Politics

War propaganda in Israel and the Arab world

Spewing poison in both directions

In addition to the actual warfare in Gaza, another, lesser known burden is weighing on the prospects for a better future in the Middle East. Influential media channels are lending support to the most radical forces on both sides of the conflict
By Stefan Buchen
Israel, Hamas and the war in Gaza

Seven uncomfortable truths

Anyone wanting to fully understand the current Middle East crisis must face up to realities on the ground. For many, however, this is at odds with the schematic picture they have in their heads. Here are seven uncomfortable truths crucial to de-escalating the situation and finding a solution
By Kristin Helberg
UNRWA and humanitarian aid

EU releases frozen funds for Palestinians

The EU Commission intends to transfer 82 million euros to the UN Palestinian relief organisation UNRWA. Payments had been suspended following Israel's accusation that UNRWA was involved in Hamas terrorism
By Bernd Riegert
Iran elections

Why Tehran may announce a fake voter turnout

Banned from the streets, the protests in Iran continue. This week's elections will reflect just how much – or how little – popular support the Islamic Republic still enjoys
By
Pakistan election aftermath

What next for Indo-Pakistan relations?

Islamabad's frail new ruling coalition will need the blessing of Pakistan's military before attempting to improve ties with New Delhi
By Murali Krishnan
Women in Turkey's local elections

Believe in the power of women!

As Turkey heads towards local elections in March, Qantara.de contributor Ayse Karabat has been helping train female hopefuls seeking to race in these and future elections in a country where women's representation in politics remains staggeringly low. A special report
By Ayşe Karabat
Holocaust researcher Omer Bartov

"Germany could help Israel and Palestine on the path to reconciliation"

In interview with Qantara.de, leading Holocaust researcher Omer Bartov talks about the indictment against Israel at the International Court of Justice, the instrumentalisation of anti-Semitism and Germany's possible role in a two-state solution
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Israel's offensive in Rafah

What would make Egypt open its border to Palestinians?

As an Israeli military campaign causes casualties in densely crowded Rafah, near the Egyptian border, Egypt is under increasing pressure to admit displaced Palestinians
By Cathrin Schaer
Yemen, USA and the war in Gaza

Houthi 'terrorist' label a threat to Yemen aid?

Houthi rebels in Yemen have been designated a "terrorist group" once before. Back in 2021, aid organisations said they feared the impact on "one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world". So what's changed?
By Cathrin Schaer
Elections in Indonesia

World's third largest democracy at a crossroads

On 14 February 2024, some 205 million Indonesians are going to the polls to choose a new president as well as new national and regional parliaments. Over the past 25 years, the nation with the world's largest Muslim population has evolved into a stable democracy. Yet observers now fear autocratic tendencies
By Christina Schott
DAVA party woos ethnic Turks

Germany fears the "Erdogan party"

For days, Germany has been discussing the emergence of a new party. Its name: DAVA. Critics say it is the extended arm of Turkish President Erdogan. Who is behind DAVA and what are its aims?
By Elmas Topcu
Hamas and sexual violence

"No atrocity ever justifies another atrocity"

In early December, it was made public that Hamas fighters had systematically used sexual violence on 7 October. For international law expert Heidi Matthews, the offences undoubtedly require rigorous investigation. At the same time, however, the accusations are also being used as justification for Israel's disproportionate response in Gaza
By Hannah El-Hitami