Known as the ‘Sudairi Seven’ – a reference to their mother Hassa al-Sudairi – this segment of the Saudi dynasty has effectively controlled the kingdom since 1975, by occupying the most strategic government positions.
All leaders have to present any negotiation outcomes in terms of benefits for their constituents rather than the ways in which justice or solidarity are served.
Without a mutualisation of risk, the euro will collapse, with devastating implications for German exports, the value of Germany's foreign investments, and the stability of its banking sector. By contrast, the reforms needed to stabilise the eurozone pose far fewer risks to Germany.
The focus on radical political activism in most western discussions of Chinese civil society is unrepresentative of the civil society that actually exists. What this does have is a box of hats, a network of contacts and a presence on QQ, the instant messaging service that has penetrated deep into
“The suggestion of an independent and autonomous Palestinian state is an idea of the past and hardly feasible if not nearly impossible in the current political situation.” These are not the remarks of a Jewish Israeli but of a Palestinian, probably one of the most prominent Palestinian intellectua
Nepal is still awaiting a new constitution to complete its transition from a decade of conflict to democracy. So far, political leaders' control of the drafting process has handicapped progress. But the four-year debate has also created a foundation on which to build, says Leena Rikkila Tamang.
It was a relief to hear that others were also bothered by the divergence between the realities of Turkey and the ways they are talked about outside the country. Amnesty International, for example, in its Annual Report 2012 has outlined an expansive record of Turkey’s failures.
The new French president has consolidated his authority with a decisive win in the legislative elections. But the challenges he faces now get much steeper
The rise of Syriza is a profound transformation for a radical left that is still traumatized by the defeat of Greek communism in the last century. This radical left now wants to break with its position of being eternally in the minority - a force dedicated to nothing but “resistance”.
