Muslim Brotherhood
All topics-
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 So it is good news that, from Saudi Arabia to Israel to Iraq, religion is increasingly being superseded by strategic and security interests in shaping regional affairs.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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Khalifa Haftar's role in the Libyan civil war
The fight against political Islam
The news that General Khalifa Haftar had been rushed to the military hospital in Paris on 5 April 2018 for the treatment of a serious health problem caused a variety of reactions in Libya: shock and anxiety on one side; jubilance and rejoicing on the other. To his supporters, he is the "Saviour of Libya"; to his adversaries, the "new Gaddafi". Farag Al Esha provides a portrait of this controversial figure
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Qatari foreign relations
The point of no return?
The crisis between Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on the one hand and Qatar on the other appears to be approaching tipping point. The possibility of Doha's departure from the GCC and new alliances with Turkey and Iran is likely to trigger major shifts in the regionʹs balance of power. By Stasa Salacanin
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Islamist ideology debunked
Getting past the abuse
Many efforts to provide counter-narratives for Salafist-jihadism are currently failing to address extremists′ abuse of religious scripture directly. Nevertheless, efforts to combat extremism through religious counter-narratives are expanding across the Islamic world. By Rachel Bryson and Milo Comerford
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Saudi Arabian and UAE foreign policy
A finger in every pie
When it comes to furthering their own interests, few political actors are currently attempting to influence developments in the Middle East and North Africa on so many fronts as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). By Matthias Sailer
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The role of Egypt′s armed forces
A military empire
After the Arab spring, the Egyptian military gained unprecedented influence. Able to count on the financial support of several Gulf monarchies, it maintains tight control of the political arena and the Egyptian economy. By Ingy Salama
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Accusations against Tariq Ramadan
Yet to be proven
Following allegations of sexual assault, police in France took renowned Islam scholar Tariq Ramadan into custody for questioning last Wednesday. Two women say he raped them. By Bachir Amroune
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Turkish exiles′ news portal "Ahval"
Hardly politically neutral
Dissident Turkish journalists have taken refuge with foreign information platforms. The latest of these, in Arabic, has some rather dubious supporters however. By Joseph Croitoru
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Voter apathy in Jordan
An open invitation
Low voter turnout in local elections intended to de-centralise governance in Jordan disproportionately boosted Islamists′ fortunes – something which may ultimately have more impact than the intended decentralisation. Commentary by Kirk H. Sowell
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Enlightenment in the Islamic world
Refuting the 'westernisation' narrative
In his latest work, essayist and seasoned correspondent Christopher de Bellaigue presents the Islamic world in the 19th century in a new light. His main thrust? The Islamic Middle East did indeed experience its own genuine Enlightenment. By Arnold Hottinger
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Literature versus reality
Author Mansoura Ez-Eldin: Chasing fata morganas
She fought for renewal and lost her illusions. In a very personal text, Egyptian writer Mansoura Ez-Eldin explains how literature accompanied her through a time of radical change
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Egypt′s Muslim Brotherhood
The seed of violence
Formerly Egypt′s strongest and most organised opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood is now banned. It has also lost its function as a role model for Egypt′s youth, who no longer believe in the non-violent tactics preached by the Brotherhood′s exiled former leadership. By Paolo Gonzaga