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Interview with Thomas Ruttig
Afghanistan's democracy in reverse gear
Afghanistan expert Thomas Ruttig says that in the West's battle with the Taliban, too much focus has been placed for too long on political allies with problematic credentials: many warlords are still armed and have never faced prosecution for past offences. Despite being non-democrats, they control democratic institutions to this day. Interview by Hans Spross
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Yazidis mourn their devastated community
Sinjar is not Mosul
Where can Iraq's Yazidis live in the future? Their home, Sinjar, has been liberated, but the Islamic State genocide that began on 3 August 2014, has left an indelible mark on their city. Sandra Petersmann reports
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Assad and the future of northern Syria
Syriaʹs Kurds hold the cards
International politics are subject to strange twists and turns. As Middle East expert Neville Teller writes, with a shared enemy and perceived advantages from co-operation, the outcome of current negotiations between the Syrian Democractic Council and Damascus could well be a continued Assad presidency, sustained by Kurdish support
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Israeli-Palestinian conflict
U.S. aid cuts bite in Gaza
UNRWA, the relief agency for Palestinian refugees, is feeling the crunch since the United States, its main donor, slashed its contributions. The crisis comes amid a military escalation between Hamas and Israel. Tania Kraemer reports from Gaza
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Iranʹs dilemma
Securing a slice of post-war Syria
Contrary to international hopes for a peaceful solution following the fall of Islamic State, Syria has become a military polygon for global and regional powers, increasing the risk of inter-state war. This is especially true in southern Syria, where Assad troops and forces controlled by Iran operate in close proximity to Israeli lines. By Stasa Salacanin
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Syrian conflict
Damage limitation? Assad's death notices for the missing
Families of Syrian detainees are just now finding out that their loved ones died in custody years ago. Recent moves by Bashar Assad's government to update civil registries is little more than a cynical attempt to cover up its own atrocities. By Lewis Sanders IV and Emad Hassan
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Non-fiction: Stefan Weidner on the future of the West
Next-level cosmopolitanism
With this major work, Stefan Weidner presents an impressive historical and philosophical canvas depicting the battle for the West. His aim is to help us bid farewell to the West as we know it and attentively curate its legacy. By Reginald Grunenberg
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Album review: Mitra Sumaraʹs "Tahdig"
Taking chances for change
Founded by lead singer Yvette Saatchi Perez, Mitra Sumara aims to present positive aspects of Iranian culture to the West. While the American government might be making attempts to vilify Iran as a country, the band are doing their best to enlighten people about this country's unique music heritage. By Richard Marcus
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Geopolitical alliances in the Middle East
Religionʹs waning role
Todayʹs turmoil in the Middle East is rooted largely in historical legacies and poor leadership, but the influence of religion hasnʹt helped. So it is good news that, from Saudi Arabia to Israel to Iraq, religion is increasingly being superseded by strategic and security interests in shaping regional affairs. By Shlomo Ben-Ami
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Iran and the West
Big little Satan
Iranʹs dangerously powerful image among its adversaries in the region reflects not only the decline of the USA, but also the Islamic Republicʹs success at eluding Western influence since 1979. By Charlotte Wiedemann
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Londonʹs Mfest and the anthology "Donʹt Panic, Iʹm Islamic"
The first great anti-Trump book
The Mfest finale –"Donʹt Panic, Iʹm Islamic: Extreme Comedy NOW!" – held in London at the end of April was an hour-long event. Concluding a three-day festival which paid tribute to Muslim culture and ideas, the entertaining and thought-provoking finale gave festivalgoers a chance to laugh and let off steam. By Susannah Tarbush
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Muslims in the USA: Iftar against deportation
Muslims meet in New York to celebrate the breaking of the fast together, combining iftar with a demonstration to draw attention to the situation of immigrants in the USA who are threatened with deportation. By Viola Roser