Politics
Topics
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Right-wing populismModi won – but did India?
In Indiaʹs recent elections, the ruling NDA secured 45% of the vote. The fractured oppositionʹs message of inclusivity and justice was no match for Modiʹs brand of jingoistic populism. But what are the implications for Indian society? By Aditi Roy Ghatak
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The Islamic Republicʹs existential crisisWill Iran crack under the strain?
Iranʹs 2017–18 popular uprising heralded a new chapter in the history of the Islamic Republic that, in its fortieth year, is mired in acute and seemingly insurmountable domestic and foreign policy challenges, writes Ali Fathollah-Nejad. Seemingly, there is no end in sight
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U.S. policy on IranTrump's fake "stability" premise
The United States justifies its policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran by accusing the nation of "destabilising" the region. But neither is stability the correct criteria for evaluation of Middle East politics, nor is Tehran essentially behaving any differently to its neighbours, says Ulrich von Schwerin
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Civil society and democratic transition in AlgeriaAlgerian activists demand a place at the table
On 15 June, Algiers hosted a National Conference of Civil Society with the aim of producing a roadmap on how to shape the countryʹs – hopefully – democratic future. Yet at a time when civil society is just beginning to re-awaken, some wonder whether it will really be able to influence the possible transition that is looming. By Nourredine Bessadi
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U.S.-Iranian tensionIranʹs wartime commander
Once mocked as the "commander of the gossips" because he spread crazy ideas about the West in TV talk shows, Hossein Salami is now the new head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. The appointment of this – at least verbally – radical man took place shortly after Trump declared the corps a terrorist organisation. By Ali Sadrzadeh
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Franceʹs new Mediterranean initiativeA G10 summit marked by pragmatism
With the "Sommet des deux Rives de la Mediterranee" ("Summit of the Two Shores of the Mediterranean"), French President Emmanuel Macron wants to breathe new life into multilateral co-operation in the Mediterranean region, which has made little progress since 2008. Isabel Schafer has the details
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Mayoral election re-run in TurkeyIstanbul's Imamoglu has a plan
Having spent just seventeen days in the job, Ekrem Imamoglu from the Republican Peopleʹs Party wants to win back the office of Mayor of Istanbul. Who is this man – and why is his potential re-election so significant for Turkeyʹs future? By Marian Brehmer
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Economic crisis in IraqTrump's Iran embargo impacts Iraqis
As a result of U.S. sanctions, Iranians can no longer afford the yearly pilgrimage to Iraq's Shia shrines. The holy city of Najaf is bearing the economic brunt. By Judit Neurink
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Reconstruction in SyriaFrustrating Assadʹs plans for a new state
Although regime apologists are fond of asserting that the war in Syria is over, wary investors, an ongoing U.S. trade embargo, the pariah status of its ally Iran, not to mention galloping inflation, mean it could be years before the devasted country sees any real reconstruction. Analysis by Ghiath Bilal
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Myanmarʹs Aung San Suu Kyi in HungaryWith friends like Orban...
Myanmarʹs Aung San Suu Kyi and Hungaryʹs Viktor Orban have discussed their mutual fear of Muslims. In doing so, the Burmese leader has again showed she has lost the moral standing she once enjoyed, says Verena Holzl
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Female jihadistsWhy women go to Holy War
Worldwide, the number of women joining the “holy war”, or jihad, is increasing. What causes them do so? And what role do they play within jihadist organisations? Two Jordanian Islamism experts have devoted their most recent study to exploring just these questions
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Social utopia on the Nile?Sisiʹs new breed of Egyptians
According to the Egyptian government, Egypt is once again experiencing a great civilizational awakening. A campaign aimed at producing a new multicultural identity has been launched, but the progressive slogans mask a more sinister agenda. By Joseph Croitoru
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Jan Dost on writing in Arabic and Kurdish
"Like being caught between two magnets"
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Sex tourism in Egypt
A bride for the summer
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Atheism in the Arab world
Moroccoʹs atheists find a home on the Internet
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Interview with Israeli philosopher Omri Boehm
The Haifa Republic – full equality for Middle East peace
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Aicha 'Lella Saida' Manoubiya
Tunisia's feminist icon
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Syria's missing detainees
"We did not expect so few had survived"