Politics

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
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 Derya 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
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