Politics

Drones and the attacks on Aramco facilities in Saudi Arabia
Drones and the attacks on Aramco facilities in Saudi Arabia

The ‘Kalashnikov of the skies’ is changing the equation of warfare, equipping non-state actors with unprecedented aerial capabilities. Iran has found a cheap way to arm its vassals, though development of drone systems doesn’t follow a straight path.

Iraqi militias and the Aramco attack in Saudi Arabia
Iraqi militias and the Aramco attack in Saudi Arabia

Despite the warmongering rhetoric following Aramco attacks, Iraq's Prime Minister remains committed to preserving Iraq’s neutrality. Will the shield of the Iraqi security forces suffice to keep the various PMF factions in line and out of trouble?

Abd al-Fattah as-Sisi
An analysis of Egypt’s war on ISIS in the Sinai

While being defeated in Iraq and Syria, the so-called Islamic State still fights on in other regions. In the Sinai they appear to hold their ground – despite a brutal crackdown by the country's military.

Razzia gegen kurdische Bürgermeister in der Türkei
Crackdown on Kurdish mayors in Turkey

The purge of HDP-led councils in southeastern Turkey ultimately raises the stakes for restarting negotiations. And that explains why the Kurds paid the price for it.

The War in Libya and the Battle for Tripoli
The War in Libya and the Battle for Tripoli

As foreign arms fuel the conflict for control of Libya’s western capital, the mood in Tripoli is one of defiance – and resignation.

Interview mit Fabrice Balanche über den Kampf um Idlib und die Türkei und Russland in Syrien
The crisis in Idlib and Syrian between Turkey, Iran and Russia

Nearly a million people are caught up between the battle lines in Idlib. French Syria expert Fabrice Balanche explains why Russia’s deal with Erdoğan failed, and yet Moscow still holds all the cards.

Parade in Teheran zum Jahrestag der Revolution in Iran
Iran sanctions and Islamic Revolution anniversary

Stuck in the present and with no viable perspective for positive change, Iranian citizens feel powerless. Worse, we can expect things to stay as they are, until change will come – suddenly, and possibly from a direction we do not expect.

Interview with analyst Anahit Shirinyan on Armenia
Interview with analyst Anahit Shirinyan on Armenia

In 2018, the “velvet revolution” turned Armenia’s political landscape upside down. Political analyst Anahit Shirinyan talks about the intricacies of manoeuvring between Russia, Iran and the US and kickstarting the peace process in Nagorno Karabakh.