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.
Politics
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.
Taliban and the Shia leader Mawlawi Mahdi
For the first time, the Taliban announce the appointment of a Shia Hazara as district governor. Is this a strategic calculation or does it indicate an opening up of the group that has thus far dominated by Pashtuns?
Iran and Turkey and the Corona Pandemic
by Walter Posch
Semi-authoritarian regimes throughout the Middle East are looking for ways to combine the fight against coronavirus, populism and crisis management – and to weaken their opponents. To that end, Iran and Turkey are treading a similar path.
Government Formation in Iraq
For five whole months Iraq has waited for a new government – will Mustafa al-Kadhimi be the one to break the deadlock? The prime minister designate has limited room to manoeuvre. But Tehran is feeling the pressure, too.
Security and Jihadism in the Lake Chad Region
Terror, organised crime, civil war over the border. A perfect storm is brewing over Chad and its much-praised army. The country’s president Idriss Déby now has to fight on several fronts – and seems poorly prepared.