Politics

'Maximum pressure' gears up

Protests drive Iran's Saudi deal

On 10 March 2023, the world woke up to the breaking news that Middle East rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia had forged a deal to restore diplomatic relations within two months and refrain from interfering in each other's domestic affairs. Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni examine Iran's motivations
By Ali Fathollah-Nejad & Amin Naeni
'Witnessing catastrophe'

Iraq preserves memories of IS reign

The horrors they endured under the Islamic State group may be in the past for the people of Iraq, but the traumatic memories remain. Now a research project is recording their witness testimonies for posterity.
20 years after U.S. invasion

Young Iraqis see signs of hope

On the banks of the Tigris River one recent evening, young Iraqi men and women in jeans and sneakers danced with joyous abandon to a local rap star as a vermillion sun set behind them. It’s a world away from the terror that followed the U.S. invasion 20 years ago
Israel's controversial judicial reform

Gaps in the system

For weeks, Israel has been rocked by mass protests against plans by Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the country's judiciary. The history of these proposed reforms, which have deeply divided the country, goes back much further than many people think. By Joseph Croitoru
By Joseph Croitoru
20 years Iraq War

Farewell to the old world order

It is 20 years since the USA began its invasion of Iraq. Alongside the countless dead Iraqis and U.S. soldiers, it was the West’s credibility in the Arab world that would fall victim to this war. As Karim El-Gawhary argues, this loss is still having consequences two decades later
By Karim El-Gawhary
20 years after the U.S. invasion

Iraq's wounds are slow to heal

20 years after the U.S. invasion, the country between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers is only just beginning to recover from the aftermath. But the road is paved with obstacles. Birgit Svensson reports from Iraq
By Birgit Svensson
Iran protests

Why Iran's revolutionary process will persist

Despite demonstrations waning during winter, the revolutionary process is poised to gain renewed momentum. After all, the regime is unable to address the combination of socio-economic and political crises driving the current unrest. Essay by Ali Fathollah-Nejad
By Ali Fathollah-Nejad
Iran-Saudi rapprochement

Cooperation rather than confrontation?

Arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia are to re-establish diplomatic relations thanks to China's mediation. If this rapprochement is serious, the cards in the Middle East will be reshuffled, writes Karim El-Gawhary from Cairo
By Karim El-Gawhary
Germany's Baerbock in Iraq

German foreign minister pushes for stability

Annalena Baerbock used her recent trip to Iraq to call for greater international support for Baghdad and the region. Without it, she said, the country risks becoming a pawn in geopolitical tensions. Giulia Saudelli reports from Iraq
By Giulia Saudelli
Udo Steinbach on Europe and the Gulf

Let's have none of the old arrogance

Middle East expert Udo Steinbach has been advocating closer relations with the Gulf states for years. Genuine interest in regional development, however, needs to look beyond the stereotypes. Birgit Svensson spoke to him in Baghdad
By Birgit Svensson
Italy and Algeria cooperate on energy

Algiers is banking on Europe's gas rush

Following the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to Algeria, both countries are seeking to expand their energy cooperation. This will, however, only further cement Algiers' dependence on the gas rush. By Sofian Philip Naceur
By Sofian Philip Naceur
Press freedom in Egypt?

Mada Masr journalists to stand trial

Reporters from one of Egypt's last remaining independent media outlets are preparing for what activists criticise is a politically motivated trial. The international community should be doing more to help, they say. By Cathrin Schaer
By Cathrin Schaer