Politics

Morocco-Algeria arms race

"The solution requires political courage"

Tensions between Morocco and Algeria are fuelling a frantic arms race. Moroccan researcher Hicham Mouatadid traces the roots of the rivalry and calls for a solution that goes beyond the Western Sahara conflict to address regional security as a whole.
By Mohamed Ben Rajeb
Lebanese Civil War

The postwar that never was

Fifty years since its outbreak, Lebanon's Civil War continues to shape its society and political system. The postwar era has been marked by violence, foreign occupation, political paralysis and economic crisis—raising the question: did the war ever truly end?
By Elia Ayoub
The "New Middle East"

Pax Israelia or bellum aeternum?

With the support of the USA, Israel is reshaping the Middle East. Though framed as a path to stability, their strategy risks locking the region into a permanent conflict.
By Asiem El Difraoui
Iran and Israel

"A war of extremisms"

Both Israel and Iran are driven by dangerous forms of fundamentalism, says former IAEA analyst Behrooz Bayat. He explains how close Tehran is to developing a nuclear bomb and the logic behind Israel's attacks.
By Yasmin Khalifa
Ismail Küpeli's "Graue Wölfe"

A danger left unchecked

Thousands of right-wing extremists of Turkish origin live in Germany. Violent and deeply embedded, they remain largely ignored by politicians. In his book "Graue Wölfe" (Grey Wolves), Ismail Küpeli takes a closer look at the movement.
By Gerrit Wustmann
Abu Shabab in Gaza

A militia under Netanyahu's control

An armed group is making headlines in Gaza. Led by Abu Shabab, the militia stands accused of looting aid and attacking starving civilians, while enjoying quiet backing from Israel as a means to undermine Hamas.
By Karim El-Gawhary
Kidnappings

Why women in Syria are disappearing

Blackmail, forced marriages and revenge: abductions of women and girls have become more frequent since the collapse of the Assad regime. Many women vanish without a trace, while others have returned with surprising testimonies.
By Lamis Abdullah
Iraq and post-Assad Syria

An uneasy alliance

Iraq has kept its distance from Syria's new regime due to President al-Sharaa's al-Qaeda past. But one key issue has the potential to bring the two countries closer together: the threat of a resurgent ISIS.
By Hossam Sadek
Leftist politics in Syria

"I don't care whether Marx or Muhammad takes the credit"

Since Assad's fall in December 2024, Syrians have witnessed both displays of unity and renewed sectarian violence. A national identity that transcends sect and ideology is the key to a stable future, says Syrian leftist Sami Hadaya.
By Hannah El-Hitami
Filmmaker Monika Borgmann

"Syria needs a culture of justice"

Monika Borgmann has spent decades documenting Lebanese and Syrian prison systems. Her 2016 film "Tadmor" found new resonance after Assad's fall. She discusses Syria's future and her fight for justice after the murder of her husband, activist Lokman Slim.
By Mohammed Magdy
Weapons exports to Israel

"Unlawful arms export licences have likely been issued"

Germany remains one of Israel's top arms suppliers, a situation likely to persist under Friedrich Merz. According to Lilian Löwenbrück from the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, politicians and manufacturers could face charges for complicity in crimes against international law.
By Hannah El-Hitami
Germany's new government

Merz, Netanyahu and the reason of state

Under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Germany is expected to double down on its support for Israel, even if it means sidelining international law. Domestically, repression of Israel's critics is set to intensify.
By Daniel Bax