Politics

German legal expert Kai Ambos on Iran war

"International law is not a suggestion"

The attack on Iran by the US and Israel violates the UN Charter, says Kai Ambos. He argues that European powers cannot preach a rules-based order while failing to denounce clear violations, and warns of a slide towards global lawlessness.
By Stefan Reinecke
US-Israeli attacks

The perils of a power vacuum in Iran

The US believes removing Tehran's rulers will neutralise the nuclear threat. Yet destroying the Iranian state would not eliminate the danger of proliferation; it would decentralise it, making it elusive and impossible to monitor.
By Stephen Holmes
Ahmadiyya persecution

The weaponisation of Pakistan's blasphemy laws

A high-profile blasphemy case has ignited tensions between Pakistan's courts and hardline religious groups. The fallout reveals how religion continues to be used for political leverage at the expense of the country's minorities.
By Saba A.
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.