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Interview with Kristin Helberg on the Syria conflict
Boundless cynicism
In conversation with Diana Hodali, Syria expert Kristin Helberg is critical of the fact that although the Europeans may be ready to take part in a military intervention in the Syrian conflict without a UN mandate if necessary, they insist on a UN mandate when it concerns the protection of civilians
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Book review: a ″Banthology″ of short stories
Framing the dangerous nations
Born in a difficult space, this seven-story collection celebrates the work of prose artists from Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and Iraq – the seven nations on Donald Trump′s January 2017 travel-ban diktat. Marcia Lynx Qualey read the book
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Resurgence in European populism
Itʹs an ill wind
The latest triumph of anti-European parties in Italy′s elections earlier this week makes one thing clear: populism in Europe is not yet on its way out. To what extent the EU is at risk of going under as a result, remains to be seen. By Zaki Laidi
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Book review: Samira Ahmedʹs "Love, hate and other filters"
A sense of not belonging
Samira Ahmedʹs novel "Love, hate and other filters" brings the reality of being the child of South East Asian immigrants in America to life in the guise of a young adult coming-of-age type story. Richard Marcus read the book
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War in Syria
Ending America′s disastrous role
Much of the carnage that has ravaged Syria during the past seven years is due to the actions of the United States and its allies in the Middle East. By Jeffrey D. Sachs
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Turkey′s Syrian offensive
A war of America′s making
Bereft of a coherent Syria policy, successive U.S. administrations have obsessed over targeting Islamic State (IS) without considering the full ramifications of their actions. Turkey′s incursion into northwestern Syria is just one consequence. Analysis by Barak Barfi
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Artists of Guantanamo
Prisoners at Guantanamo Bay don't have many liberties. Painting is one of the few activities they have been allowed to pursue in recent years. Last month an exhibition in New York showed a selection of their art works. By Heike Mund
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Trump's Pakistan outburst
Reckless tweets vs. democratic hopes
Pakistan′s slow progress towards developing a stable and inclusive political system faced new challenges in the second half of 2017 – now Donald Trump's tweets could make matters worse. If Pakistan continues to falter in 2018, the consequences will be felt across South Asia and the broader Muslim world. By Shahid Javed Burki
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Turkey′s incursion into Syria
The Kurdish quagmire
The last thing the conflict in Syria needed was more external intrusion and the opening of another front. Turkey′s Afrin offensive has provided both. Once again, the Western powers and Russia have managed to foster a dangerous escalation. Commentary by Tom Stevenson
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Trump's Jerusalem decision
Unleashing a new wave of radicalisation?
After 1967, jihadists and Islamists mobilised people by highlighting the victimisation of Muslims and Islam. In the wake of Trump's internationally condemned decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, jihadist and Islamist groups could now use Palestine as proof of their theory that there is a "war on Islam". Trump's declaration plays right into their hands. Commentary by Abdalhadi Alijla
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Turkish offensive in Syria
The poisoned olive branch
Turkey has launched its second military campaign in northern Syria. But this time it is not directed against Islamic State. Once again the Kurds are in the firing line. This move also has implications for relations with Russia. An analysis by Michael Martens
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U.S. policy on the Middle East
The imperial reflex
The United States believes it can enforce the policy of sanctions it has directed against Iran on the rest of the world as well. In no third country are the possible implications as grave as in Turkey, says Stefan Buchen in his analysis