Politics

Indonesia′s gubernatorial elections

The tolerance litmus test

In future, Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia will be governed by a Muslim: during recent elections, the sitting Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, was beaten by his Muslim opponent Anies Baswedan. Christina Schott reports from Jakarta
By Christina Schott
Turkey post-referendum

Reconciliation – not a chance!

The referendum campaign has polarised Turkey in a way rarely seen, but instead of seeking balance and reconciliation, Erdogan immediately announced further referenda on the death penalty and EU accession talks. A risky tactic, argues Ulrich von Schwerin
By Ulrich von Schwerin
Erdogan’s post-referendum Turkey

Divided, now rule

By expanding his powers through a slim, contested victory in Sunday's referendum, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan has consolidated his rule – over a nation bound for social turmoil. Diego Cupolo reports from Ankara
By Diego Cupolo
Interview with Iranian women's rights activist Mahboubeh Abbasgholizadeh

″No woman can be worse than Ahmadinejad″

On 19 May, Iranians will elect their next president. Once again, it will be a man. In interview with Mitra Shodjaie, women's rights activist Mahboubeh Abbasgholizadeh says this has to change
By Mitra Shodjaie
U.S. missile strike in Syria

Trump turns the table

Last week U.S. President Donald Trump turned the table on the Syrians. All those who were seated at it, comfortably or even dozing, have now stood up with a start and are wondering what all the broken crockery means for them. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Assad and the rise of IS

My enemy's enemy

Willing to co-operate with terrorists as and when it suits him, Assad has intentionally shaped the course of the Syrian conflict. Nor does IS have the monopoly on committing atrocities against civilians, as the regime's repeated use of chemical weapons, most recently near Idlib, reveals. By Hakim Khatib
By Hakim Khatib
Germany′s ′Nazi′ methods

Erdogan – the expert on democracy

In likening present-day Germany to the Nazi era, Recep Tayyip Erdogan demonstrates that his ignorance of Germany is on a par with his ignorance of Nazism. As the Lebanese journalist Hazem Saghieh writes, it is a glaring example of the illiteracy that is prevalent among politicians in the Middle East
By Hazem Saghieh
Islamism in Mali

Between fear and disappointment

Gao was once regarded as a jihadist stronghold. French intervention at the beginning of 2013 managed to quash the rebel insurgency, yet there has been little stability since. Mali continues to be shaken by attacks despite the presence of UN blue helmets. By Katrin Gansler
By Katrin Gänsler
′Pharaoh′ Mubarak′s acquittal

Some are more equal

While ex-dictator Hosni Mubarak – who has apparently got off scot-free – will not be called to account for the deaths of hundreds of demonstrators, democracy activists released from detention such as Ahmed Maher continue to suffer harassment at the hands of the legal system. Karim El-Gawhary reports from Cairo
By Karim El-Gawhary
Morocco's monarchy and the conflict with the PJD

All power to the palace

After a five-month deadlock during which Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane was unable to form a coalition government, he has been ousted by King Mohammed VI, showing his increasing unwillingness to tolerate any ruler beside himself. An analysis by Moroccan dissident and journalist Ali Anouzla
By Ali Anouzla
Another year of civil war in Syria

Nothing short of scandalous

Six years on and the European Union still has no coherent plan when it comes to Syria. Even the possibility of co-operating with Russia continues to be ignored. Commentary by Omid Nouripour
By Omid Nouripour
The Maghreb

A regional time bomb

With the lack of sustainable development and social progress, political stability is at risk in the Maghreb. Instability may have fatal consequences for Europe. Commentary by Nassir Djafari
By Nassir Djafari