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Old wounds and new problems on "Syria Street"

Syria Street in Tripoli, Lebanon's second-largest city, was a microcosm of the Syrian Civil War for many years. Nowadays, a fragile calm hides the complexities of Lebanon's past and the resilience of its people

When the water buffalo die

Iraq is one of the nations hardest hit by climate change. But the 'land between the two rivers' isn't just drying out, it's also battling groundwater contamination as a result of oil production

Aisha al-Mana – the first woman to drive a car in Riyadh

When people talk about feminism in the Middle East, they usually mean women in Cairo, Beirut or Damascus. Saudi-Arabia, on the other hand, rarely gets a mention. Local activist Aisha al-Mana proved a trailblazer for women in the region

Europe can still make a difference

The European Union is faced with the challenge of finding a common line towards the Middle East that both takes into account the different national positions and promotes a coherent foreign policy. How can this be realized?

Qantara.de at ifa - Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen

Dear readers, ifa - Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen has been implementing Qantara.de since 1 July 2024. Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the transition.

Relationship status difficult

A more active role for Turkey in NATO, as demanded by the Turkish government, would be appropriate in view of the geopolitical challenges, but is meeting resistance within the alliance. How can the defence alliance achieve greater unity?

Forcing the "Iron Lady" into exile

It all began with student protests against a quota law: Eventually, military pressure forced Bangladesh's long-time prime minister into exile. Student-led agitations and political movements have a long history in Bangladesh, even before the birth of the nation in 1971.

Moving forward into the past

The cabinet of new Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has disappointed those who voted for change. Pezeshkian’s voters had only modest expectations – less oppression of women and easier access to the internet – but in the Islamic Republic, everything remains the same.

The rule of law and its careless enemies

Those who turn to Assad or the Taliban instead of the German constitutional state when it comes to questions of security, fail to understand what makes those regimes tick.

The spiral of violence escalates

The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah is a drastic event. The Islamic Republic seems determined to take revenge, and a new armed conflict against Israel cannot be ruled out. In addition, everything the new president had promised is obsolete for the time being.