Politics

Turkey-Syria earthquake

What future for President Erdogan and the AKP?

The deadly earthquakes of 6 February may reshape Turkey’s political landscape forever. Many Turks hold the government responsible for the scale of the disaster, raising questions about its prospects in the upcoming elections and their outcome. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
By Ayşe Karabat
Earthquake politics

Syria – do EU, U.S. sanctions stop aid deliveries?

On social media, calls to lift sanctions on Syria and expedite earthquake aid recently went viral. But are such calls genuine, or are they part of a cynical campaign to further Bashar al-Assad's rehabilitation on the international stage? By Cathrin Schaer
By Cathrin Schaer
Earthquake diplomacy 2.0

New dawn for Turkish-Greek relations?

Greece is responding to the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey with great sympathy. Could it lead to an easing of tensions between the traditionally hostile neighbours? By Ronald Meinardus
By Ronald Meinardus
Turkey-Syria quake

Weak buildings, shallow shock caused deaths

The instability of old buildings was responsible for much of the wreckage in Monday’s earthquake along the Turkey-Syria border. But the earthquake was also abnormally strong for its magnitude. Clare Roth has the details
By Clare Roth
Tunisia in turmoil

Will Tunisians rise up against Kais Saied?

Voter turnout for parliamentary elections in Tunisia at the end of January 2023 was so low it broke world records. Tunisians are dispirited and a wannabe authoritarian leads the country. What now for the endangered democracy? By Cathrin Schaer and Tarak Guizani
By Cathrin Schaer, Tarak Guizani
Cairo's crisis

Egypt needs democracy to fix its economy

Sisi’s mismanagement has plunged the country into crisis. Both political and economic reform is needed to save it, writes Abdelrahman Mansour
Cracks in Iran's regime?

The Iranian elites' deafening silence

A speech by a high-ranking member of the Revolutionary Guard recently caused speculation in Iran. Religious leader Khamenei has also dismissed Tehran's former police chief and replaced him with someone even more brutal, raising fears of further escalation. By Ali Sadrzadeh
By Ali Sadrzadeh
Egypt’s economic crisis

Egyptians in dire straits

The devaluation of the Egyptian pound combined with rising food prices is taking its toll on Egypt. More and more people are slipping into poverty. Karim El-Gawhary reports from Cairo
By Karim El-Gawhary
Turkish-Russian relations

Erdogan's re-election would serve Putin

Relations between Turkey and Russia are ambivalent. Moscow is nonetheless trying to prop up the leadership in Ankara. Elections are to be held in Turkey in June – and the last thing Russia wants is Erdogan’s departure. By Burak Unveren
By Burak Ünveren
Eye-witness on Iran protests

Exiled artist Forouhar: 'A country in turmoil'

Visiting the country of her parents, murdered by the Iranian regime in 1998, German-Iranian artist Parastou Forouhar finds a changed society: hopeful, strong and courageous, despite all the repression
By Parastou Forouhar
Forced marriage in Turkey

Turkish state fails child bride in sect marriage

All eyes in Turkey are on a court hearing scheduled for January 30 into a child abuse case that allegedly occurred with the knowledge of one of Istanbul's most powerful Islamic sects. The little girl was failed by the state not once, but several times. Ayse Karabat reports
By Ayşe Karabat
Climate change impacts Somalia

What future without rain – or aid?

Somalia is still facing unprecedented drought and high inflation, ruining the livelihoods of many and causing widespread hunger. Dadaab refugee camp in eastern Kenya, where Somalis have found refuge over decades, is again facing a new influx. Erik Siegl reports
By Erik Siegl