Joe Biden
All topics-
The fate of Europe's unwanted Afghans
"Deportee Central" – a seedy hotel in downtown Kabul
Even in times of war and pandemic, refugees are still being deported to Afghanistan. Several deportation flights have taken place in recent weeks alone. Since those affected often have nothing to go back to, many of them end up in a seedy hotel in downtown Kabul. Emran Feroz reports from the Afghan capital
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China in the Middle East
Beijing's new charm offensive
The last week in March saw China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit six countries in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Bahrain. Two initiatives in particular are sending the clearest signal yet that China may be gearing up to play a greater political role in the Middle East. By James M. Dorsey
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Iran-China 25-year Cooperation Programme
The Islamic Republic's timely vaccine against U.S. pressure?
On 27 March, Iran and China signed a 25-year accord intended to foster "strategic co-operation". Despite ongoing uncertainty over the deal's actual scope, content and chances of realisation, the agreement has been hailed by Iranian officials as nothing less than a game-changer when it comes to securing the interests of the Islamic Republic. By Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni
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Political turbulence in Turkey
Turkey's President Erdogan under pressure
The economy in crisis, approval ratings at an all-time low, rising tension within government ranks: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is currently under massive pressure. Nevertheless, the USA and the EU seem to be coming to his rescue. By Marion Sendker in Istanbul
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U.S.-Saudi relations
Joe Biden's recalibration
Former U.S. President Donald Trump often publicly humiliated the Saudi leadership, benefiting neither America nor the kingdom. His successor Joe Biden's softer approach, based on mutual interests, will prove more salutary and enduring. By Bernard Haykel
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Six years of Yemen conflict
Nearly 700,000 Yemenis expected to flee their homes this year
With the world's worst humanitarian crisis now entering its seventh year, the United Nations predicts that another 672,000 people could be displaced by the end of 2021 if the current level of violence continues. Already this year, 834 civilian homes have been hit by gun violence.
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Saudi Arabia, MbS and dissent
Who’s afraid of Princess Basmah?
With Trump out of office, Saudi Arabi’s Crown Prince MbS has lost one of his key protectors. Dissidents are seizing their opportunity to muster support. The latest case to be brought to international attention is that of a Saudi princess and her daughter, abducted and held without charge. By Jannis Hagmann
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Jamal Khashoggi's murder and U.S. intelligence
Mohammed bin Salman – from darling to international pariah?
U.S. President Biden has announced he will be excluding Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from future talks between Washington and Saudi Arabia. Is this just lip service that will soon be subsumed by Saudi Arabia’s powerful bargaining position? Analysis for Qantara.de by Karim El-Gawhary
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Appealing to U.S. President Joe Biden
Tawakkol Karman: Ending the Yemen war requires U.S. action
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman says the time has come to pressure Saudi Arabia and the UAE to withdraw from Yemen so that the country can resume the peace process and restore a Yemeni state. Interview by Rafiah Al Talei
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Joe Biden and U.S. policy on Turkey
No more special privileges for Recep Tayyip Erdogan
The foreign policy direction favoured by Washington's new incumbent is putting a strain on relations with Turkey. The two nations look set to clash over a whole host of issues, from human rights concerns to the S 400 Russian missile system, Ronald Meinardus writes in his analysis for Qantara.de
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Arabellion and the advent of Joe Biden
Yemen 10 years after the Arab Spring – never lose hope
Yemen's Arab Spring uprisings led to a raging civil war that has inflicted immense suffering on the population for the past seven years. Will the United States' halt on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and a new envoy help bring peace? By Jennifer Holleis
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Iranian Faezeh Hashemi, Rafsanjani's daughter, speaks out
Will the Islamic Republic ever get a female president?
Iran's social media was buzzing in January when, Faezeh Hashemi, daughter of Iran’s former President Rafsanjani gave a controversial interview, striking a chord with many Iranians. Questioning the merits of Tehran’s regional policy of "resistance" pursued by the late General Soleimani, Hashemi went on to assert that it will take sustained pressure to change the Islamic Republic’s policies. By Ali Fathollah-Nejad