Most recent articles by Cathrin Schaer
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Iran drone attacks
Why 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 Rafah
What 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 Gaza
Houthi '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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Cinema showcase in Morocco
Arab 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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Israel-Hamas war
Arab 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 Gaza
Can 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 crisis
Mass 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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COP28 in the United Arab Emirates
How 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
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Arab popular support for Gaza
How pro-Palestinian protests threaten Middle East autocrats
In some Middle Eastern countries, pro-Palestinian rallies recall pro-democracy protests from 2011. Now, the region's authoritarian leaders are worried the conflict in Gaza could alter the political status quo at home
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Hamas-Israel conflict
Which nation could mediate over Gaza?
The United States, European Union, Russia and China want to help end Israel's conflict with Hamas. However, writes Cathrin Schaer, Middle Eastern states are the ones who will need to step up for humanitarian and diplomatic reasons
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Saudi Arabia and the Khashoggi murder
Still no justice
Far from a pariah state after the assassination of the Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia features ever more prominently on the world stage. How do Saudi activists keep fighting when the world is looking away? By Cathrin Schaer
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Libya's Derna
A city known for rebellion – and neglect
Before the September 10 storm and flooding killed thousands, Libya's eastern port of Derna was best known for its revolutionary thinking, Islamist extremists and coastal scenery. Now the city is fighting for its very survival. By Cathrin Schaer