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.

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.

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.

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.

The article explores how the Stauffenberg assassination attempt against Hitler has been used in German politics, particularly by the far-right AfD, to justify contemporary positions. It discusses the historical narrative surrounding Stauffenberg and his coconspirators, highlighting how their actions have been romanticized and politicized over time. The text critiques the selective memory of German resistance to Nazism, noting the overlooked contributions of other resistance figures like Georg Elser. It also examines the evolving political discourse in Germany regarding the Nazi period, from the postwar era to the present, and the implications of these historical interpretations on current political dynamics.

The European Parliament elections resulted in a shift towards the right, with the far-right gaining more seats and the center-right European People's Party remaining the largest group. Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected as President of the European Commission, with a focus on strengthening EU borders and migration policies. The EU's foreign policy is expected to continue its securitized approach towards migrants and asylum seekers, with potential processing of asylum requests in non-EU countries. The ongoing war in Ukraine has influenced the EU's relations with the Middle East, particularly in energy partnerships with Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The EU's diplomatic engagement with the Middle East and North Africa is likely to decrease, with a focus on energy resources and migration control. Kaja Kallas is expected to prioritize support for Ukraine as the new EU foreign policy chief.