Worrying developments in the Middle East

It’s been an eventful , if worrying afternoon in the Middle East. First, the initial Egyptian election results confirm the expectation that Islamist parties would dominate the first round of elections: they’ve taken more than 50 per cent of the vote. Douglas Murray wrote a Spectator cover story two weeks ago on how the Arab Spring is turning to winter; it is required reading.

Events in Iran are much more disturbing, though. Iran claims to have shot down an US drone in the east of the country and added further threats about further retaliation for the incursion. The reports have not been confirmed by American agencies as yet; but, following the recent diplomatic tension between Iran, Britain and other European countries, the claim comes at a time when the West would rather concentrate on the economy. It’s also a reminder of the destabilising role that Iran plays in the region, which is undermining allied efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan.