Politics

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
20 years Iraq War

Farewell to the old world order

It is 20 years since the USA began its invasion of Iraq. Alongside the countless dead Iraqis and U.S. soldiers, it was the West’s credibility in the Arab world that would fall victim to this war. As Karim El-Gawhary argues, this loss is still having consequences two decades later
By Karim El-Gawhary
20 years after the U.S. invasion

Iraq's wounds are slow to heal

20 years after the U.S. invasion, the country between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers is only just beginning to recover from the aftermath. But the road is paved with obstacles. Birgit Svensson reports from Iraq
By Birgit Svensson
Iran protests

Why Iran's revolutionary process will persist

Despite demonstrations waning during winter, the revolutionary process is poised to gain renewed momentum. After all, the regime is unable to address the combination of socio-economic and political crises driving the current unrest. Essay by Ali Fathollah-Nejad
By Ali Fathollah-Nejad
Iran-Saudi rapprochement

Cooperation rather than confrontation?

Arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia are to re-establish diplomatic relations thanks to China's mediation. If this rapprochement is serious, the cards in the Middle East will be reshuffled, writes Karim El-Gawhary from Cairo
By Karim El-Gawhary
Germany's Baerbock in Iraq

German foreign minister pushes for stability

Annalena Baerbock used her recent trip to Iraq to call for greater international support for Baghdad and the region. Without it, she said, the country risks becoming a pawn in geopolitical tensions. Giulia Saudelli reports from Iraq
By Giulia Saudelli