The Cameron government’s performance on the Middle East is getting embarrassing. The prime minister seems to be beset by different instincts. One day he wants foreign policy to be about trade; the next it is about the support for democracy and human-rights. One day he wants to declare a no-fly zone over Libya; the next day (literally) his government announces big cuts in the armed forces – in particular, the air-force. It’s all a bit of a mess. Read more