Politics

Standing at the gate

How Libyans see Europe

Libyans have mixed feelings about the EU. On the one hand, they admire what Europeans have achieved, but on the other, they feel let down. Moutaz and Walid Ali report from Tripoli
By Moutaz Ali & Walid Ali
Interview with Reza Alijani on Soleimani's assassination

In the wake of Iran's shadow commander

The assassination of the Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a surprise U.S. drone strike is being used by the Islamic Republic of Iran to political ends, says Iranian journalist and activist Reza Alijani. Interview conducted by Azadeh Fathi
By Azadeh Fathi
Following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani

Tehran weighs its next move

In recent years, Tehran had pushed a clever public-relations campaign to depict Soleimani as a Napoleon- or Caesar-like warrior-poet. He was even mooted as a likely presidential candidate in the next election. Any public sympathy for Soleimani will therefore now extend to the regime, at least in the short run. By Abbas Milani
By Abbas Milani
The assassination of Qassem Soleimani

U.S.-Iranian conflict set to escalate

Trump’s sweet revenge could swiftly turn bitter, after all the U.S. attack is a direct declaration of war against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and its elite Quds troops commanded by Soleimani. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Libyan Civil War

EU divisions over Libya leave a gap for others

Libya is in turmoil and no political solution is in sight. The EU's inability to take concerted action in the country, meanwhile, is being exploited by third parties, such as Turkey.
By Nermin Ismail
Interview with jailed Turkish human rights activist Osman Kavala

"Nonsensical accusations"

Turkish art patron and businessman Osman Kavala has been in jail for more than two years, accused of wanting to overthrow the government. Beril Eski spoke to him about his life in prison and his civil society projects
By Beril Eski
Support for Turkey's AKP dwindles

Erdogan’s homegrown rivals

Erdogan has ruled Turkey firmly for the last 18 years, but his party now faces a huge challenge: former party heavyweights who have jumped ship to establish their own new parties. By Ayse Karabat
By Ayşe Karabat
Muslims in Myanmar

What hope The Hague for the Rohingya?

The first hearings at the International Court of Justice reflect the entrenched positions in the Rohingya crisis. Rodion Ebbighausen believes the trial may finally help to soften the fronts
By Rodion Ebbighausen
Unrest in Iraq

Sadr City – a hotbed of resistance

The resignation of Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has not managed to quell the unrest in Iraq. After a deadly weekend in which many lost their lives, the wave of protests has swelled up once again. Most of the demonstrators come from Sadr City in Baghdad. Birgit Svensson paid a visit to the Shia suburb of the Iraqi capital
By Birgit Svensson
Unpopular presidential elections

Algeria stands at a historic crossroads

Algeria's political impasse has been going on for weeks. Attempts to calm the public mood by sacrificing some of the Bouteflika faithful has only served to fuel demonstrators' demands that all such remnants of the old guard be rooted out. Whether there is an election or not, the crisis seems set to continue, writes political analyst Ali Anouzla
By Ali Anouzla
Interview with Lebanese activist Nizar Hassan

Beirut's ruling elite may be down, but they are not yet out

In the “Lebanese Politics Podcast”, co-host Nizar Hassan analyses political events in Lebanon. In interview with Qantara, he talks about solutions to the country’s economic crisis, the role of Hezbollah in the political negotiations and Lebanon's political prospects
By Julia Neumann
Interview with Nader Hashemi on the protests in Iran

Violence "reflects the Iranian regime's desperation"

The recent protests in Iran were not as peaceful as the Green Movement of 2009, something that political scientist Nader Hashemi attributes to the actions of the security forces. Interview by Azadeh Fathi
By Azadeh Fathi