Putin’s Ukraine invasion has pushed Sweden and Finland to join Nato – but Turkey is blocking it

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has prompted Sweden and Finland to seek NATO membership, but Turkey, led by President Erdogan, opposes their accession. Erdogan, facing economic challenges and an upcoming election, is using cultural and religious issues, such as the Quran burning incident in Sweden, to rally support. Turkey accuses Sweden of supporting militants from the PKK, a designated terrorist organization. NATO's expansion has been delayed, possibly until after Turkey's elections or the resolution of a U.S. fighter jet sale. Turkish rhetoric has escalated, with officials criticizing Sweden and Finland's actions and NATO membership bids. The situation reflects longstanding tensions between Turkey and the West, with Erdogan leveraging Turkey's strategic position between Russia and Ukraine.

Turkey and Egypt bury the hatchet, marking an end to rising third axis in the Middle East

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Egypt on February 14, 2024, marked a significant diplomatic reconciliation between Turkey and Egypt, ending nearly a decade of political and ideological divergence. The meeting with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi symbolized the end of an emerging third axis in the Middle East, distinct from both the Saudi-led pro-Western camp and the Iranian-led 'Axis of Resistance.' The thaw in relations follows a period of tension and conflict, including opposing stances in regional conflicts such as the Libyan civil war. The rapprochement is driven by economic interests, regional diplomatic shifts, and changes in Erdogan's political ideology. Trade between the two nations has rebounded, and future relations are expected to focus on energy deals, tourism, and business expansion, with less emphasis on ideological disputes.

In Yemen and elsewhere, manageable local issues are driving an unmanageable regional crisis

Unprecedented US-led missile strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen mark an escalation in Middle East conflicts, driven by local issues and broader regional dynamics. The strikes, aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, reflect ongoing tensions involving Iran-backed groups. Despite the show of force, the Houthis remain defiant, with leaders warning of consequences. The article suggests that addressing local crises individually could help mitigate regional instability, while critiquing the US's Cold War mentality in handling Middle Eastern affairs.

How Will the Middle East Navigate An Accelerating Transition From Fossil Fuels?

The Middle East faces significant challenges as the global transition to clean energy accelerates, potentially reducing its economic and strategic relevance due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuel exports. Technological advancements in renewable energy and battery storage are rapidly progressing, with global power storage capacity expected to grow exponentially. The region's economies, particularly those of oil-dependent nations, risk financial instability if they do not diversify and adapt to the changing energy landscape. Some countries, like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are making efforts to diversify and invest in solar power, but more substantial changes are needed to avoid being outpaced by technological advancements. The article highlights the urgency for Middle Eastern countries to reform energy subsidies and invest in education and infrastructure to prepare for a post-fossil fuel world.

Should we be rooting for Morocco against France?

Morocco has reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, marking the farthest advancement for any Arab or African nation in the tournament's history. Led by Romain Saiss, the team will face France in Qatar. Morocco's victories, team spirit, and defensive play have garnered admiration, especially in the Arab world and the global south. The team has also gained attention for waving the Palestinian flag after each victory.

We must not let tech bros and tyrants hijack the race to the stars

The article argues against the monopolization of space exploration by billionaires, autocratic governments, and military forces, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse approach. It highlights the current global space race involving the United States, China, Russia, and other nations, emphasizing the need for alternative perspectives in space discourse. The piece calls for the inclusion of marginalized communities and non-militaristic objectives in space exploration to avoid repeating Earth's destructive patterns in space.

We are under siege: The voters pushing to end Erdogan’s 20 years of power

In Istanbul's Sultangazi, a historically Kurdish neighborhood, the Republican People’s Party (CHP) is opening a new campaign office ahead of crucial presidential and parliamentary elections. The CHP, led by Kemal Kilicdaroglu, is gaining significant support from Turkey's Kurdish population, who aim to end President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's two-decade rule. The CHP has worked to broaden its support base, including forming alliances with the pro-Kurdish HDP. Erdogan's shift in 2015 to partner with the ultra-nationalist MHP led to a crackdown on Kurdish political activities. Economic dissatisfaction is at an all-time high, with many voters struggling to afford basic necessities, further fueling the desire for political change.

Voices: We must not let tech bros and tyrants hijack the race to the stars

The article discusses the current state of global space exploration, highlighting the dominance of billionaires, militaries, and autocratic governments. It emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives and non-militaristic approaches to space exploration, citing the efforts of scholars and organizations advocating for alternative narratives. The piece also covers the space ambitions of various countries, including the United States, China, Russia, and others, and warns against the potential for space to become another arena for geopolitical conflict.

‘Bonkers’, but terrifying: Why Germany’s comical coup plot should be taken very seriously

German authorities arrested 25 individuals in a large-scale operation to thwart a far-right coup plot by the Reichsburger movement, which aimed to overthrow the government and reinstate a monarchy. The plot, involving former military personnel and a judge, highlights the growing threat of far-right extremism in Germany. The movement, fueled by conspiracy theories and anti-government sentiments, has been gaining traction, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The article underscores the seriousness of the threat despite the seemingly outlandish nature of the plot, drawing parallels to other far-right movements in Europe and the US.

Families left to suffer in uncertainty over Syria deaths, report says

The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) has published a report revealing that the deaths of hundreds of Syrians, previously abducted by the Syrian regime, have been registered without informing their families. The report highlights the systemic efforts to suppress information about the fate of approximately 112,000 disappeared individuals during the Syrian conflict. The SNHR has obtained 1,600 death certificates over the past five years, many of which were discovered by families during unrelated civil registry visits. The report underscores the regime's contempt for its citizens' lives and the psychological trauma inflicted on the families of the missing. The article details specific cases, including Ahmad Hassan al-Dghiem and the Hijazi family, whose members were confirmed dead years after their abductions.