Politics

Maya Zinshtein's documentary "'Til Kingdom Come"

How America's Evangelicals are shaping the Middle East

In her documentary "'Til Kingdom Come", Israeli director Maya Zinshtein provides an eye-opening insight into the way Evangelicals shaped President Trump's agenda and highlights the massive influence they exerted on his Middle East policy. By Rene Wildangel
By René Wildangel
Armenia, Azerbaijan – and Nagorno-Karabakh

“Germany is pretending not to see or hear“

After more than a month of war, there is a new ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan. But whether it will last remains questionable. The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh sees Turkey deploying mercenaries, Israel supplying weapons – and Germany keeping a low profile. German-Armenian lawyer Ilias Uyar is sharply critical. Gerrit Wustmann spoke to him
By Gerrit Wustmann
After the Islamist attack in Vienna

Europeans must not fall into the Islamic State trap

The Islamist attacks in France and Austria aim to divide European societies. The jihadists want to destroy the grey area of lived co-existence between Muslims and non-Muslims in Europe. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
U.S election and the Middle East

Saudi Arabia finally congratulates Joe Biden on his win

Saudi Arabia finally congratulated Joe Biden on Sunday over his election victory, more than 24 hours after he defeated Donald Trump, who had close personal ties with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
By Marwa Rashad
U.S. elections and the Middle East

Arab dictators hold their breath at Trump's possible exit

A victory by Democrat candidate Joe Biden would usher in a new beginning for the Arab world, with attendant changes in U.S. policy. Autocratic leaders in the Middle East have every reason to be concerned. Commentary by Egyptian academic Taqadum al-Khatib
By Taqadum al-Khatib
U.S.-Russian diplomatic tug-of-war

How will Syria's unending war play out in the northeast?

Facing the various divergent interests of external players such as Russia, the United States, not to mention Turkey and Iran, the future of northeast Syria remains anything but certain. By Stasa Salacanin
By Stasa Salacanin
Al Boraq, M6 and neo-liberalism

Morocco's fast-track development programme bypasses many

Morocco is receiving much international recognition for its policy of modernisation, but the weaknesses of the model are obvious. By Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Muhammad cartoon controversy

Macron and the Muhammad tempest in a Twitter teapot

French President Macron's statements that caricatures of Muhammad may still be published have triggered outrage in a number of Muslim states. Turkish President Erdogan is among the most vocal critics. Karim El-Gawhary reports
By Karim El-Gawhary
Laicism and the death of Samuel Paty

Emmanuel Macron leads France in fight against Islamism

In the wake of the brutal murder of teacher Samuel Paty, France has cracked down on suspected Islamist radicals for promoting "hatred and violence". President Macron needs to be tough, yet patient and persuasive, says Barbara Wesel
By Barbara Wesel
Radicalisation among Barelvis in Pakistan

The spread of violent fanaticism

In the early years of the new millennium, Pakistan's leaders were keen to promote the Barelvi movement as the embodiment of traditional, peaceful, Pakistani Islam. In recent years, however, certain Barelvi elements have become radicalised. Now, the violence is spreading beyond Pakistan's borders
By Mohammad Luqman
Interview with Saudi social anthropologist Madawi al-Rasheed

"Gradual change is a myth, Saudi society is ready"

Madawi al-Rasheed is one of a group of Saudi exiles responsible for founding NAAS – the National Assembly Party. Set up on Saudi National Day in September, it is the first ever organised political resistance to challenge the House of Saud. Al-Rasheed talked to Jannis Hagmann about the party's aims and ambitions
By Jannis Hagmann
Ankara on the defensive

Pro-Kurdish faction in Recep Tayyip Erdogan's crosshairs

The Turkish government is hoping to split the opposition and put off voters by cracking down on pro-Kurdish politicians. But critics say the strategy won't work this time. By Daniel Derya Bellut and Hilal Koylu
By Daniel Derya Bellut & Hilal Köylü