Politics

Kurds in Syria

Unity does not come by decree

The Kurdish-dominated autonomous government in northeastern Syria is now history, and the country's unity has largely been restored—at least on paper. But can a society brought together by military pressure become truly cohesive?
By Kristin Helberg
Egypt after the Arab Spring

"We all live in the shadow of the revolution"

Fifteen years after Egypt's revolution, what remains of its demands? Four Gen Z activists reflect on how 2011 shaped their political consciousness and how resistance is being redefined today.
By Mahmoud Hashem
Migrant exploitation in Libya

Landmark trafficking trial nears verdict

Judges are set to deliver a verdict in the case of an Eritrean man accused of extorting migrants in Libya. The first alleged leader of such a network to appear in a European court, the case reveals the inner workings of transnational trafficking.
By Margherita Capacci
Nahid Siamdoust on Iran's protests

"Revolution has become more conceivable today"

Is Iran's regime at a breaking point? Nahid Siamdoust assesses the significance of the recent uprising, examines its potential leaders and outlines five possible scenarios for what comes next.
By Mohammed Magdy
Iran protests

Mass anger in a political void

From bazaar strike to national revolt: Iran's current protest wave has achieved unprecedented social and geographic reach. But without a unifying programme or cohesive demands, can it withstand the regime's brutal response?
By Armin Messager
Syrians in Turkey

A home for Istanbul's refugees

Based in an inconspicuous room in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district, Addar offers Syrian refugees education, advice and community. But without proper funding, the initiative is struggling to survive.
By Can Tim Akıncı
Syria's economy

Austerity and liberalisation won't rebuild the country

Syria's government is pursuing economic growth through liberalisation, foreign investment and cuts to state spending. These moves benefit the new elite but won't lift the majority out of crisis.
By Joseph Daher
Religion in the armed forces

Military imams to be introduced in Germany

From 2026, Germany's Bundeswehr will recruit chaplains for Muslim soldiers, responding to calls from Islamic associations that go back over two decades.
By Ulrike Hummel
One year after Assad

The road to a new Syria

A year ago, rebel forces ousted Syria’s Assad regime. How has the country changed since? Leading experts weigh in.
Assad's Syria

"Our documents reveal how state terror was organised"

Human rights activist Hassan al-Hariri risked his life to gather evidence of the atrocities committed by the Assad regime. One year after Assad's fall, he still sees major shortcomings in Syria's process of coming to terms with its past.
By Andrea Backhaus
Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad

"Our very existence is seen as a provocation"

Plestia Alaqad’s reporting from Gaza in 2023 reached millions worldwide. Now based in Australia, she reflects on fleeing her home and living with survivor’s guilt while representing Palestine to the international media.
By Elias Feroz
Disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon

Nasrallah on the Pigeon Rocks

When the Lebanese government moved to disarm Hezbollah, the influential militia responded with a symbolic show of force in the heart of Beirut. Is it projecting strength, or masking political weakness?
By Stefan Maneval