Politics

Iran protests

What the Islamic Republic's propaganda tells us

Challenging one of the Islamic Republic's most identifiable symbols – the hijab – with some breathtaking, iconographic feminist art, Iran's activists have wrested ownership away from the clerics with regard to who represents the nation, defines its present and shapes its future. Essay by Kevin L. Schwartz & Olmo Goelz
By Kevin L. Schwartz & Olmo Goelz
Resurgence of Pakistan's Taliban

Terror returns with the TTP

When the Taliban swept back to power in Afghanistan just under two years ago, analysts warned that their return would also mean a return of the threat posed to neighbouring Pakistan by offshoot Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). By Mohammad Luqman
By Mohammad Luqman
Identity politics in Modi's India

The need to prove you're Indian

Nearly 2 million people in India's Assam state – over 5% of the region's population – are staring at a future where they could be stripped of their citizenship if they are unable to prove they are Indian. Sheikh Saaliq and Shonal Ganguly report
Israel at 75

A nation more divided than ever

As Israel prepares to mark Independence Day, the country is at a crossroads. A planned judicial reform by the far-right government has led to deep divisions. By Tania Kraemer
By Tania Krämer
Power struggle in Sudan

Concern mounts among Sudan's neighbours

South Sudan, Chad and Egypt all depend on stability in their neighbour Sudan, whether for economic, humanitarian or security reasons. All the more reason to hope that the current ceasefire holds. Martina Schwikowski reports
By Martina Schwikowski
Sudan's ongoing hostilities

A disaster waiting to happen, says expert

Fierce fighting is continuing between Sudan’s regular army and the paramilitary RSF. With so many proxy interests playing into the current situation, the outcome of the conflict is wide open, says Marina Peter of the Sudan Forum
By Andreas Noll
Sudan army versus the RSF

The generals' power struggle

Sudan's military and the RSF militia are fighting for power while the country's civilian population watches helplessly from the sidelines. The bloody events over the last few days can be summed up in one sentence: this is not a civil war. An analysis by Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Election run-up in Turkey

Who are Erdogan's allies?

Parliamentary and presidential elections in Turkey are scheduled for 14 May, with the polls pointing to a close race. Elmas Topcu takes a look at the parties that support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's election alliance
By Elmas Topcu
Israel's National Guard

Itamar-Ben Gvir's controversial plans

A debate is raging in Israel over the establishment of a National Guard. The project, which raises concerns about the minister in charge forming his own "private militia", is not really new, nor is it feasible as envisaged, observes Joseph Croitoru
By Joseph Croitoru
Saudi-Iran rapprochement

A revolutionary resolution for the Middle East?

Saudi Arabia and Iran's reconciliation serves the interests of both sides and represents a major geopolitical shift in the Middle East, writes Maha Yahya. Where all this will lead is still up for discussion, but for the first time in many years, something appears to be changing
By Maha Yahya
Economic crisis in Egypt

Debt on the Nile

For leading economist Yazid Sayegh, the cause of Egypt's current economic and financial crisis lies primarily in the government's policy of excessive borrowing. He also criticises the way German and European politicians handle the Sisi regime. Interview by Mahmoud Hussein
By Mahmoud Hussein
Saudi-Iran deal

New hope for football in the Middle East

The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March surprised many around the world. If relations improve, the hope is that football in both countries and the wider region will benefit. John Duerden reports
By John Duerden