Iraq's Kurds say they're pushing forward with a referendum on independence, but the nature of their strategy remains a little unclear.
Category: Middle East
The war against Arab democracy
The conflict with Qatar is fundamentally about the possibility of democracy in the Arab world. That's why Saudi and Trumpian autocrats are on the same side.
Election preview: Iran
Iran's presidential election has been an acrimonious contest between the moderate incumbent and his conservative challenger. But no Iranian president really runs things.
Brexit moves east
Another victory for authoritarianism, this time in Turkey, but the closeness of the result conveys some hope for the future.
Amazing hypocrisy on free speech
A Palestinian activist falls foul of the federal government's highly selective concern for freedom of speech.
Results on three continents
Three generally expected election results from the weekend, although one of them was a cliffhanger.
Three quick previews: Armenia, Serbia, Ecuador
Three elections this weekend offer contrasting lessons on the problems of presidential government.
The Trump plan for Mid-East peace
Courtesy of both President Trump and the "facts on the ground", Israel and Palestine seem to be headed for a one-state solution. Is it time to accept that outcome and focus on making it work?
Death claims two presidents
Portugal and Iran each lose an elder statesman. One brought democracy to his country, the other helped to edge it in that direction.
The normalisation of Europe’s Greens
As the centre-right backs away from the European idea, the Greens are picking up some of the slack.
The World is Not Enough 