Politics

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
Udo Steinbach on Europe and the Gulf

Let's have none of the old arrogance

Middle East expert Udo Steinbach has been advocating closer relations with the Gulf states for years. Genuine interest in regional development, however, needs to look beyond the stereotypes. Birgit Svensson spoke to him in Baghdad
By Birgit Svensson
Italy and Algeria cooperate on energy

Algiers is banking on Europe's gas rush

Following the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to Algeria, both countries are seeking to expand their energy cooperation. This will, however, only further cement Algiers' dependence on the gas rush. By Sofian Philip Naceur
By Sofian Philip Naceur
Press freedom in Egypt?

Mada Masr journalists to stand trial

Reporters from one of Egypt's last remaining independent media outlets are preparing for what activists criticise is a politically motivated trial. The international community should be doing more to help, they say. By Cathrin Schaer
By Cathrin Schaer
Turkey-Syria earthquake

What future for President Erdogan and the AKP?

The deadly earthquakes of 6 February may reshape Turkey’s political landscape forever. Many Turks hold the government responsible for the scale of the disaster, raising questions about its prospects in the upcoming elections and their outcome. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
By Ayşe Karabat
Earthquake politics

Syria – do EU, U.S. sanctions stop aid deliveries?

On social media, calls to lift sanctions on Syria and expedite earthquake aid recently went viral. But are such calls genuine, or are they part of a cynical campaign to further Bashar al-Assad's rehabilitation on the international stage? By Cathrin Schaer
By Cathrin Schaer
Earthquake diplomacy 2.0

New dawn for Turkish-Greek relations?

Greece is responding to the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey with great sympathy. Could it lead to an easing of tensions between the traditionally hostile neighbours? By Ronald Meinardus
By Ronald Meinardus
Turkey-Syria quake

Weak buildings, shallow shock caused deaths

The instability of old buildings was responsible for much of the wreckage in Monday’s earthquake along the Turkey-Syria border. But the earthquake was also abnormally strong for its magnitude. Clare Roth has the details
By Clare Roth
Tunisia in turmoil

Will Tunisians rise up against Kais Saied?

Voter turnout for parliamentary elections in Tunisia at the end of January 2023 was so low it broke world records. Tunisians are dispirited and a wannabe authoritarian leads the country. What now for the endangered democracy? By Cathrin Schaer and Tarak Guizani
By Cathrin Schaer, Tarak Guizani