Amin Saikal's book 'How to Lose a War' examines the US intervention in Afghanistan, highlighting the strategic missteps and consequences of the two-decade-long conflict. The text discusses the Taliban's resurgence, the impact on women's rights, and the flawed constitutional structure in Afghanistan. It critiques the US's 'light footprint' strategy, the shift to a 'heavy footprint,' and the misallocation of resources due to the Iraq invasion. The Doha Agreement and its aftermath are analyzed, with Saikal arguing that the US made excessive concessions. The book calls for renewed dialogue on Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for engagement over endorsement with the Taliban.

Die Linke, Germany's left-wing party, is seeking to revitalize itself despite internal splits and declining poll numbers. At its recent national congress in Halle, the party focused on renewing leadership and strategies, with Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken taking over as coleaders. The party aims to engage in door-to-door campaigning to better understand citizens' concerns ahead of the 2025 elections. Die Linke faces challenges from the newly formed Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance and must navigate complex political landscapes, including debates on issues like universal basic income and foreign policy. The party's future may hinge on winning local constituencies rather than surpassing the national vote threshold.

The article reviews Alexandra Stark's book, 'The Yemen Model: Why U.S. Policy Has Failed in the Middle East,' which critiques the US's approach to Yemen, particularly the 'Yemen Model' initiated under President Obama. The model, which relied on drone strikes and partnerships with local governments, is criticized for its narrow focus on counterterrorism, neglecting broader governance and development issues. The article highlights the ongoing conflict involving the Houthi movement, their ties with Iran, and the US's military involvement in the region. It also discusses the broader implications of US foreign policy, including its support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and military aid to Israel, suggesting a need for more accountable and effective strategies.

The article critiques the European Union's perceived inaction and double standards regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Despite calls from some EU members to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement due to alleged human rights violations, the EU has not taken significant action. Josep Borrell, the outgoing EU foreign policy chief, has been a vocal critic, but his proposals have been rejected. The article highlights the EU's inconsistent approach to international conflicts, contrasting its strong stance against Russia with its hesitance to act against Israel. The piece also discusses the EU's migration control agreements with countries like Lebanon, which are complicated by ongoing conflicts. The article suggests that the EU's current policies may undermine its credibility on the global stage.

In recent elections in Thuringia and Saxony, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) achieved significant victories, marking the first time a far-right party has won a state election in Germany. The AfD's success, particularly in Thuringia, highlights the challenges faced by traditional parties like Die Linke and the Christian Democrats (CDU) in countering the far-right's rise. The elections also saw the emergence of Sahra Wagenknecht's Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) as a new political force, appealing to former Die Linke voters and nonvoters. The results complicate government formation in both states, with potential coalitions facing ideological and strategic hurdles. The situation underscores the broader national implications for German politics, as traditional parties struggle to address the far-right's growing influence.

Eugene Rogan's book, 'The Damascus Events: The 1860 Massacre and the Making of the Modern Middle East,' explores the intercommunal violence in Ottoman Damascus in 1860, where around 5,000 Christians were killed. The book contextualizes the events within the broader historical setting of the weakened Ottoman Empire and European intervention. It highlights the role of key figures like Ahmad Pasha, whose incompetence exacerbated tensions, and Fuad Pasha, who restored order post-massacre. The narrative draws parallels to modern-day sectarian violence, emphasizing the potential for misinformation to incite violence.

The article examines the impact of US interference in the Middle East during the 1950s, focusing on Iran and Egypt. It highlights the contrasting leadership of Mohammad Mosaddegh and Gamal Abdel Nasser, both of whom sought economic independence from colonial powers. The US, initially seen as a potential ally, squandered opportunities by adopting a neo-imperial approach, leading to political instability and hindering development. The text critiques the US's Cold War policies, which prioritized ideological agendas over supporting non-aligned nations' autonomy. The analysis suggests that a different US approach could have fostered more representative governance in the region.

The article reviews Lisa Bhungalia's book 'Elastic Empire: Refashioning War through Aid in Palestine', which explores the impact of US military and humanitarian aid on Palestine. It argues that US aid policies, particularly post-9/11, have securitized aid, affecting Palestinian governance and development. The text highlights the complex dynamics of aid distribution, influenced by US anti-terrorism policies, and the resulting challenges for Palestinian NGOs. It also discusses the broader geopolitical implications, including European alignment with US policies and the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court into Israeli actions. The article critiques the US's imperial influence in Palestine through aid, alongside its military and diplomatic support for Israel.

Christopher Phillips' book 'Battleground: 10 Conflicts That Explain the New Middle East' offers a nuanced analysis of the region's conflicts, emphasizing multicausal explanations and the impact of both regional and non-regional actors. The book highlights the changes in the Middle East post-Arab Spring, including the rise of non-state actors and shifts in regional power dynamics. It discusses the roles of countries like Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, as well as the influence of external powers like the US and Russia. The book also examines the complex political landscapes of countries like Lebanon and Egypt, and the ongoing challenges in regions like Gaza, Libya, Yemen, and Syria.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan secured another victory in the Turkish elections, defeating Kemal Kiliçdaroglu of the CHP. Despite Erdogan's weakened position due to economic crises and a devastating earthquake, strategic errors by the opposition and media bias contributed to his win. The opposition's coalition, including the CHP and IYI Parti, failed to present a unified front, with Kiliçdaroglu's candidacy seen as less favorable compared to other potential candidates like Ekrem Imamoglu and Mansur Yavas. The rise of anti-immigration sentiment, exemplified by Sinan Ogan's unexpected success, also played a significant role. The opposition's failure to capitalize on Erdogan's vulnerabilities highlights the challenges they face in future elections.