Most recent articles by Cathrin Schaer
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Syrians in LebanonNot safe to stay, not safe to go home
Desperate Syrians are weighing up whether to stay in an increasingly hostile Lebanon or risk a precarious existence in areas held by the Syrian opposition. The return journey is deadly and conditions in Syria are tough
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USA and Saudi ArabiaNuclear 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
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Palestinian statehoodWhat'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
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Dangerous Instagram?Iraqi LGBTQ+ community loses safe space
It was always double-edged, but in Iraq, social media was often a comparatively safe place where the local queer community could meet. Recent amendments to Iraqi law are changing all that
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Iran drone attacksWhy did some Arab countries help Israel?
Some analysts saw the fact that Arab nations helped Israel and the U.S. repel a major Iranian attack as cause for celebration. Countries like Jordan have, however, more complicated motivations for coming to Israel's aid
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Israel's offensive in RafahWhat would make Egypt open its border to Palestinians?
As an Israeli military campaign causes casualties in densely crowded Rafah, near the Egyptian border, Egypt is under increasing pressure to admit displaced Palestinians
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Yemen, USA and the war in GazaHouthi 'terrorist' label a threat to Yemen aid?
Houthi rebels in Yemen have been designated a "terrorist group" once before. Back in 2021, aid organisations said they feared the impact on "one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world". So what's changed?
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Israel-Hamas warArab attitudes are hardening against Israel
The prospect of normalised relations between Israel and Arab nations is fading as public anger at Israel's on-going bombardment of Gaza grows. Could it lead to radicalisation or violent extremism in the Middle East?
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Israel's goal in GazaCan Hamas really be completely 'eliminated'?
The short answer, military analysts say, is "no". The long answer is more complex. Israel's campaign may degrade the group's capabilities, but defeating its ideology is likely impossible without a political solution
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Sudan crisisMass displacement and death
Over the past month, the conflict between two military groups in Sudan has reached what experts say is a grim turning point. The country's future is even more unclear
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Cinema showcase in MoroccoArab women filmmakers challenge Western preconceptions
Female filmmakers from across the Middle East are increasingly being recognised and celebrated. But the challenges they face are not always what you might expect
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COP28 in the United Arab EmiratesHow will the Israel-Hamas conflict impact the UN climate summit?
As the UN's annual climate conference convenes, the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza is casting a long shadow. Observers suggest the conflict will impact regional cooperation and the future of Middle East environment policies