Spotlight
A Nobel Prize for Syria?
Syria's president and the country's foremost Kurdish militia commander have defied expectations of a major military clash, overcoming years of discord to make peace against the odds.
Death of a Genocidaire
Ratko Mladić, the commander in charge of the Srebrenica genocide and architect of the Sarajevo siege, died serving a life sentence. He died a coward, much as his political progeny today still live as cowards. But Bosnia survives, defined not by its suffering but by joy and humor.
The Ideologue Who Shaped Ahmadinejad’s Holocaust Denial
Mohammad Ali Ramin was the intellectual force behind Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Holocaust denial. Their changing relationship sheds light on the former Iranian president’s personality and transformations, and the possibility that he made a secret deal with Israel.
Will Dahlan Take Over Gaza?
Two decades after Hamas ousted Mohammed Dahlan from power in Gaza, the onetime strongman has emerged as a major power broker who triangulates between the UAE, the U.S. and Israel. Some say he could return to Gaza. For those aware of his menacing qualities, the prospect is frightening.
Syrian Torture Survivors Respond to Death Sentences for Assad and Others
Syria's first major trial of deposed regime figures ended in nine death sentences, including for Bashar and Maher al-Assad and Atef Najib, who ran the Political Security branch in Daraa in 2011. Survivors of the Daraa schoolboy arrests testified. Rights groups called the proceedings historic but flawed.
Saudi Arabia Bets Everything on Restraint
As Houthi attacks squeeze Saudi Arabia's access to global trade, Riyadh is struggling to avoid being drawn into a wider war. From the Red Sea’s oil terminals to its luxury resorts, a New Lines report offers a firsthand look at how the kingdom’s postoil ambitions have become a strategic vulnerability.
The Politics Behind Africa’s Support for Gianni Infantino
As FIFA’s president faces growing criticism over his plans for the organization, African soccer leaders remain among his strongest supporters. But with many federations dependent on FIFA funding, questions remain over how much political influence Africa is getting in return.