Politics
Topics
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Human rights violations in Egypt
Demanding President Sisi free his political prisoners
Ten years after the Tahrir square protests in Cairo, Egypt’s human rights record is disastrous. On the occasion of the anniversary of the 2011 revolution, several international campaigns are calling for the release of imprisoned activists. By Sofian Philip Naceur
By Sofian Philip Naceur -
Turkey seeks its role in the Middle East
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's foreign policy rethink
Turkey is largely isolated in the Middle East. Partners are few and far between. Its closest ally, Qatar, has just made peace with its neighbours. Together with the change of power in the USA, this is forcing Ankara to rethink. Background by Kersten Knipp
By Kersten Knipp -
Interview with Israeli philosopher Omri Boehm
The Haifa Republic – full equality for Middle East peace
Given that the political landscape in Israel is once more expected to shift to the right in the upcoming general elections, philosopher Omri Boehm argues in his forthcoming book – "A future for Israel" – for more open discussion on alternatives to the failed two-state solution, including the taboo concept of a Jewish state. Interview by Rene Wildangel for Qantara.de
By René Wildangel -
Gas resources in the Eastern Mediterranean
Detente between Greece and Turkey?
Ever since natural gas deposits were discovered in the eastern Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey have been mired in a fierce dispute over their exploitation. Now both sides are making a new attempt to resolve the conflict diplomatically. However, deep-seated enmity and age-old stereotypes make political rapprochement difficult, reports Ronald Meinardus from Istanbul
By Ronald Meinardus -
Arab Spring ten years on
Tunisia is paralysed by a political culture of consensus
Recent unrest shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who's followed Tunisia's trajectory. The image of the North African country as the only "survivor" of the uprisings in the region is misleading, writes Sarah Mersch
By Sarah Mersch -
27th Men's Handball World Championship
Egypt 2021, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi’s search for a fig leaf
Hosting major sports tournaments can confer prestige on a country, but in the case of Egypt, the 2021 Handball World Championship will do little to repair relations with either the United States, Italy, or the Arab Gulf states, argues James M. Dorsey
By James M. Dorsey -
Saudi Arabia and the U.S.
MbS courts Joe Biden over Iran fears and the economy
After months out of the spotlight, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has returned centre-stage with diplomatic and economic moves that diplomats say are aimed at showing the new U.S. president he is a valuable partner who can get things done
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Facing down Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan
The chutzpah of opposition politician Canan Kaftancioglu
Left-wing CHP leader Canan Kaftancioglu inflicted a humiliating defeat on Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul in 2019. Now the Turkish president wants revenge in court. Yet Kaftancioglu seems unlikely to go down without a fight, having recently sued both Erdogan and his interior minister for defamation, after they branded her a "terrorist". By Daniel Bellut
By Daniel Bellut -
Interview with human rights activist Rabah Arkam
Algeria's protesters continue their "Revolution of Smiles"
The coronavirus pandemic brought mass pro-democracy protests in Algeria to an abrupt end. Exploiting the distraction engendered by the health crisis, the new Algerian government has launched a crackdown on opponents and activists. Can the new constitution be instrumental in bringing about change? Elisa Rheinheimer-Chabbi spoke to Algerian-American human rights activist Rabah Arkam
By Elisa Rheinheimer -
EU migration policy
Refugees face hopeless situation in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Tents, mud and cold: refugees contend with miserable conditions in Bosnia & Herzegovina. With the European Union demanding that Bosnia accommodate the asylum-seekers, its borders look set to remain tightly closed. Marina Strauss reports from Bihac
By Marina Strauss -
Green hydrogen in Saudi Arabia
From oil giant to green powerhouse?
Although Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its energy sector and economy away from fossil fuels, the OPEC leader is eager to maintain its status as a fuel exporter giant by leveraging cheap solar and wind power to produce green hydrogen. By Stasa Salacanin
By Stasa Salacanin -
Kyrgyzstan elections
Zhaparov's seduction of the people
Polls have opened as Kyrgyzstan votes for a new president and on constitutional change. In autumn, protests brought down the government – now the freedoms they fought for are at stake. Emily Sherwin reports from Bishkek.
By Emily Sherwin
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Musician Michael Barenboim on Gaza
"Nothing justifies genocide"
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"People of the Book" brings Jews and Muslims together