Politics

Middle East: Is there a solution to the endless conflict?

Welcome to Abraham/Ibrahim

Who invented it? The Swiss. Why it might be worth looking to the Swiss Confederation in the search for a solution to the Middle East conflict
By Aref Hajjaj
Arabian Peninsula

Dawn of a new era in the Gulf

Political scientist Sebastian Sons describes in his new book how societies on the Arabian Peninsula are undergoing multiple changes simultaneously as they search for a new identity
By Thomas Demmelhuber
Anti-Assad protests in Syria's Sweida governate

New wave of violence after protester death?

Locals in southern Syria have been protesting peacefully for months now, despite their government's brutal crackdown. But in late February, for the first time, a demonstrator was killed
By Cathrin Schaer, Omar Albam
Prospects for peace in the Middle East

The search for the Middle East formula

Without rights for the Palestinians, there can be neither security for Israelis nor stability in the Middle East. There are four possible future scenarios
By Karim El-Gawhary
Ramadan in East Jerusalem and Gaza

"It feels more like a wake"

For many Palestinians this year's holy month is likely to be a sombre one. There is concern that tensions could spill over in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem.
By Tania Krämer
Israelis for Peace in Berlin

"Anything is better than Netanyahu"

For seven weeks now, left-wing activist Nimrod Flaschenberg and other like-minded Israelis have been demonstrating outside Germany's foreign ministry
By Mohammed Magdy
War propaganda in Israel and the Arab world

Spewing poison in both directions

In addition to the actual warfare in Gaza, another, lesser known burden is weighing on the prospects for a better future in the Middle East. Influential media channels are lending support to the most radical forces on both sides of the conflict
By Stefan Buchen
Israel, Hamas and the war in Gaza

Seven uncomfortable truths

Anyone wanting to fully understand the current Middle East crisis must face up to realities on the ground. For many, however, this is at odds with the schematic picture they have in their heads. Here are seven uncomfortable truths crucial to de-escalating the situation and finding a solution
By Kristin Helberg
UNRWA and humanitarian aid

EU releases frozen funds for Palestinians

The EU Commission intends to transfer 82 million euros to the UN Palestinian relief organisation UNRWA. Payments had been suspended following Israel's accusation that UNRWA was involved in Hamas terrorism
By Bernd Riegert
Iran elections

Why Tehran may announce a fake voter turnout

Banned from the streets, the protests in Iran continue. This week's elections will reflect just how much – or how little – popular support the Islamic Republic still enjoys
By
Pakistan election aftermath

What next for Indo-Pakistan relations?

Islamabad's frail new ruling coalition will need the blessing of Pakistan's military before attempting to improve ties with New Delhi
By Murali Krishnan
Women in Turkey's local elections

Believe in the power of women!

As Turkey heads towards local elections in March, Qantara.de contributor Ayse Karabat has been helping train female hopefuls seeking to race in these and future elections in a country where women's representation in politics remains staggeringly low. A special report
By Ayşe Karabat