Is a new world order emerging? A new war is breaking out in the Middle East. Some think a new group of anti-western countries are ready to rise.
The wider truth behind Israel’s 9/11 moment
Redrawing the map: The Middle East is the world’s most war-torn region. Glossary
Israel - A country in the Middle East, and the only Jewish nation in the modern period. It is seen by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the Holy Land.
Palestinian - Palestine is an area of the eastern Mediterranean region, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip and parts of modern Israel. It has been fought over by Arab and Jewish national movements for many years.
Militant - Favouring confrontational or violent methods in support of a political or social cause.
Hamas - A militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Iran - A country in Western Asia, officially called the Islamic Republic of Iran. It has a population of 84 million.
Russia - The largest country in the world by area. It has a population of 144 million people.
China - A country in East Asia, home to 1.4 billion people.
Arab - Arabia includes the countries on the coast of north Africa (from Morocco in the north-west) and the Arabian peninsula. It does not include Iran, which is in Asia but which is the most significant supporter of Shia Islam.