Politics

International Day in support of victims of torture

"The international human rights system is slowly eroding"

From Syrian war crimes to U.S. hypocrisy in the Julian Assange case, the global "erosion of human rights standards" is of critical concern, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer tells Matthias von Hein
By Matthias von Hein
Germany hosts the Sudan Partnership Conference

A historic opportunity to move Sudan's transition along

The Sudan Partnership Conference on 25 June is seeking funding commitments to rebuild Sudan’s desolate economy. As Annette Weber argues, the crucial point will be aligning financial assistance with a successful transition process
By Annette Weber
The collapse of Haftar's offensive

Is Egypt really preparing to jump into the Libyan fray?

With General Haftar's troops increasingly on the defensive, the Egyptian leadership recently threatened direct military intervention in Libya, now in its sixth year of civil war. Analysis by Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
War crimes in Syria

Can Syrian sexual violence survivors get justice in Germany?

Brutal sexualised violence is widespread in Syrian prisons – and yet the subject receives little attention. Human rights activists are trying to achieve justice for thousands of victims in Germany. By Lisa Ellis
By Lisa Ellis
Interview with pioneering Islamic thinker Fehmi Jadaane

What is the essence of Islam, and does it need reforming?

Renowned Jordanian Islamic scholar Fehmi Jadaane vehemently objects to the transformation of Islam into an ideology. The religion ends up mired in a political swamp, he says, its message nothing more than an instrument of governance. Interview by Alia Al-Rabeo
By Alia Al-Rabeo
The death of George Floyd and endemic discrimination

It's time to replace "race" in the German constitution

At a time of widespread international protests against racism, triggered by the killing of George Floyd in the United States, there are calls to remove the term race from the German constitution. But not everyone agrees. By Volker Witting
By Volker Witting
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 Kersten Knipp, Lewis Sanders IV
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