Politics

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
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
'Maximum pressure' gears up

Protests drive Iran's Saudi deal

On 10 March 2023, the world woke up to the breaking news that Middle East rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia had forged a deal to restore diplomatic relations within two months and refrain from interfering in each other's domestic affairs. Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni examine Iran's motivations
By Ali Fathollah-Nejad, Amin Naeni
'Witnessing catastrophe'

Iraq preserves memories of IS reign

The horrors they endured under the Islamic State group may be in the past for the people of Iraq, but the traumatic memories remain. Now a research project is recording their witness testimonies for posterity.
20 years after U.S. invasion

Young Iraqis see signs of hope

On the banks of the Tigris River one recent evening, young Iraqi men and women in jeans and sneakers danced with joyous abandon to a local rap star as a vermillion sun set behind them. It’s a world away from the terror that followed the U.S. invasion 20 years ago
Israel's controversial judicial reform

Gaps in the system

For weeks, Israel has been rocked by mass protests against plans by Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the country's judiciary. The history of these proposed reforms, which have deeply divided the country, goes back much further than many people think. By Joseph Croitoru
By Joseph Croitoru