China and the Middle East
The announcement of a strategic partnership agreement with Iran highlights China’s ultimate will to take a more assertive geopolitical role, even if this poses a direct challenge to US policies.
Politics
Reforms in Lebanon
Support for reforms in Lebanon is universal, but which reforms should be initiated and what stands in their way? Analysis by Maximilian Felsch.
The EU's Lebanon policy after the explosion in the port of Beirut
by Axel Müller
The EU needs to step up its long-term commitment in Lebanon after the Beirut explosion. Axel Müller has a few suggestions on what such a policy should entail.
The Nuclear Deal and Iran’s Parliament
by Mona Omidi
The White House arguments to trigger a snapback mechanism were rejected by UN officials and other parties to the JCPOA. A group of Iranian hardliner MPs endorsed them. But why?
Interview with Syria expert Bassma Kodmani
Syria expert Bassma Kodmani explains the recent conflict between Assad and his cousin Makhlouf – and calls on Europe to take advantage of Russia’s discontent with the Syrian regime.
Interview with Palestinian politician Mustafa Bargouti
In 2005 he was the only serious challenger to Mahmud Abbas. Mustafa Barghuthi explains to zenith why the constant postponement of elections weakens Ramallah's position - and why he calls Israel's Palestinian policy apartheid.
Interview with leading Fatah member Rawhi Fattouh
In 2005, Rawhi Fattouh oversaw the transition power following the death of Yasser Arafat. The leading Fatah politician tells zenith why Mahmoud Abbas’ succession has dragged on so long – and why Israel would be wise to accept the two-state solution.
EU, Security and Elections in Palestine
What happened to all of last year’s talk surrounding a possible election date in Palestine? One its most fervent cheerleaders was the EU, but their ongoing securitised agenda in Palestine means that elections do not equate to democracy.