Politics

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
Maghreb

Moroccoʹs PJD on course to self-destruct

By drowning the PJD in procedures and decisions, Moroccoʹs ruling elite is using the same approach it applied to cripple another former coalition partner, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces. Does this gradual assimilation of the PJD into the establishment signal the end of the Islamistsʹ participation in the democratic process? By Mohamed Taifouri
By Mohamed Taifouri
Interview with Palestinian Culture Minister Atef Abu Saif

"We need citizen-oriented policies"

The foyer is hung with pop-art pictures of Palestinian poets and thinkers such as Mahmoud Darwish and Edward Said. The Palestinian Ministry of Culture in Ramallah is keen to present itself as open-minded, modern – just like its new boss, Atef Abu Saif. Interview by Inge Gunther
By Inge Günther
Attack on opposition leader Kilicdaroglu

Return of the lynch mob in Turkey?

Turkish opposition party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu was attacked by an angry mob in public and nearly killed – the latest in a spate of such violence. What does the incident say about the political culture in the country? By Burcu Karakas
By Burcu Karakaş
European-Libyan relations

Whom to trust when it comes to Tripoli?

Although the European Union declared its clear support for Tripoliʹs internationally recognised unity government, French officials seem to be playing both sides. And as protesters in Libya demand an end to all French interference, General Khalifa Haftar continues to advance. By David Ehl
By David Ehl
Human rights under Sisi

Egypt's open-air prison

Egyptian authorities have arrested thousands in a crackdown on dissent, even its most benign forms. And some former prisoners are finding that they are not really free despite having been released. Ruth Michaelson reports on the case of a female Egyptian activist from Cairo
By Ruth Michaelson