Politics

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
U.S. de-certifies Iran nuclear deal

Tread softly, President Trump

Notwithstanding the dreadful mistake of de-certification, Trump can keep the deal on life support if he does not immediately re-impose sanctions. This would give the other five powers the time needed to work collectively with Iran and reach a new agreement. Commentary by Alon Ben-Meir
By Alon Ben-Meir
Interview with Israeli author Amos Oz

"I want peace"

Amos Oz, one of Israel's greatest living authors, has also been a pre-eminent peace activist and remains a passionate advocate of a two-state solution in his homeland. In interview with Sarah Judith Hofmann, Oz reveals how he believes peace can be achieved
By Sarah Judith Hofmann
Interview with German politician Raed Saleh

Beware of "anti-Semites in Armani suits"

Anti-Semitism is not unique to Arab immigrants. Muslim SPD politician Raed Saleh warns that the current debate could be exploited to stir up inter-religious conflict. Interview by Astrid Prange
By Astrid Prange
Radical Islamism

Negotiating with jihadists?

In Asia and Africa, Muslim terrorists are regarded as combatants with concerns that should be taken seriously. Experts advise dialogue in lieu of extermination. By Charlotte Wiedemann
By Charlotte Wiedemann
Geopolitics in the Middle East

End the Arab-Iranian tug-of-war

You can’t change regional geography, notes the political analyst Khaled Hroub. Iran and the Arabs will always be neighbours, but we can change and re-shape history and politics. The common interest must therefore lie in ending the period of conflict and moving towards co-operation and regional security
By Khaled Hroub