Politics

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
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
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
Russia, Ankara and Damascus

Who decides Turkey's foreign policy?

Following months spent considering a military incursion into northern Syria, Turkey now appears to want talks with Syria to ensure security and the return of refugees. From Istanbul Ayse Karabat analyses what caused the about-turn for Qantara.de
By Ayşe Karabat
Ukraine conflict

How Russia is winning the information war in the Middle East

A wide network of official and unofficial outlets and social media in Arabic parrot pro-Russian talking points about Ukraine. They are often lies, yet somehow the reports still appeal to people in the Middle East. By Cathrin Schaer and Emad Hassan
By Cathrin Schaer, Emad Hassan
Saudi Arabia

When a tweet gets you 34 years in prison

The ruling is part of an ongoing clampdown on dissent and minorities in the kingdom. But so far, it's unlikely to have an effect on the kingdom's newly polished image as a global oil provider in times of crisis. Jennifer Holleis reports
By Jennifer Holleis