Politics

US election 2024

Time to vote for Trump? How the Democrats are losing Arab voters

Arab-Muslim voters in the US are turning away from the Democrats because of their support for Israel. In Michigan, a Democratic mayor has even endorsed Trump. The US election may well be decided in this state, which is home to about 240,000 Muslims.
By Leon Holly
Hezbollah's new leader Naim Qassem

Stepping out of Nasrallah's shadow

Naim Qassem is a veteran of Hezbollah in Lebanon. A member since its foundation, he could never escape the shadow of Nasrallah. Now, he's the boss, and a man the Israeli government says is living with a death sentence.
By Karim El-Gawhary
UAE in Gaza

Securing a role in the postwar plan

The United Arab Emirates is supplying vital humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Behind the scenes, it is working closely with Israel and the US to plan for the future of the enclave—and to secure a role for itself—once the war is over.
By Mohammed Magdy
Turkey and Syria

A renewed partnership?

Damascus and Ankara came to blows following the outbreak of civil war in Syria. Now, the Turkish government and the Assad regime are seeking rapprochement. A diplomatic breakthrough would have consequences beyond regional relations—including for Germany.
By Yaşar Aydın
German policy in the Middle East

A historic failure

Germany has isolated itself worldwide with its stance towards Israel. The current coalition will soon be a thing of the past, but Germany may reap the consequences of its foreign policy failures for a long time to come.
By Daniel Bax
Hezbollah in Lebanon

Infiltrated but strategically undefeated

Hezbollah may have been infiltrated by Israel, but it is far from defeated. Its most powerful missiles are yet to be deployed. To prevent the situation from spiralling completely out of control, look to Gaza.
By Karim El-Gawhary
War in Sudan

"It's all about power, not democracy"

Tensions have momentarily eased in Sudan. Following the Geneva talks, aid supplies are flowing into the country via two corridors. But an end to the war remains out of sight, says analyst Oman Mirghani, editor-in-chief of Sudanese newspaper Al-Tayar.
By Mohammed Magdy
Europe and Gaza

The EU must regain its moral responsibility

Human rights are enshrined in the EU’s DNA, but in Gaza, the EU is complicit in blatant violations. Can the Union return to its moral principles and stop Israel and its own member states from trampling on international law?
By Michelle Pace
Impending arrest warrant for Netanyahu

Germany’s dilemma at the ICC

The International Criminal Court could soon issue arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defence Minister Gallant and two Hamas leaders. As several states attempt to influence the verdict, Germany is torn between solidarity with Israel and commitment to international law.
By Elisa Rheinheimer
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