Politics

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
COVID-19 in the Maghreb

Coronavirus and Morocco's "peak national solidarity"

The fact that the people of Morocco have responded with such maturity and responsibility to the protective measures imposed by the government to contain the coronavirus pandemic is a historic moment for the country, says Moroccan political scientist Mohamed Taifouri
By Mohamed Taifouri
Interview with Indian author Rahman Abbas

The Nazis and India's Hindutva, united in hate

Award-winning Indian author Rahman Abbas spent time in Europe last year researching "the Holocaust and the future of minorities in India and Pakistan". To mark VE Day on 8 May, he discusses India's alarming shift towards Hindutva nationalism with Dominik Muller
By Dominik Müller
Humanism as a universal and humane concept

From Syria to Germany – the unifying struggle for democracy

Repression and despotism takes many forms. Yet as varied as these phenomena are, they all share a common core, argues Tarek Azizeh. Revolutions accompanying the struggle for democracy – wherever they occur – are all different manifestations of one and the same fight
By Tarek Azizeh
Stealth wealth from the Middle East

How Assad's family and others have filled their European coffers

Dubbed the "Butcher of Hama", Syria's Rifaat al-Assad is accused of embezzling millions in European real estate. Like him, many regional rulers have preferred to keep their European properties quiet. Tom Allinson reports
By Tom Allinson
COVID-19 and the Gulf States

Donald Trump has the Saudis over an oil barrel

With the coronavirus pandemic slashing oil demand as consumers and industry the world over entered lockdown, President Donald Trump presented Saudi leaders with an ultimatum. Reuters reports
Assad's crimes against his own people

Syrian ex-secret police stand trial in Germany

For the first time anywhere, Syrian intelligence officers are facing trial – in Germany. The court aims to probe the defendant's alleged crimes, as well as cast light on Bashar al-Assad's system of torture and oppression. By Matthias von Hein
By Matthias von Hein