Politics

Weathering the Saudi blockade

Qatar thrives under pressure

The blockade of Qatar led by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states in the summer of 2017 was a shock for the small emirate. Meanwhile, however, it seems to have more than recovered: the economy is growing and the leadership is bursting with determination and self-confidence. By Anchal Vohra
By Anchal Vohra
Protests in Sudan

The yellow vests of Khartoum

Tens of thousands of Sudanese have been protesting for weeks against political and economic grievances in the war-wracked nation. The stability of an important partner of the West is also at stake. How will the situation develop? Annette Weber believes that three scenarios are possible
By Annette Weber
Interview with the UKʹs Lead Commissioner for Countering Extremism Sara Khan

"Weʹre living through an era of extremism"

In a bid for more dialogue, Sara Khan, UKʹs Lead Commissioner for Countering Extremism, calls on individuals to challenge extremism and on countries to ensure they defend and promote equality, human rights, pluralism and diversity. Interview by Ismail Nermin
By Nermin Ismail
Interview with Middle East expert Andre Bank

"Jordan consistently hedges its bets"

Many of King Abdullah II's regional policies are unpopular with Jordanians because they are perceived to be selling out Arab interests. In an interview with Diana Hodali, Middle East expert Andre Bank explains why this is so
By Diana Hodali
Eight years after the Jasmine Revolution

Young Tunisians see red

Inspired by Franceʹs "gilets jaunes", the Tunisian "red vest" movement reflects the widespread discontent in the North African country, where protests against spiralling living costs, unemployment, mismanagement and corruption are once again on the increase. By Alessandra Bajec
By Alessandra Bajec
Rebuilding Syria

Who should foot the bill for Assad?

Though the war in Syria continues, President Bashar Assad and his allies are already planning reconstruction efforts. Russia is demanding money from the rest of Europe. Should Germany contribute? By Diana Hodali
By Diana Hodali
Civil War in Libya

What is Russia really up to?

Over the last few months, Russian diplomatic and political engagement in Libya has triggered many speculations over Russia's agenda in this war-torn North African country. Moscow's alleged increased military presence in eastern Libya sparked international controversy and even led some western observers to conclude that Russia is aiming to repeat the Syrian scenario in Libya. By Stasa Salacanin
By Stasa Salacanin
Non-fiction: Rania Abouzeidʹs "No turning back"

The humans behind the headlines

A brutal war has been raging in Syria for almost eight years now, yet the international community seems to be losing interest. In a moving first-hand account, journalist Rania Abouzeid vividly portrays the people affected by the war. Dagmar Wolf read the book
By Dagmar Wolf
Local government under Syria's opposition

Of the people, by the people, for the people

The work of civilian local authorities in Syrian opposition-held areas has been almost totally forgotten. Their failure was essentially due to a lack of a support from the West, as well as a lack of considered political concepts. An analysis by Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Peace talks in Stockholm

Yemenis – pawns in a cynical game

The problem with peace negotiations is always that the perpetrators of war represent the only hope for a resolution. In the case of Yemen, the talks are being conducted by the very same warring parties that led the nation into what is currently the world′s greatest humanitarian crisis. Commentary by Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Interview with Karl-Otto Zentel, General Secretary of CARE Deutschland

Yemen – what is the world waiting for?

With the latest round of peace talks aimed at ending the war in Yemen underway in Sweden, Karl-Otto Zentel, General Secretary of CARE Deutschland, gives his own assessment of the civil war and the chances for peace. Interview by Carsten Gruen
By Carsten Gruen
Turkey and the Gulen movement

Erdogan seizes the school initiative

Since the attempted coup in Turkey, President Erdogan has been pressing foreign nations to hand over schools run by the Gulen movement. Although many countries have entrusted control of the schools to the Turkish Maarif Foundation, the controversial movement continues to enjoy protection. By Ulrich von Schwerin
By Ulrich von Schwerin