Politics

The Islamic Republic and Putin's war

Iran's sacred mission in Ukraine?

Since Ali Khamenei, Iran's most powerful man, has openly and unconditionally come out in support of Putin's war in Ukraine, logistical help is on its way, with an allegedly civilian airline playing a key role. By Ali Sadrzadeh
By Ali Sadrzadeh
Data centre plans in Saudi Arabia

Google puts Saudi activists in danger

Internet giant Google is creating a "cloud region" in Saudi Arabia. It says it will protect users there. But digital rights activists say the firm will be putting the lives of government critics at risk. Cathrin Schaer reports
By Cathrin Schaer
Afghanistan

One year on, Taliban torn over reforms

One year on from the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, some cracks are opening within their ranks over the crucial question of just how much reform their leaders can tolerate.
"The Kashmir Files"

Serving up Indian propaganda

The highly controversial Indian blockbuster "The Kashmir Files“, on the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus in the 1990s, is characterised by unilateral representations, negative stereotypes and historical inaccuracies. By Dominik Muller
By Dominik Müller
Human rights in Egypt

Egyptian activist Sanaa Seif "disappointed with German politicians"

Sanaa Seif, sister of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, one of Egypt's best-known dissidents, visited Berlin recently. She spoke to Cathrin Schaer about her brother's hunger strike and Europe's double standards on Ukraine and the Middle East
By Cathrin Schaer
Constitutional referendum in Tunisia

What next for the birthplace of the Arab Spring?

According to Tunisia's electoral board, 94.6 percent of valid votes cast in Monday's constitutional referendum were in favour of President Kais Saied's constitution. Turnout was, however, low at only 30.5 per cent. What will the future hold for the North African nation where the Arab Spring began over a decade ago?
Biden's trip to Saudi Arabia

Trading recognition for oil

With his fist bump greeting for a man he previously called a pariah, US President Biden has paved the way for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's return to the international stage. All other items on the agenda of his Middle East trip faded into the background. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Referendum on a new constitution for Tunisia

Rolling back the achievements of the revolution

Tunisians are set to vote on a new constitution on 25 July. The prominent lawyer and women's rights activist Yosra Frawes fears the referendum could facilitate a return to dictatorship. This would also endanger progress on women's rights achieved since 2011. Interview by Claudia Mende for qantara.de
By Claudia Mende
Violence against doctors and lawyers in Turkey

Exposed and at risk

Violence against doctors and lawyers in Turkey has been growing in recent years. But instead of taking action, the government is openly hostile towards two unions representing the interests of people working in these professions. By Ayşe Karabat in Istanbul
By Ayşe Karabat
Indonesia's ties with Russia and the West

Jokowi's tightrope walk

With its traditions of neutrality and non-alignment, Indonesia has had to tiptoe around the Ukraine war debate. Pro-Russia sentiment in the region complicates Jakarta's foreign policy challenges. By David Hutt
By David Hutt
Algeria at 60

No more lethargy – Algiers’ passive foreign policy is over

For the first time since 1989, Algeria‘s authoritarian regime has sent a military parade marching through Algiers. A formidable show of strength designed to impress rival regional powers, the event also sought to highlight the country’s own stance on Israel and Palestine. By Sofian Philip Naceur
By Sofian Philip Naceur
Birthplace of the Arab Spring

Tunisia: a young democracy in peril

Tunisian President Kais Saied is consolidating his authoritarian rule, while Europe stands idly by and misses opportunities to exert influence.
By Isabelle Werenfels