Palestinians in the West Bank have too much cash. Israeli banks refuse to accept their deposits and Palestinian authorities warn an economic breakdown is looming.

Syria has a rich archaeological heritage full of ancient Roman and Byzantine sites and treasures. Damaged and stolen during a civil war, they now face an increased danger of looting.

Israeli efforts to establish new Jewish settlements and seize Palestinian land have reached a frenzied pitch in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinian residents say they have been encircled and besieged by violent settlers.