In the past two years, Western media coverage has focused on the growing popularity of Salafist jihadi groups like the Nusra Front (Jabhat Al-Nusra) in Syria. These groups have become both an argument to intervene militarily, as well as a reason to stay out.

Syria likely has little choice in continuing to acquiesce in the shipments of weapons to Hezbollah via its territory. The last thing the Assad regime needs now is a war with Israel, but it is now far too weak to call the shots itself.

The British government recently sat down with torturers and did business. Sound familiar? Of course it does. Yet this time, the tortured victims of Sheikh Khalifa's dictatorship in the United Arab Emirates were not political dissidents, Yet this time, the tortured victims of Sheikh Khalifa's dictatorship in the United Arab Emirates were not political dissidents, but British citizens. "but British citizens.

Something struck me while the Arab Spring was spreading throughout the Middle East in 2011. The main reason so much of the British media and public was enthusiastic about these revolutions was the hope they would result in the spread of democracy to other countries.

Out of all the places to meet Zuheir Salem, the number two man of the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood (SMB), a David Brent-style office in Alperton, north London, is probably the least expected. The office of the SMB is so elusive that even the security guard does not know what the SMB are or what they do.

In reality, Bahrain has an extremely complex political and societal fabric that needs to be understood. The vast spectrum of opinions consequently led to the formation of 21 political societies, all whose voices need to be considered to ensure change by consensus.

When it comes to the UAE, British values whither when the temptation of untold riches is on offer. Certain politicians have grabbed all they can, be it for personal gain or departmental funds, and ignored abuses against British and Emirati citizens alike.

In effect the Westerners want to take sides in a multi-dimensional war, with no guarantee that their chosen protégées will prevail. Most likely, by arming the rebels they will give carte blanche to the Russians and Iranians to reinforce their support for Assad and his allies, including the Lebanese Shia faction Hezballah.

Walid Saffour is sitting in a light, minimalist office overlooking Hyde Park. A representative of the Syrian National Coalition of the Revolutionary Opposition, he seems like a cross between a gentle Syrian uncle and a seasoned diplomat. Yet while he is affable and polite, there is an intrinsic reserve about him.

Ten years have passed since American and British troops invaded Iraq on 19 March 2003. Much has happened during that decade, not least the downfall of an infamous dictator and the establishment of a democratic political system. A question that seems to be on everyone's mind these days is whether it was worth it?