A North African country known for its dry climate and scorching high temperatures, government issues and turmoil, long-time ethnic tensions, unemployment and slavery - a shameful act that still exists in the country despite its “official abolishment” over 30 years ago. This nation hasn’t achieved much athletic and sports wise, especially when it comes to its most popular sport - football. Despite the improvements, they haven’t tasted much success from the sport and still lag behind most countries in the continent and internationally. The country I’m talking about is the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

A country more remembered for its long term conflicts and political battles with the West and its Middle Eastern neighbours and counterparts than the achievements, success and illustrious history it has accomplished in the sport it has long been mad and passionate about, football. This nation has produced many talented and gifted footballers over the years which has turned it into a footballing force, not only in the Middle East, but in all of Asia. The nation that I’m referring to is the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The biggest game in Iran and one of the biggest derbies in world football, welcome to Persepolis v Esteghlal.

This rivalry, Jordan’s ‘El Clasico’, not only displays the ferocious competition between the two sides as the two biggest clubs in the country, but also highlights the political divide and social disconnection in Jordan.

Omar Almasri looks at a nation that has suffered more than many.

Omar Almasri with the story of a UAE powerhouse.

Where have years of bloodshed and violent dictatorship left the game in Iraq?

A football mad country with major economic problems, this is Djibouti's story

After deposing their dictators successfully, where does the future of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya's football lie?

Africa's largest nation has used football as a tool to unite but what next?

Omar Almasri reports on football's struggle to survive in a country ravaged by conflict.

Omar Almasri reports on how the conflict in Bahrain has impacted the country's sporting idols.