Politics

Middle East

Iraq: IS returnees met with tolerance – and distrust

In Iraq, returning families of IS fighters have to turn to local initiatives for help, as there is no official path home. Judit Neurink met with families on the ground
By Judit Neurink
Russia, Israel and the Syrian conflict

Curbing Iran's influence

Russia and Israel are pursuing a common interest in Syria: they both want to combat Iranian expansionism. By Markus Bickel
By Markus Bickel
Turkey

Joint Kurdish plan? Turkish opposition hope for election boost

For the first time in 19 years, polls suggest Turkey's opposition could be on track to defeat President Erdogan at the next election. To boost their appeal to Kurdish voters, politicians are now talking openly about solving the Kurdish issue. But how sincere are they and how realistic their chances of success? Leyla Egeli reports
By Leyla Egeli
Mafia scandal in Turkey

Mafia ties run deep in AKP politics

Rarely have the links between Turkish politics and organised crime been as apparent as they are at present. Right-wing extremist mafia godfathers from the Grey Wolves are increasingly appearing in government circles. So what's behind all this? Daniel Derya Bellut has the details
By Daniel Derya Bellut
Interview with Arab Israeli MP Essawi Frej

"Israel is my country, the Palestinians are my people"

Essawi Frej, the first ever minister of Arab origin in an Israeli government, explains in interview with Markus Bickel what can be achieved in a coalition of opposites
By Markus Bickel
Between Russia and Afghanistan

Kyrgyzstan – fragile democracy in Central Asia

China to the east, Russia to the north, Afghanistan to the south: in this geopolitical environment, Kyrgyzstan, which has been independent since 1991, is attempting to make progress – and is finding the going tough. Marcel Fuerstenau visited the country in Central Asia
By Marcel Fürstenau
Sudan's coup puppetmasters

The UAE – pulling Sudanese strings

Sudan is the exception to the rule in the United Arab Emirates’ counter-revolutionary playbook, writes James M. Dorsey. In contrast to Egypt or Yemen, where it went out of its way to help roll back the achievements of popular revolts, the UAE was happy to see the back of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir
By James M. Dorsey
The Longest War – 20 years of the "War on Terror"

Afghanistan: Emran Feroz' chronology of a disaster

The "War on Terror" has not only failed in Afghanistan, it has exacerbated insecurity and generated more terrorism. This is the main thrust of journalist Emran Feroz in his book, which was published, appropriately enough, 20 years after the attacks of 11 September 2001 and the subsequent invasion of Afghanistan by the USA and NATO. Behnam Said read the book for Qantara.de
By Behnam Said
Sport – soft power trend in Gulf foreign and domestic policy

CARPO Research Forum: Road to World Cup 2022

The upcoming CARPO research forum on 30 November 2021 aims to shed more light on the role sport plays in the Gulf region, highlighting obstacles and grievances, while also examining opportunities for future social and political development
COP26 climate conference

Saudi Arabia's climate strategy – greenwashing or genuine transformation?

Saudi Arabia has announced a comprehensive transformation strategy toward a green future. But what are the real drivers of the world's biggest oil exporter's "net-zero" vision for 2060? Jennifer Holleis reports
By Jennifer Holleis
Afghanistan

Taliban size up the threat from a tenacious IS-K

As the Taliban shift their focus from insurgency to government, their most formidable rival is the Islamic State's regional chapter, which has staged a string of bloody attacks in recent weeks.
Takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi PIF

Mohammed bin Salman and the Premier League: more than a game

The takeover of English football club Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment Fund is more than an attempt by the Kingdom to boost its own image. There are strategic economic interests behind the deal. Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman is also looking to consolidate his position at home. By Sebastian Sons
By Sebastian Sons