Politics

Egypt's real estate frenzy

An "iron curtain" between rich and poor

Egypt’s military regime is tirelessly modernising roads, public transport and industry across the country and erecting a luxurious administrative capital for the upper class. But the construction boom is primarily financed on credit – Cairo is racing headlong into a debt crisis. By Sofian Philip Naceur
By Sofian Philip Naceur
America’s partisan war

Benghazi 9/11 casts a long shadow

Cries of "Benghazi!" still resonate across the USA ten years after a deadly terrorist attack in Libya killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans. Ethan Chorin re-tells Benghazi as a watershed moment, one that has helped create today's America: polarised, fearful and dangerously unstable. Sherif Dhaimish read the book
By Sherif Dhaimish
Russia and the Iranian drones

Israel's Ukraine dilemma?

Following Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv using Iranian drones, Ukraine once again asked Israel for military help. Israel, however, is seeking to maintain relations with both Ukraine and Russia. By Tania Kraemer
By Tania Krämer
General election in Israel

Will Bibi make a comeback?

On 1 November, elections are set to take place in Israel for the fifth time in four years. If Arab minority voters decide to stay home out of frustration at their divided parties, they could help Netanyahu secure a comeback. Inge Gunther reports from Jerusalem
By Inge Günther
Arab-Israeli voter apathy

Israel's fifth general election – what’s the point?

In the Arab-Israeli town of Rahat, a few trampled political party flyers on the pavement are the only sign that the country is about to go to the polls. While the campaign ahead of Israel's fifth election in four years has been somewhat lacklustre nationwide, the apathy is especially acute among the Arab minority
Iran protests 2022

Shirin Ebadi: "Iran will be democratic one day"

Despite the protests, Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi is optimistic about the future of her country. For young Iranians, such a future necessitates the downfall of the Islamic Republic. By Elizabeth Grenier
By Elizabeth Grenier
Turkey's headscarf debate

The politics of hijab

In Turkey, the secular opposition is seeking to enshrine the right of women to wear a headscarf in law – scoring an own goal that plays straight into President Erdogan’s hands. Yet again, men are arguing about women's clothing. By Burak Unveren
By Burak Ünveren
Protests in Iraq

The streets speak for themselves!

Once again, political deadlock is driving thousands of Iraqis to Tahrir Square. They want new elections, but the parliament refuses to dissolve. Elected representatives are now being protected from the people. Birgit Svensson reports from Baghdad
By Birgit Svensson
The war in Syria

Overshadowed, yet still a major issue

The Syrian conflict remains insoluble for the time being. Yet Europe could start managing it better. By reorganising humanitarian aid supplies, becoming more involved in the northeast and coordinating initiatives in the northwest, it could alleviate hardship, counter extremism and bring hope, writes Kristin Helberg
By Kristin Helberg
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
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