Politics

A truly international conflict

How can Europe help prevent the carving-up of Libya?

Having forfeited any real influence in Libya, Europe needs to look to the judicial use of sanctions. Curbing Russian influence and drawing support away from Haftar is essential if the unity of the country is to be preserved, writes Wolfram Lacher
By Wolfram Lacher
Politics and COVID-19

Coronavirus sees political polarisation in Turkey deepen

Rising tension between the Turkish government and the opposition fuels speculation of an early election as they battle over COVID-19 financial aid campaigns, triggering further polarisation. By Ayse Karabat
By Ayşe Karabat
War crimes on the Hindu Kush?

Death by drone – the United States' vicious Afghan legacy

The United States carried out more drone attacks on Afghanistan in 2019 than in any other year since Pentagon records began in 2006. The victims of this questionable military tactic, portrayed as precision strikes to kill alleged militants, are frequently innocent civilians, yet no one seems to care. Emran Feroz reports
By Emran Feroz
COVID-19 in Southeast Asia

Pakistan courting disaster with its coronavirus strategy

Pakistan has recorded more than 4,000 coronavirus cases in a single-day – taking the total number of reported infections to over 82,000. Reports suggest actual cases in the country could be in their millions. Haroon Janjua reports from Islamabad
By Haroon Janjua
Conflict in North Africa

In Libya, Russia sinks its teeth into another proxy war

The United States has identified over a dozen Russia warplanes in Libya, marking Moscow's first direct venture into the North African country. Experts say it is part of a larger Russian plan to expand its influence in the region. By Lewis Sanders IV and Kersten Knipp
By Lewis Sanders IV & Kersten Knipp
COVID-19 pandemic

Coronavirus pushes Yemen to the brink

War, poverty, cholera – and now coronavirus has taken hold in Yemen. The country could collapse, aid organisations fear. A Yemeni journalist talks about the situation in her country. By Diana Hodali
By Diana Hodali
Syrian regime in crisis

Assad versus Makhlouf

The power struggle between the Syrian regime and Rami Makhlouf, a cousin of President Bashar al-Assad and one of the richest men in Syria, is coming to a head now that the state has ordered the confiscation of Makhlouf's assets. Commentary by Shafeeq Ghabra
By Shafeeq Ghabra
Trump's plan for the Middle East

Those looking to annex can expect resistance from Jordan

Jordan is not only waging a vigorous battle against coronavirus, but also against the Middle East peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. By Birgit Svensson
By Birgit Svensson
Shia "axis of resistance"

Khamenei's Final Solution provocation to mark Quds Day

The anti-Israeli Quds Day did not take place this year – a first both for Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah. While Hezbollah leader Nasrallah sees his organisation in a state of siege, revolutionary leader Khamenei resorted to blatant provocation. By Ali Sadrzadeh
By Ali Sadrzadeh
Impact of COVID-19 on Saudi Arabia

Shaking the House of Saud to the core

The economic backlash of the corona pandemic already means dramatic consequences for the Saudi royal family. But what happens when it becomes too expensive for them to fulfil their part of the social contract and the Saudi people rebel? An analysis by Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Oversight board appointee faces online smear campaign

Facebook, Tawakkol Karman and Arab cyber-bullying

Appointed to the Facebook oversight board, Yemeni Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman has faced hostility from Arab state media and social media users, who accuse her of Islamist ties. By Kersten Knipp & Ismail Azzam
By Kersten Knipp & Ismail Azzam
Social unrest in Lebanon

Beirut – currency chaos, exploding prices and burning banks

In Lebanon, the local currency has slumped to a record low, people are losing their jobs and the price of food is skyrocketing. Despite the threat posed by the coronavirus, hundreds are taking to the streets in protest. Julia Neumann reports from Beirut
By Julia Neumann