Politics

Israeli peace activist Yoav Peck on the Gaza war

"I am appalled by the hard-heartedness"

Peace activist and former Sulha Peace Project director Yoav Peck talks about the Gaza war, the hardening of the fronts in Israel – and his vision for the future
By Marian Brehmer
Germany's multicultural society

Racism 'on the rise' 20 years after NSU bombing

On 9 June 2004, a nail bomb exploded in the heart of a bustling Turkish community in Cologne. German officials quickly rejected the notion that the attack was motivated by racism – and they accused the victims instead
By Melis Yuksel
Israel, the USA and the Islamic Republic

Understanding Iran's "offensive-defensive" strategy

April 2024 not only saw Iran's unprecedented direct assault on Israel but also a violent crackdown on women in Iran refusing to wear the hijab. So what is behind Tehran's conflicting sense of hubris and insecurity?
By Ali Fathollah-Nejad
Biden's plan for a Middle East ceasefire

What Gaza exit strategy?

U.S. President Biden's plan to end the war in Gaza ignores important questions. As long as it is not clear who will control the Gaza Strip once the war is over, there will be no lasting solution. An analysis
By Karim El-Gawhary
USA and Saudi Arabia

Nuclear deal likely to prompt a Middle East arms race?

One part of a predicted, closer U.S.-Saudi relationship is particularly controversial. Experts fear Saudi Arabia may use a civilian nuclear energy programme, supported by the U.S., to develop their own atomic bombs
By Cathrin Schaer
Arrest warrants for Netanyahu and the Hamas leadership?

U.S. imperialism and the "kangaroo court"

The request for arrest warrants against Israel's prime minister and defence minister as well as three Hamas leaders is undoubtedly a historic step. For the first time, the head of state of a U.S. ally could stand trial
By Shady Lewis Botros
Islamists in Idlib

Syrian protesters rise up against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

Opponents of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad seeking refuge in Idlib are now protesting against local Islamist hardliners Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The group is accused of becoming increasingly dictatorial
By Diana Hodali
War in the Middle East

Women for peace

Israeli and Palestinian women have joined forces and are calling for a negotiated solution to the Middle East conflict. They say it is the only alternative to the murderous war
By Inge Günther
Book review: Joseph Croitoru on Hamas

The dark power of the "liberators"

How did Hamas come to rule over the Gaza Strip? And what developments led to 7 October? Historian Joseph Croitoru has the answers. His level-headed assessment of the facts lends this book a particular importance.
By René Wildangel
International Criminal Court

What would an arrest warrant mean for Israeli PM Netanyahu?

The International Criminal Court could issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his defence minister and three Hamas leaders. If it does, what are the potential consequences?
By Jeannette Cwienk
Palestinian statehood

What's the impact of the recognition of a Palestinian state?

Whether or not to recognise a Palestinian state is a decades-old debate. Advocates say the move would have legal and symbolic power, but critics argue it would not change the situation on the ground
By Cathrin Schaer
Death sentence for Rapper Toomaj

Tehran's legitimacy crisis

The rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to death in Iran. His case shows how the regime is fighting to maintain its power, and against whom
By Stefan Buchen