The US military presence in the Middle East is the culmination of a common bargain with Middle Eastern governments - security cooperation and military assistance in exchange for US access to military bases in the region. Despite significant financial expenditure and thousands of lives lost, a fundamental shift in policy remains unimaginable at present.

Even though China did not have a diplomatic relationship with Saudi Arabia until 1990, ties between the two countries have expanded rapidly since then. Energy products have formed the basis of a bilateral relationship that has, by and large, been of mutual benefit to both sides.

The Chinese have created an Arab Policy Paper, which sets out some of its goals in the region. Beijing also seeks to act as a peace-maker and possible arbiter in the Middle East.

The rising death toll in the Mediterranean reflects a deeper problem with European policy towards irregular migrants.

Dr Michael McCarthy was engaged by the Federal Agriculture and Water Resources Minister to advise on conditions and/or actions that would be required to assure health and welfare outcomes for sheep being transported to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer. The review was conducted in accordance with the terms of reference.