Politics

Koran-burning in Sweden

The Iraqi Christian turned radical

It was an Iraqi with Christian roots – Salwan Momeka – who staged the burning of the Koran in Stockholm last week. In doing so, he wanted to get even with his countrymen. Birgit Svensson reports from Baghdad
By Birgit Svensson
France's 'Nahel' riots

A legacy of colonial racism?

The rioting in France seems to have eased off, but what will remain is anger. The issue of racism that is linked to the country's colonial past is more often than not brushed aside. Marina Strauss reports from Brussels
By Marina Strauss
Death of teen Nahel

France: A chronicle of police violence

Riots have gripped France for days since the fatal police shooting of a teenager on 27 June. It's just the latest in a series of allegedly racist incidents that protesters say the state has failed to adequately address, writes Oliver Pieper
By Oliver Pieper
Afghanistan

The Taliban’s "War on Terror"

In their battle against the Islamic State's Afghan cell, the Taliban have appropriated the tactics of their former enemy: the Afghan government and its U.S. backers. They, however, are more likely to receive support from regional actors. Analysis by Emran Feroz
By Emran Feroz
Economic diplomacy

Who wants to invest in Syria now?

Recent events may indicate the world wants to start doing business with Syria again, despite its government being accused of war crimes. But, asks Cathrin Schaer, how likely is it China, the EU and Gulf states will start spending big there?
By Cathrin Schaer
Trading in amphetamines

How Syria became a narco state

Captagon is now Syria's biggest export by far, dwarfing all its legal exports put together, according to estimates drawn from official data. An amphetamine derived from a once-legal treatment for narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder, it has become a huge drug in the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia by far the biggest market
India and the BJP

The Modi decade

From the expansion of India's infrastructure to rapid technological diffusion, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nine years in office have included plenty of worthy achievements. Unfortunately, writes Shashi Tharoor, they have also featured flawed policies in a wide range of areas
By Shashi Tharoor
Exclusive: Egyptian activist Sanaa Seif

"Egypt's regime must overcome its paranoia"

President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi is driven by the fear of a new uprising, says activist Sanaa Seif. In interview, she talks about the fight to release her brother Alaa Abdel Fattah – and why the West should exert more pressure. Andrea Backhaus met up with her in London
By Andrea Backhaus
EU-Tunisia migration deal

Proposal ignores migrant human rights concerns

A proposed migration deal with Tunisia could help the North African nation avert economic collapse, but observers fear worsening conditions for migrants and future returnees. By Jennifer Holleis and Tarak Guizani
By Jennifer Holleis, Tarak Guizani
Rebranded MbS meets Macron: Rights groups decry 'hypocrisy'

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The visit aims to boost bilateral ties and the oil kingdom's international standing. But human rights groups warn that the Saudis' gain is France’s loss.
Libyan oil and shopping malls

Will Libya unite over its newfound liquidity?

New roads, public parks and expansive reconstruction – Libya has recently seen an influx of cash from oil sales and locals are hopeful. But the economic progress also has a dark side. By Cathrin Schaer and Islam Alatrash
By Cathrin Schaer & Islam Alatrash
Imran Khan and Pakistan's power struggle

Populism devours its children

On 9 May Pakistan became embroiled in yet another political crisis. Many are interpreting the crackdown on Imran Khan's PTI as a battle for democracy. Mohammad Luqman explains for Qantara.de why this is not the case
By Mohammad Luqman