Politics

Reconstruction in Syria

Frustrating 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
By Ghiath Bilal
Myanmarʹs Aung San Suu Kyi in Hungary

With 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
By Verena Hölzl
Female jihadists

Why 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
By Dagmar Wolf
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
By Joseph Croitoru
Political crisis

Sudanʹs deadly counter-revolutionary militia

In the struggle between demonstrators and the military for a civilian-led state, the successors to Darfur’s notorious Janjaweed militia could end up as the cats that got the cream. That the group is financed by autocratic Gulf states makes it even more suspect. Karim El-Gawhary reports from Khartoum
By Karim El-Gawhary
The uncertain future of Kurdish autonomy

What next for Iraqʹs Kurds?

A sense of resignation and pessimism is spreading through the Kurdistan region of Iraq, especially among the younger generation. The economic standstill, rampant youth unemployment and the omnipotence of the clans are driving people to despair. Dara Alani reports from Sulaymaniyah
By Dara Alani
Pop video sparks political scandal

Iran’s hardliners are losing the youth

Videos of children dancing to a sexy pop song trigger a serious political scandal in Iran and reveal the opposing world views of rulers and population. Details by Iman Aslani
By Iman Aslani
The Levant

Jordan's fragile stability

Jordan is considered an anchor of stability in a region shaken by crises. Yet one year on from the protests of May 2018, the country continues to face massive economic and political challenges. With youth unemployment on the rise – feeding massive social frustration – criticism of poor governance in the kingdom is growing. By Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Hindu nationalist election victory in India

Modiʹs credo of divide and rule

India is following an international trend: with the victory of the Indian Peopleʹs Party or BJP, we are again witnessing the success of a party that can clearly be located on the extreme right of the political spectrum and that is at the same time courted by international companies and economic heavyweights. By Dominik Muller
By Dominik Müller
Interview with Indian novelist Arundhati Roy

"India is much more dangerous than it was ten years ago"

Celebrated Indian novelist Arundhati Roy, best known for works such as "The God of Small Things" and "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness", has also made a name for herself as an essayist and critic of the political situation in India. Dominik Muller spoke to her in New Delhi about changes in India over the last decade
By Dominik Müller
The Netherlands' migrant parties

Representing the new Europeans

In a decade marked by significant shifts in the political landscape, Sundayʹs European elections could well prove an eye-opener. Massimiliano Sfregola assesses the chances of Dutch "new Europeans" to make an impact
By Massimiliano Sfregola
Popular uprisings in the Islamic world

Algiers, Khartoum… that trembling moment

In the midst of palpable political fatigue in Europe, it does good to look to Algiers and Khartoum, where for the past several weeks hundreds of thousands of citizens have been fighting on the public stage for self-empowerment. By Charlotte Wiedemann
By Charlotte Wiedemann