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.
Category: War and peace
South Korea turns left
South Korea turns its back on ten years of conservative leadership, and a peacemaker takes over just when he's needed.
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?
Mr Putin cashes in
Eastern Ukraine could be the first big test of just where appeasement of Russia will lead.
Democracy on the march in West Africa
Conflict looms in Gambia over a contested election result, but it's likely to be very one-sided.
What does Israel want?
The season of peace and goodwill has produced little of either in the Middle East. But as a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians looks ever more remote, no-one seems willing to spell out the alternatives.
Spain, eighty years on
Spain marks another anniversary, but the lessons of the civil war have a special resonance this year for the rest of the world as well.
Disunited Kingdom, European Disunion
A look at the winners and losers from the British referendum result.
Justice for genocide
Radovan Karadžić, unsurprisingly, is convicted of war crimes. Why do we bother?
Words that kill: terrorism and “Islamism”
Why "Islamist" is the wrong word to use to describe terrorists, and why some people want us to use it anyway.
The World is Not Enough 