Politics

General elections in Jordan

Posters as far as the eye can see

Jordanians are electing a new parliament, or at least they should be. Forecasts predict that two out of three eligible voters will stay at home, despite the king's encouragement and countless posters urging them to take part. Many remain sceptical about the new party system.
By Serena Bilanceri
Iranian parliament approves cabinet

Moving forward into the past

The cabinet of new Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has disappointed those who voted for change. Pezeshkian’s voters had only modest expectations – less oppression of women and easier access to the internet – but in the Islamic Republic, everything remains the same.
By Ali Sadrzadeh
Pakistan and the war on Gaza

Commitment to pan-Islamic solidarity

With a population of 235 million, Pakistan is one of the most populous Islamic countries. There is great solidarity with Palestine among the population. The government views the war on Gaza primarily against the backdrop of the Kashmir conflict.
By Qamar Cheema
India and the Middle East conflict

India’s arm sales to Israel are a political statement

The ammunition supplies to Israel may bring more support for India within Western capitals. However, the Arab-Israeli crisis continues to shape the future balance of power in the Middle East, mainly against the Western countries and their Gulf allies, states the Indian Middle-East expert Omair Anas.
By Omair Anas
Iran and Israel

The spiral of violence escalates

The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah is a drastic event. The Islamic Republic seems determined to take revenge, and a new armed conflict against Israel cannot be ruled out. In addition, everything the new president had promised is obsolete for the time being.
By Ali Sadrzadeh
EU-Arab cooperation for Peace

From word to deeds

While all eyes continue to be turned towards the US for decisive action, a potential regional contribution should not be ignored. In this regard, tightening cooperation between European and Arab states could produce tangible progress to support Israeli-Palestinian peace making.
By Hugh Lovatt
South Africa's lawsuit at the International Court of Justice

In the centre of an international legal maelstrom

Amidst rising geopolitical competition, South Africa has sought to position itself as a leading voice of the global south. The country sits outside the complex geopolitics that plague the Middle East but taking Israel to the International Court of Justice underlines the countries intentions, to play a new global role.
By Ronak Gopaldas & Priyal Singh
Post war order for Israel and Palestine

Robust resurrection of the peace process

Formulating a common strategy for peace and stability, optimizing cooperation with Arab countries, and implementing effective dialogue formats and cultural and economic policies. Just a few practical measures how the EU can provide positive impetus for a post-war order.
By Lina Khatib
Europe and the Middle East

“Context is crucial”

Up to now, the EU has not assumed a significant mediation role in the Middle East. How can the EU foster trust and effectively contribute to a lasting peace solution following the Gaza conflict? What approach should it take towards authoritarian regimes in the region? Middle East historian Lorenzo Kamel offers insights.
By William Billows
Recognition of the Palestinian State

Reducing the power gap

The mere recognition of Palestine as a state will not be the panacea, but it will be the essential, decisive turning point on the road to a just and sustainable solution to one of the most protracted and volatile conflicts in modern history.
By Yossi Mekelberg
Europe and the Middle East conflict

“Strict observance of international law”

Recently, Norway, followed by the EU countries Ireland and Spain, has recognized a Palestinian state. How should the European Union respond and establish a unified stance? Can Europe provide positive impetus and ideas for a post-war order? How could these be realized?
By H. A. Hellyer
Turkey in NATO

Relationship status difficult

A more active role for Turkey in NATO, as demanded by the Turkish government, would be appropriate in view of the geopolitical challenges, but is meeting resistance within the alliance. How can the defence alliance achieve greater unity?
By Yaşar Aydın