This month on Inside the Middle East

(CNN) -- The Cedars of Lebanon

A priceless commodity; they symbolize a nation, and once even sparked a revolution. They are the Cedars of Lebanon -- a protected species of tree under constant threat from man and the environment.

We take a look at the passion the emblem of the national flag raises in a strife-torn country, examine where a tree that was traded by the Phoenicians and which helped build an empire first came from.

Today the beleaguered trees are protected by guards in special reserves in Lebanon; one is controlled by Druze politician and former warlord, Walid Jumblatt, who founded of a cedar reserve society.

Brent Sadler speaks to Jumblatt about his passion, meets with a forester who helps nurture the trees, and talks to a historian who articulates the historical and present day relevance of the cedars.

A model of what Iraq could be

It is a stark contrast to the rest of Iraq. The economy is booming, construction is everywhere. Five-star hotels are sprouting up. There is a new library, luxury homes, even a modern amusement park. Three-quarters of what you see is either new or newly-renovated.

This is Erbil, the capital of Iraq's Kurdish north, an autonomous region run by the KRG -- the Kurdistan Regional Government -- and not plagued by the levels of violence and political infighting that have paralyzed other parts of Iraq. Arwa Damon reports on the changing face of the ancient city of Erbil.

Olives into oil

After the first rains of autumn, the olive harvest in the West Bank begins; thousands of Palestinians take to the rugged, rocky hills of the West Bank to harvest. It is a family affair in which the ties of entire extended families to the land are renewed.

Olives are an essential part of the rural economy but while Palestinians try to harvest them, they are often confronted by Jewish settlers, who themselves claim the land as their God-given right.

The Israeli army tries to keep the peace, but often fails, and is accused by Palestinians of coddling the settlers and impeding the harvest.

The olive tree, traditionally a symbol of peace, has become the symbol of competing, and often clashing, claims to the land.

Ben Wedeman reports on the politics of making olive oil, from tree to bottle, in the West Bank.