United Nations (UN)
All topics-
Myanmar′s persecution of the Rohingya
Existentially naked
The campaign of ethnic cleansing now being carried out against Myanmar′s Rohingya confronts the world with one of those moments that seem to arrive unannounced. Surely, by now, we should be able to recognise in such episodes the accelerating pulse of genocide? By Bernard Henri-Levy
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Reconstruction in Syria
The next battleground
The Syrian regime is turning to reconstruction to boost legitimacy and consolidate control, a process that also benefits its external allies. By Bernedetta Berti
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Iran and the USA
Trump's UN debut: The axis of evil is back
The USA no longer accepts the nuclear agreement with Iran in its current form and instead wants to renegotiate elements of the international treaty. President Hassan Rouhani now has to manoeuvre between Trump and the radicals at home – hoping all the while that Europe will act as mediator. A commentary by Ali Sadrzadeh
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The Syrian conflict
Mendacious diplomacy
As the war in Syria rolls on and civilians continue to die, caught in the deadly crossfire of a multi-front conflict, the Syrian military and political opposition – bowing to intense international diplomatic pressure – has been dragged into political negotiations that lack the minimum conditions for success. Essay by Burhan Ghalioun, former chairman of the Syrian opposition Transitional National Council
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Islamism in Mali
Between fear and disappointment
Gao was once regarded as a jihadist stronghold. French intervention at the beginning of 2013 managed to quash the rebel insurgency, yet there has been little stability since. Mali continues to be shaken by attacks despite the presence of UN blue helmets. By Katrin Gansler
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Another year of civil war in Syria
Nothing short of scandalous
Six years on and the European Union still has no coherent plan when it comes to Syria. Even the possibility of co-operating with Russia continues to be ignored. Commentary by Omid Nouripour
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Civil war in Libya
Forever at loggerheads
After one year in office, Libya′s Government of National Accord is on the verge of collapse. While its ministers are trying to maintain order in the capital, the armed opposition is challenging them for strategic positions. At the same time, the government is involved in a proxy war with the East Libyan army. Valerie Stocker reports from Tripoli
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Interview with the Tunisian musician Anouar Brahem
″Merely a staging-post for refugees″
Tunisian oud virtuoso Anouar Brahem regards the situation of refugees in Tunisia as especially precarious. The country is barely in a position to provide for the basic needs of its own citizens, let alone those of the refugees
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Young people and protests in the Arab world
So shall you reap
In many Arab countries young people continue to feel neglected. The latest Arab Human Development Report claims that shifting demographics are incubating the next political crisis. By Kareem Chehayeb
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Middle East conflict
Empty rhetoric
The West likes to repeat its criticism of Israel's settlement policy but does nothing to put a stop to it. That's why the two-state solution is just empty rhetoric, writes Joseph Croitoru
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The Syrian conflict
Priority revenge
The question is often asked what an Islamist rebel victory might mean for Syria's minorities. But what about the acts of revenge that are to be expected from Bashar al-Assad? A commentary by Bente Scheller
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Euro MP Barbara Lochbihler on the Mosul offensive
″Further conflict is inevitable″
In interview with Friedel Taube, German EU parliamentarian Barbara Lochbihler points out that the liberation of Mosul does not necessarily mean peace. She would like to see a plan being drawn up for what happens next