary>>>

Two Finns and an Austrian are kidnapped by masked gunmen in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, security officials say.>>>