Most recent articles by Karim El-Gawhary
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International Libya Conference in BerlinLibyans harbour high hopes for a transition to stability
The Libya Conference will be held in Berlin on 23 June. Much has been achieved since the last Libya Conference in Berlin in January 2020. The ceasefire is holding, there is a united interim government for the first time and parliamentary elections are scheduled for 24 December. But the path ahead remains strewn with obstacles. By Karim El-Gawhary
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Escalation in the Middle EastIsraeli-Hamas hostilities: same old story, or is it?
A young generation is rising up in the Middle East, fed up with the old politics. They are no longer interested in a two-state solution or territory, but in equal civil rights in an Israeli state, writes Karim El-Gawhary in his commentary
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Jamal Khashoggi's murder and U.S. intelligenceMohammed bin Salman – from darling to international pariah?
U.S. President Biden has announced he will be excluding Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from future talks between Washington and Saudi Arabia. Is this just lip service that will soon be subsumed by Saudi Arabia’s powerful bargaining position? Analysis for Qantara.de by Karim El-Gawhary
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Obituary: Nawal El Saadawi, Egyptian women's rights activistDefiant icon of the Arab women's movement
Nawal El-Saadawi has died in Cairo at the age of 89. The prominent doctor, activist and author became internationally known for her outcry against female genital mutilation and honour killings. In recent years, however, her defence of the Sisi regime also drew criticism. By Karim El-Gawhary
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Reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and QatarA turning point for the whole Middle East?
Saudi Arabia and its allies have agreed to set aside their differences with Qatar at a summit meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The restoration of diplomatic relations could have strategic resonance far beyond the Gulf nations and change the entire region. By Karim El-Gawhary
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Arrest of EIPR human rights activists in EgyptMy friend Gasser Abdel Razek, the "terrorist"
In Egypt, several human rights activists working for the EIPR – Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights – were arrested recently following a meeting with EU ambassadors. One of them is Gasser Abdel Razek, a long-time friend of Middle East correspondent Karim El-Gawhary. In this highly personal report, El-Gawhary writes about his friend’s detention
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After the Islamist attack in ViennaEuropeans must not fall into the Islamic State trap
The Islamist attacks in France and Austria aim to divide European societies. The jihadists want to destroy the grey area of lived co-existence between Muslims and non-Muslims in Europe. By Karim El-Gawhary
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Muhammad cartoon controversyMacron and the Muhammad tempest in a Twitter teapot
French President Macron's statements that caricatures of Muhammad may still be published have triggered outrage in a number of Muslim states. Turkish President Erdogan is among the most vocal critics. Karim El-Gawhary reports
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French President in BeirutCan Macron save Lebanon?
In the aftermath of the devastating explosions in Beirut, French President Emmanuel Macron is styling himself as Lebanon's saviour. Ultimately, however, the success of his efforts will depend on the goodwill of the regional powers in the Middle East. An analysis by Karim El-Gawhary
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Aftermath of the Beirut explosionLebanon, a state in freefall thanks to corrupt governance
The Beirut catastrophe has exposed the true extent of government failure in Lebanon. People are blaming the country’s corrupt and incompetent system for the explosion, says Karim El-Gawhary
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The collapse of Haftar's offensiveIs Egypt really preparing to jump into the Libyan fray?
With General Haftar's troops increasingly on the defensive, the Egyptian leadership recently threatened direct military intervention in Libya, now in its sixth year of civil war. Analysis by Karim El-Gawhary
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Impact of COVID-19 on Saudi ArabiaShaking the House of Saud to the core
The economic backlash of the corona pandemic already means dramatic consequences for the Saudi royal family. But what happens when it becomes too expensive for them to fulfil their part of the social contract and the Saudi people rebel? An analysis by Karim El-Gawhary