Politics

Iran drone attacks

Why did some Arab countries help Israel?

Some analysts saw the fact that Arab nations helped Israel and the U.S. repel a major Iranian attack as cause for celebration. Countries like Jordan have, however, more complicated motivations for coming to Israel's aid
By Cathrin Schaer
After the local elections in Turkey

An end to AKP rule?

Last week's local election results in Turkey are a setback for the ruling AKP party and President Erdogan – but do they also herald an end to the party's uncontested power?
By Tayfun Guttstadt
ICJ "genocide" case brought against Germany

Berlin's unconditional support for Israel

Nicaragua has brought a case before the International Court of Justice in The Hague aiming to end Germany's ongoing support for Israel, claiming it violates the Genocide Convention. The outcome is likely to be historic
By William Noah Glucroft
2024 General election in India

A third term for Hindu nationalism?

As the world's largest democracy gets ready to vote in the upcoming general election, Narendra Modi and his BJP look set to win a third consecutive term in power. Critics warn, however, that if the BJP wins another election victory, it will continue reshaping the country into a Hindu state.
By Dominik Müller
Local elections in Turkey

How the opposition won

Turkey's economic woes are the reason why so many voters turned against long-sitting President Erdoğan, experts say.
By Elmas Topcu
Voicemail from North Gaza

26 minutes of misery

An extract from the diary of Palestinian Ibrahim Kharabishi, who lives with his pregnant wife Nasreen and their three children in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood of Gaza City, where Ibrahim also looks after his two elderly parents
By Karim El-Gawhary
EU-Egypt agreement

Dubious deal with Cairo

The EU's planned aid for Egypt will primarily serve to prop up authoritarian rule rather than contribute to the country's long-term stability. Additionally, the EU Commission's procedural approach is highly problematic
By Stephan Roll
Middle East: Is there a solution to the endless conflict?

Welcome to Abraham/Ibrahim

Who invented it? The Swiss. Why it might be worth looking to the Swiss Confederation in the search for a solution to the Middle East conflict
By Aref Hajjaj
Arabian Peninsula

Dawn of a new era in the Gulf

Political scientist Sebastian Sons describes in his new book how societies on the Arabian Peninsula are undergoing multiple changes simultaneously as they search for a new identity
By Thomas Demmelhuber
Anti-Assad protests in Syria's Sweida governate

New wave of violence after protester death?

Locals in southern Syria have been protesting peacefully for months now, despite their government's brutal crackdown. But in late February, for the first time, a demonstrator was killed
By Cathrin Schaer & Omar Albam
Prospects for peace in the Middle East

The search for the Middle East formula

Without rights for the Palestinians, there can be neither security for Israelis nor stability in the Middle East. There are four possible future scenarios
By Karim El-Gawhary
Ramadan in East Jerusalem and Gaza

"It feels more like a wake"

For many Palestinians this year's holy month is likely to be a sombre one. There is concern that tensions could spill over in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem.
By Tania Krämer