When soft power is spent: Gaza, Ukraine, and Europeans’ standing in the Arab world
Europeans’ reputation as defenders of international law has cratered among their Arab partners. The first step is to recognise the problem
Gaza crisis
NATO, Gaza, and the future of US-Turkish relations
Turkey’s backing of Hamas has left it out of diplomatic processes and further strained its ties with the US. However, its recent decision to approve Sweden’s NATO membership could be an opportunity for Western diplomats to patch things up
The role of the Persian Gulf in the war in Gaza
Jeremy Shapiro welcomes Cinzia Bianco and Hugh Lovatt to discuss the role of the Persian Gulf in the ongoing conflict in Gaza
Tipping point: The risks of Palestinian displacement for Egypt
Israel’s expanding ground-offensive threatens to push Palestinians out of Gaza and into neighbouring Egypt. This would worsen an already dire humanitarian situation and risks destabilising Egypt, an important European partner
Ceasefire and beyond: Advancing a post-conflict plan for Gaza
As the devastation mounts in Gaza, European leaders need to call for a ceasefire and a broader diplomatic track to secure urgent humanitarian objectives, before turning to a realistic post-conflict plan that can address security needs for Israelis and Palestinians
The global consequences of the Israel-Hamas war
The impact of the Israel-Hamas war will reverberate around the world, with consequences for the Middle East, Europe, China, and the United States. While the specific challenges vary, none has an interest in drawing out or widening the conflict
Gassy ambitions: The obstacles to Italy’s planned gas hub for Europe
Italy has revived its ambitions to become a gas hub for Europe. But the plan is destined for the same pitfalls as past plans if it is not part of a broader European strategy
Why the UK’s blacklisting of Hamas hurts its own peace policy
A motion to label the entire Hamas movement as “terrorists” is an attempt to score political points at the cost of a peacemaking strategy for Israel-Palestine.
Israel’s West Bank annexation: Preparing EU policy for the day after
West Bank annexation will bring an end to the EU’s cherished two-state solution. International norms and the EU’s own laws will now need to underpin post-annexation relations with Israel.
Defeating covid-19 in Gaza: Is it enough?
Urgent intervention can mitigate the worst effects of the pandemic. But the EU should also help Gaza escape its man-made crisis