A new president and prime minister for Iraq: What challenges face the country in 2026?
In 2026, Iraq selected a new president and prime minister. Issues facing Iraq include disarming or integrating Iran-backed militias into the state armed forces.
Syria in 2026: How are the UK and others engaging?
Assad had been militarily reliant on Russia and Iran. Since his fall, the UK has been among those to engage with the interim government and lift many sanctions.
Yemen in 2026: Southern Transitional Council’s fall and intensifying Houthi conflict
In 2026, more intensive fighting has resumed within Yemen after a four-year pause. Houthi-Saudi conflict has also become grown since July.
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Research Briefing
The conflict in Sudan
A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for 8 September 2026 on the conflict in Sudan. The debate will be opened by Naushabah Khan MP.
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Research Briefing
Syria in 2026: Interim government and Kurdish integration
Following President Assad’s fall in 2024, an interim Syrian parliament and government are in place. In 2026, steps are underway to integrate Kurdish areas.
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Research Briefing
Syria in 2026: Minority religious and ethnic groups after Assad
Extensive violence targeted some religious minorities in 2025. Tensions continued in 2026. The UK has called for accountability and an inclusive transition.
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Research Briefing
Iran in 2026: Six months after the US/Israeli strikes
There are no talks between the US and Iran on ending the conflict. The US is imposing more economic sanctions. Iran’s high use of the death penalty persists.
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Research Briefing
UK aid and women and girls
The development challenges facing women and girls, how much UK and global aid is spent on gender equality, and UK policy and action.
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Research Briefing
UK aid and climate change
Sets out the potential effects of climate change on global development goals, UK Government aid strategies on climate change, and how UK aid is spent.
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Research Briefing
UK aid: Reducing spending to 0.3% of GNI by 2027/28
Aid spending will be cut to 0.3% of gross national income by 2027 to fund greater spending on defence. What are the government's aid plans?
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Research Briefing
Ukraine: UK aid and humanitarian situation 2022 to 2026
Describes the effects of the conflict in Ukraine and the number of refugees leaving the country, alongside what aid the UK and others have pledged from 2022.
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Research Briefing
Humanitarian impact of conflicts on older people
Global incidence of armed conflict is high. This briefing summarises the incidence of conflict and lists resources on its impact on older people.
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Research Briefing
What are the current trends in global aid funding in 2026?
July 2026 marks one year since USAID’s closure. The world’s major aid donors – Germany, the UK, France, Japan and the US – are all cutting their aid budgets.
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Research Briefing
US-Iran ceasefire and nuclear talks in 2026
Describes issues in US-Iran talks in 2026, including the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme and US sanctions.
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Research Briefing
Israel–Hezbollah conflict 2026 and UK response
Israel-Hezbollah fighting continued into June. Issues in talks include disarming Hezbollah and both Israel and Hezbollah withdrawing from southern Lebanon.
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