Middle East/North Africa | IPS Journal

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picture alliance / NurPhoto | Morteza Nikoubazl

Foreign and security policy

Axis of what now?

With their deterrence strategy in ruins, Iran’s leaders may face a historic choice: double down, or open up

By Marcus Schneider

picture alliance / NurPhoto | Telmo Pinto

Democracy and society

Endgame regime change?

Many believe that a new regime will automatically fix Iran’s crises. But without civic education and social reform, democracy won’t stand

By Kourosh Ziabari

picture alliance / abaca | SalamPix/ABACA

Foreign and security policy

One thing is certain

Negotiations are the only way to permanently end Iran’s nuclear programme

By Rolf Mützenich

ChatGPT

Foreign and security policy

Hidden in plain sight

The EU’s hands-off approach to the Morocco-Algeria conflict is backfiring — the cost of non-engagement is clear, and so are the opportunities

By Emmanuel Cohen-Hadria

picture alliance / Anadolu | Hazem Turkia

Democracy and society

Militia chess

Heavy fighting in Tripoli has shaken the city, exposing the illusion of security in a country ruled mainly by rival militias rather than the state

By Salam Said

picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS | Vahid Salemi

Foreign and security policy

Two scorpions in a bottle

Depending on the Iranian response, the current conflict could develop into an uncontrollable regional war, with none of the parties emerging as victor

By Amin Saikal

picture alliance / Middle East Images | Youssef Alzanoun

Foreign and security policy

Riviera of ruins

Israel’s new offensive in Gaza is leading to famine and mass displacement. Germany cannot stand idly by for any longer

By Muriel Asseburg

picture alliance / abaca | Balkis Press/ABACA

Foreign and security policy

Assad is gone, but Syria’s problems live on

As the West announces sanctions relief, Syria risks disintegration behind a veil of reform

By Lars Hauch

picture alliance / Anadolu | Tamam Jerbi

Economy and ecology

Reconstruction begins where sanctions end

The lifting of US sanctions marks a turning point for Syria and its new president, offering more than 20 million people hope for a better future

By Marcus Schneider

picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS | Metin Yoksu

Democracy and society

What seems like the end is only the beginning

Turkey gets the dissolution of the PKK — but not the start of a solution

By Stefan Hibbeler