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
Iran v Israel
Iran’s frightening new playbook for war
It is abandoning the restraint that has prevented open conflict with Israel
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
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