Politics

Reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Qatar

A turning point for the whole Middle East?

Saudi Arabia and its allies have agreed to set aside their differences with Qatar at a summit meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The restoration of diplomatic relations could have strategic resonance far beyond the Gulf nations and change the entire region. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Economic crisis in Lebanon

The subsidy quandary

Flour, medicine, fuel … a whole range of essential goods is subsidised in Lebanon. If the subsidies stop, then prices, poverty and the possibility of conflict increases. If they don't, the country runs out of money. Local experts say they have an answer. They just need politicians to act on it. Cathrin Schaer reports from Beirut
By Cathrin Schaer
Algeria: how the Hirak fared in 2020

Protestors still calling for genuine democracy

Algeria has not found peace since Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who was president for 20 years, resigned under massive public pressure in April 2019. On 1 November 2020, the government held a constitutional referendum to end the political crisis. But things did not work out as it planned. On the contrary, the rifts between the regime and the pro-democracy movement have deepened further. The opposition now wants to use the momentum from the latest wave of protests to better organise itself. By Sofian Philip Naceur
By Sofian Philip Naceur
Interview with political scientist Abdalhadi Alijla

Trust in the state is a precious commodity

In his most recent book, "Trust in Divided Societies: State, Institutions and Governance in Lebanon, Syria and Palestine", political scientist Abdalhadi Alijla writes that not culture, but the failure of state institutions is what is causing the crisis of statehood in the Middle East. In this interview with Tugrul von Mende, Alijla argues for the reconfiguration of incompetent state bodies as a means of regaining the public's trust
By Tugrul von Mende
Book review: Kim Ghattas' "Black Wave"

The rivalry that completely transformed the Middle East

In "Black Wave: Saudi Arabia, Iran and the rivalry that unraveled the Middle East", Dutch Lebanese journalist Kim Ghattas describes the past 40 years in the Middle East and North Africa as a struggle for hegemony between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Throughout the book, she focuses above all on the societal dimension of this rivalry. Daniel Walter read the book
By Daniel Walter
Immigration, Islamophobia and the AfD

Germany's "welcoming culture" – for some a dirty word

Shortly after the expression was coined and found its way into German discourse, the concept of a "welcoming culture" was already being targeted by Islamophobic circles – and was finally taken down by them in a prolonged process. Joseph Croitoru on the history of a German hot-button topic
By Joseph Croitoru
10 years of Arabellion

The buds of the Arab Spring

Ten years after the start of the Arabellion in North Africa and the Middle East, many view the movement as a failure. But rather than being over, it has now entered a more mature phase with new forms of protest. An assessment by Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
End of the Middle East two-state solution?

Israeli highways – a fast track to West Bank annexation

This summer it was reported that Israel had abandoned its plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. Now, however, Israel is driving forward its settlement programme in the territory with a master plan for road construction. Inge Gunther in Jerusalem has the details
By Inge Günther
France's anti-separatism bill may increase discrimination

Muslims are not the problem, they are part of the solution

Critics of France's draft law to combat "radical Islamism" say the proposed measures are inefficient and will further stigmatise Muslims. They assert that involving Muslims in the process of addressing radicalisation is essential. Lisa Louis reports
By Lisa Louis
Turkey expert Gunter Seufert

"Turkey is aware of how dependent it is on the EU"

Sanctions against Ankara are being considered at the EU summit. The number of those in favour has risen. It remains unclear how Germany will behave. But would such measures have any impact on Turkey?
By Panagiotis Kouparanis
Highlighting Sisi's systematic crackdown

Lawyers detained in Egypt receive CCBE Human Rights Award

The CCBE – European Council of Bars and Law Societies – recently honoured seven Egyptian lawyers with its prestigious Human Rights Award to draw attention to the Egyptian regime's ongoing repression of civil society. By Sofian Philip Naceur
By Sofian Philip Naceur
Turkish ultranationalist, right-wing extremists

Germany's mission to muzzle the Grey Wolves

The German Office for the Protection of the Constitution classes them as "far right" and politicians want to ban them: the ultranationalist Grey Wolves movement. It originated in Turkey, where it is the secret power in the country and a political kingmaker. Marion Sendker reports from Istanbul
By Marion Sendker