Politics

European trade with Iran

"Now we're backpedalling"

The United States has begun pressurising European companies to halt doing business with Iran. Many companies have already acted to avoid the threat of U.S. sanctions in the event of "prohibited business". Details from Stefan Buchen
By Stefan Buchen
Malaysiaʹs Mahathir targets corruption

Graft links to the Gulf

Newly elected Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir is adopting policies that could re-shape the southeast Asian nationʹs relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. By James M. Dorsey
By James M. Dorsey
Rescuing the nuclear deal with Iran

Europe should negotiate without the U.S.

After Donald Trumpʹs breach of the nuclear agreement with Iran, Germany, France and Great Britain should negotiate a comprehensive security framework with Iran based on the existing agreement, says Volker Perthes
By Volker Perthes
Turkey's snap election

The calculus of alliances

The upcoming ballot in Turkey on 24 June will be a race between the People's Alliance, formed to keep Erdogan president, versus the Nation Alliance, which aims to beat him or at least win a parliamentary majority. The result, however, depends on a third party, the pro-Kurdish HDP. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
By Ayşe Karabat
Saudi Arabia and the West

Europe's window of opportunity

A new social contract is being drawn up in Saudi Arabia. This presents Germany and its EU partners with new opportunities. But if these are to be properly utilised, they should demonstrate greater commitment to defusing the conflict with Iran. By Matthias Sailer
By Matthias Sailer
Khalifa Haftar's role in the Libyan civil war

The fight against political Islam

The news that General Khalifa Haftar had been rushed to the military hospital in Paris on 5 April 2018 for the treatment of a serious health problem caused a variety of reactions in Libya: shock and anxiety on one side; jubilance and rejoicing on the other. To his supporters, he is the "Saviour of Libya"; to his adversaries, the "new Gaddafi". Farag Al Esha provides a portrait of this controversial figure
By Faraj Alasha
Gaza protests

Inescapable vortex of violence

For several days, major rioting at the ongoing campaign of protests by Palestinians overshadowed celebratory events in Israel marking the 70th anniversary of the state's foundation. As a result of the deadly clashes, there have been increasingly vociferous calls around the world for an independent inquiry. By Inge Günther
By Inge Günther
Iraqʹs political future

Entering a new era

The recent elections in Iraq mark a dramatic turning point in the countryʹs political fortunes. New party alliances – in particular the Sairun list led by influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr – have emerged victorious from the polls. Birgit Svensson reports from Baghdad
By Birgit Svensson
Deal drop triggers power struggle in Iran

Trump gifts the hawks of Tehran

By pulling out of the nuclear deal with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has played into the hands of Tehranʹs hardliners. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is now under pressure to salvage the agreement with its European signatories and prevent an escalation in the region. Commentary by Ulrich von Schwerin
By Ulrich von Schwerin
U.S. de-certifies Iran nuclear deal

Madmen at the helm

Neither international politics nor the self-healing powers within the United States system of government seem to be able to prevent an American war against Iran. It may now only be the civil societies of Iran and Israel that are still in a position to do this, says Stefan Buchen
By Stefan Buchen
The Abbas controversy

No excuse for anti-Semitism

On 30 April, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a long speech in front of the troubled Palestinian National Council. Abdalhadi Alijla explains why the ongoing caesura in negotiations with Israel can never serve to justify racist remarks
By Abdalhadi Alijla
Election fallout in Lebanon

Co-operation is key

Although the Hezbollah-led coalition won the recent elections in Lebanon, the result also makes it clear that political exclusion is in no-oneʹs best interests. Memories of the nation’s own civil war are still too vivid. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary