Politics

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
Book review: Daniel Marwecki's “Germany and Israel. White Washing and State Building“

For more honesty in German-Israeli relations

The historian Daniel Marwecki’s latest work provides an important analysis of the complex motives driving German-Israeli relations since World War Two. Rene Wildangel read the book
By René Wildangel
Flight and migration from the Maghreb

Under pressure, Tunisia accepts "unusual deportations"

With the arrival of thousands of Tunisian refugees in Italy, the Italian government is putting increased pressure on Tunisia and wants to extend its deportation deal with the small country. A Tunisian NGO is calling for transparency. Sofian Philip Naceur reports from Tunis
By Sofian Philip Naceur
France's "anti-separatism" drive

Emmanuel Macron's plan to protect French values alienates Muslims

Upcoming legislation crafted to "protect" the Republic and French values promises to be deeply divisive, with French Muslims fearing it will unfairly single them out. Some also see political calculus behind the effort. Elizabeth Bryant reports from Paris
By Elizabeth Bryant
Book review: Narges Bajoghli's "Iran Reframed"

Glossy nationalism to win over Iran's youth

A new book offers a deep insight into Iran's state media apparatus. It gives a first-hand account of the debates around the how the system positions itself – and shows how a new approach is being used in an attempt to win over young people to the Islamic Republic. By Daniel Walter
By Daniel Walter