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Israeli author Lizzie Doron on Independence Day
"Israel is facing crucial decisions"
Seventy years after the founding of the State of Israel, Lizzie Doron, author of "Who the Fuck is Kafka?", which traces the unlikely friendship of an Israeli and a Palestinian, walks through her evolving feelings over the years regarding 14 May
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Deal drop triggers power struggle in Iran
Trump gifts the hawks of Tehran
By pulling out of the nuclear deal with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has played into the hands of Tehranʹs hardliners. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is now under pressure to salvage the agreement with its European signatories and prevent an escalation in the region. Commentary by Ulrich von Schwerin
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U.S. de-certifies Iran nuclear deal
Madmen at the helm
Neither international politics nor the self-healing powers within the United States system of government seem to be able to prevent an American war against Iran. It may now only be the civil societies of Iran and Israel that are still in a position to do this, says Stefan Buchen
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The Abbas controversy
No excuse for anti-Semitism
On 30 April, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a long speech in front of the troubled Palestinian National Council. Abdalhadi Alijla explains why the ongoing caesura in negotiations with Israel can never serve to justify racist remarks
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U.S. de-certifies Iran nuclear deal
Tread softly, President Trump
Notwithstanding the dreadful mistake of de-certification, Trump can keep the deal on life support if he does not immediately re-impose sanctions. This would give the other five powers the time needed to work collectively with Iran and reach a new agreement. Commentary by Alon Ben-Meir
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Interview with Israeli author Amos Oz
"I want peace"
Amos Oz, one of Israel's greatest living authors, has also been a pre-eminent peace activist and remains a passionate advocate of a two-state solution in his homeland. In interview with Sarah Judith Hofmann, Oz reveals how he believes peace can be achieved
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U.S. policy on Iran
Middle East nightmare – made in Washington
According to essayist and media scientist Khaled Hroub, the United States may be talking to North Korea, but it is actively seeking war between Saudi Arabia and Iran
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U.S. politics in Syria
Trump, Syria – and the threat of regional conflagration
The withdrawal of the United States from Syria could spark a region-wide war. There are legitimate concerns that Israel might use the resulting vacuum as a pretext to intensify its attacks on Iran and Hezbollah in Syria. By Fawaz A. Gerges
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Yarmulke, mitre or veil: religious head coverings around the globe
Followers of various religions wear special head coverings to express their faith and show humility and dignity. Yarmulkes, mitres, veils and turbans are made of a great variety of materials. By Klaus Kramer
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Geopolitics in the Middle East
End the Arab-Iranian tug-of-war
You can’t change regional geography, notes the political analyst Khaled Hroub. Iran and the Arabs will always be neighbours, but we can change and re-shape history and politics. The common interest must therefore lie in ending the period of conflict and moving towards co-operation and regional security
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Political transformation under Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi Arabiaʹs perilous pivot
The politics of Mohammed bin Salman hardly bode well for the stability of the Middle East. The Saudi Crown Prince is taking an increasingly tough line against Iran and that countryʹs regional ambitions, thus exacerbating the Sunni-Shia divide. By Shlomo Avineri
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Syrian refugees
The burden of hospitality
Under increasing financial pressure, Syriaʹs neighbours – Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey – are pressuring Syrian refugees to return to their home country, whether conditions across the border are safe or not. By Jesse Marks