Politics

Israeli Air Attacks in Syria

Blinding Flashes in a Shadowy War

The latest Israeli air bombardments of military facilities near Damascus throw a spotlight on the Israeli-Iranian conflict in the region, and apparent Israeli plans to fight Iran and Hezbollah on Syrian territory. Analysis by Stefan Buchen
By Stefan Buchen
Afghanistan as the Western Troop Withdrawal Nears

The Failure of Dialogue

The end of the NATO mission in the Hindu Kush, scheduled for 2014, is fast approaching. The results to date are sobering. Mistrust and even mutual dislike between locals and representatives of the West in Afghanistan are striking and widespread. By Stefan Buchen
By Stefan Buchen
The West and the Conflict in Syria

The Ghost of Saddam's WMD

In view of the appalling numbers of people being killed and injured in the Syrian civil war and recent reports that poisoned gas has been used there, pressure is growing on the West to finally take some decisive action. Washington and London, however, continue to exercise restraint. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Iran in the Run-up to Presidential Elections

The Reformers' Swan Song

For Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a man viewed as the architect of the Islamic Republic who was the nation's most powerful figure for two decades, the outcome of presidential elections this coming June has already been decided: The reformers don't stand a chance, as Supreme Leader Khamenei will in any eventuality install his chosen candidate. By Ali Sadrzadeh
By Ali Sadrzadeh
Civil War in Syria

A Return to Normality

Aleppo, the once hotly contested north Syrian metropolis and economic centre, is now a divided city. In the part controlled by the rebels, daily life seems to be gradually returning to normal. More and more refugees from Aleppo are returning to their city, even though economic recovery is slow. Peter Steinbach reports from Aleppo
By Peter Steinbach
On-going Sectarian Tension in Kirkuk

Stranded in Legal Limbo

Claimed by Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen alike, the oil-rich province of Kirkuk remains one of Iraq's most disputed and politically flammable regions ten years after Saddam Hussein was toppled. Karlos Zurutuza spoke to the most senior representatives of the region's different communities about the province's diverse problems
By Karlos Zurutuza
Essay by the Syrian Writer Fawwaz Haddad

Children of a Divided Nation

In his essay, the renowned Syrian writer and novelist Fawwaz Haddad criticises the cynical attitude of the international community toward the Syrian conflict and the dramatic decline of his homeland
By Fawwaz Haddad
NSU Trial against Right-wing Terrorism in Germany

Building up New Trust

The trial of an alleged member of the neo-Nazi terrorist group NSU at a regional court in Munich is not just any trial. It will provide a signal for the ethnic minorities in Germany, says Sheila Mysorekar, as to whether they feel they will have a secure future in the country
By Sheila Mysorekar
Iraq Ten Years after the Fall of Saddam Hussein

Invasion or Liberation?

Saddam Hussein's reign came to an end ten years ago. Iraq lost a brutal dictator, but found itself faced with new problems – a decade later, Iraqis have a mixed reaction to the US-led invasion. Birgit Svensson reports
By Birgit Svensson
The Case of Somalia

Pirates, Warlords, and Islamists

Over the past few years, interest in the fate of Somalia has increasingly faded into the background. And as books about the country are a scarce commodity, it is all the more welcome that Marc Engelhardt is now sharing his wealth of experience and solid knowledge about Somalia. By Laura Overmeyer
By Laura Overmeyer
Political Crisis in Bahrain

Reformers on the Defensive

Two years after the outbreak of the unsuccessful revolution in Bahrain and the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in the Gulf state, protests are continuing unabated. There is no end to the conflict in sight, while Saudi Arabia is setting strict boundaries to the Bahraini King Hamad's reform programme. By Guido Steinberg
By Guido Steinberg
Weapons Exports to Countries of the Arab Spring

Armed to the Teeth

The Middle East and North Africa region is the most militarised world region. It spends five percent of gross domestic product on arms on average. The global average is only two percent. In regard to military procurement, the revolutions have not made a difference. By Sheila Mysorekar
By Sheila Mysorekar