Author: Cathrin Schaer
Jordan’s Islamic Action Front Emerges Victorious in Recent Elections The Islamic Action Front, Jordan’s most popular political party representing the Muslim Brotherhood, gained significant traction in the recent parliamentary elections. Known for its anti-Israel stance, the IAF organized protests against Israel’s incursions into Gaza and the West Bank, resonating with Jordanians of Palestinian descent. Securing 31 out of 138 seats, the IAF’s electoral success after 35 years was attributed to its focus on the Gaza conflict and broader dissatisfaction with the government’s performance amidst economic stagnation. As Jordan moves towards political reforms, allowing more party representation, the IAF stands to…
Cybercrime in the Middle East: A Costly Affair Cybercrime is wreaking havoc globally, costing governments and businesses trillions every year. In the Middle East, countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates stand out, with incidents in 2023 costing over $8 million each. This financial damage ranks them second globally. Despite efforts to enhance cybersecurity, the costs in these countries have been rising over the years. The increase can be attributed to the rapid growth of e-commerce and internet penetration, resulting in more vulnerabilities. Although the UAE and Saudi Arabia have made strides in digitalizing public services, gaps in…
The Balancing Act in the Middle East: Political Gains and Backlash After a tense exchange of missiles between Israel and Hezbollah, Egyptian leader Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi urged the international community to defuse tensions in Gaza to maintain regional stability. Amid efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in Gaza, Egypt’s role in mediating the conflict has bolstered el-Sissi’s image and legitimacy. Despite economic challenges exacerbated by the conflict, Egypt has received significant financial support, raising questions about the regime’s management. The Palestinian cause remains a powerful tool for authoritarian leaders like el-Sissi, who use pro-Palestinian stances to deflect attention from domestic crises. Similarly,…
Qatar’s emergence as a key mediator in global conflicts has raised its diplomatic stature significantly. By facilitating peace talks between warring nations such as Russia and Ukraine, Qatar has proven itself to be a critical player on the world stage. With an impressive track record of resolving disputes, including negotiating the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and brokering temporary ceasefires in conflict zones, Qatar has earned the reputation of being ‘the world’s go-to negotiator.’ One key factor behind Qatar’s success as a mediator is its extensive network of contacts and resources. By hosting various groups and providing a base for negotiations,…
Breaking News: Tensions Rise in Libya Amid Mobilization of Forces Recent warnings from international bodies have raised concerns about the potential escalation of conflict in Libya. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed alarm over the mobilization of forces across the country, urging all parties to show restraint to prevent further military actions. Similarly, the Delegation of the European Union to Libya emphasized the need to avoid the use of force, stating that it could destabilize the region. The recent movements of militias affiliated with rival administrations in eastern and western Libya have sparked fears of renewed civil…
The Battle for Iraq’s Liberal Personal Status Law Recent attempts by the Iraqi government to amend the country’s progressive Personal Status Law have sparked outrage and protests. The law, which is considered one of the most liberal in the Middle East, governs marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance with a civil approach rather than a religious one. The proposed changes aim to allow couples to choose whether their marriage should be adjudicated by civil or religious courts, potentially rolling back women’s rights and legalizing harmful practices like child marriage. Activists, politicians, and human rights organizations have formed Alliance 188 to…
The Geopolitical Balancing Act in the Middle East In the Middle East, countries like Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen navigate complex relationships with Israel, Iran, and the US, balancing their national interests with regional dynamics. In Jordan, a delicate balancing act between Palestinian sentiments and peace agreements with Israel is evident, with recent defense cooperation agreements with the US adding another layer to their diplomatic efforts. Egypt, under Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, strategically balances security concerns in the Sinai with support for the Palestinian cause, while Lebanon grapples with political instability and the influential role of Hezbollah. Syria’s alliance…
The Ongoing Pursuit of Justice for the Yazidi People In the early morning hours of August 3, 2014, the extremist “Islamic State,” or IS, group attacked communities in northern Iraq that were home to the ethno-religious Yazidi minority. Yazidi men were executed on the spot, and women and children were captured, with thousands eventually being sold into slavery. By 2017, the IS group was declared defeated in Iraq, but the Yazidi people are still waiting for justice. Positive developments have occurred, including the resettlement of Yazidi survivors in third countries and international court cases against former IS members. However, challenges…
Israeli Strikes in Yemen Spark Debate Israeli airstrikes on Hodeida in response to Houthi drone attacks in Tel Aviv have raised concerns about civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The bombings have caused severe shortages and heightened anxiety among the local population. Despite widespread support for Palestinians among Yemenis, the Houthi group’s actions have sparked controversy and internal dissent. Impact of Israeli Strikes The latest Israeli raid on Yemen has escalated tensions and increased Houthi popularity. However, experts warn that further airstrikes may not yield positive results. The conflict in Yemen, which has been ongoing for nine years, has led to…
Controversy erupted following NATO’s announcement of its first liaison office in the Middle East to be hosted in Jordan. While NATO described it as a natural progression in their relationship, many online critics expressed anger and betrayal, with concerns about the country’s involvement in regional conflicts. Conspiracy theories and criticism emerged, speculating about NATO’s motives and its potential implications on the region. Despite the backlash, experts clarified that the decision was long planned and not directly related to current conflicts in the region, such as the Gaza conflict. From a strategic standpoint, the NATO office in Amman is seen as…