Politics

Protests in Iran

On the eve of a new world era?

Just as the Islamic Revolution fundamentally changed Iran 43 years ago and had an impact far beyond the country's borders, the current wave of protests sweeping the country is set to change more than just Iran. The era of political Islam is coming to an end. By Ali Sadrzadeh
By Ali Sadrzadeh
Saudi Arabia

Do billion-dollar investments overseas hide a political agenda?

Saudi Arabia is using its oil wealth to invest huge sums in other countries, apparently to diversify its own economy. Critics are concerned that the build-up of financial muscle abroad could be used for political ends. Cathrin Schaer reports
By Cathrin Schaer
2022 Iran protests

Can the Iranian system survive?

Political scientist and German-Iranian Ali Fathollah-Nejad discusses the protests in Iran and the long-term prospects for post-revolutionary political order. Interview by Michael Young
By Ali Fathollah-Nejad
Scholz in Saudi Arabia and the Emirates

The autocrats' finest hour

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent trip to the Persian Gulf underlines Germany's need for consistency in its dealings with the region's assertive rulers, writes Loay Mudhoon
By Loay Mudhoon
Mahsa Amini's death

Iranians unite in rage and mourning

The violent death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini has achieved something the entire opposition has failed to do during the 43-year rule of the ayatollahs in Iran: almost the entire Iranian people are united on one issue, only the regime supporters are divided. By Parvin Irani
By Parvin Irani
FIFA, France and Qatar

Qatar Airways' own goal

While the ongoing legal dispute between Qatar Airways and European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has sent shockwaves across the entire global aviation sector, it may also threaten preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. By Stasa Salacanin
By Stasa Salacanin
Geopolitics and jihadism

Biden’s dangerous embrace of Pakistan

The Biden administration could have used Pakistan’s economic crisis to compel the country to sever its longstanding ties to terrorist groups. Instead, the U.S. protects and rewards it, putting short-term geopolitical considerations ahead of long-term interests. Commentary by Indian analyst Brahma Chellaney
By Brahma Chellaney
Landmines in Yemen

Death beckons with every step

The war in Yemen is not over, but at least there is a ceasefire. Meanwhile, the population is suffering from landmines that have made large parts of the country impenetrable. Hundreds of people have already died. Safia Mahdi reports from Sanaa
By Safia Mahdi
Iran and Russia

The Islamic Republic surrenders to Putin

Russia is leaving no stone unturned in its attempts to make the Islamic Republic an ally in the war against Ukraine. Fortunately for Vladimir Putin, the mullahs in Tehran are ready to subjugate themselves to shore up their own position at home. By Ali Sadrzadeh
By Ali Sadrzadeh
Political crisis in Iraq

Fighting for Shia hearts and minds

The clashes in Baghdad between supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr and pro-Iranian militias show that an intra-Shia power struggle is in full swing. An analysis from Cairo by Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Myanmar

Displaced Rohingya face a life without prospects

Attitudes towards Rohingya people in Myanmar have shifted, due in part to the civil war. But this does nothing to alleviate their misery. By Rodion Ebbighausen
By Rodion Ebbighausen
Saudi Arabia’s divided anti-Houthi coalition

Rescuing the state of Yemen

United Yemen’s future looks increasingly doubtful. August 2022 saw fierce fighting between members of Saudi Arabia's anti-Houthi coalition forces in the southern Yemen governorate of Shabwa. By Stasa Salacanin
By Stasa Salacanin