The gruesome attacks in Paris were framed by some as a significant change in politics, linking it to a Third World War, a “clash of civilisations“, and a possible invocation of the NATO’s 5th article. Despite all these voices stressing the huge impact, I do not see much changing for now. Continue reading How the Paris Attacks did NOT change international relations
The recent Turkish attacks on IS and PKK indicate that Erdogan’s regional strategy has failed, while Assad’s seems more likely to succeed. Continue reading Too Little, Too Late
This month saw the Taliban attack on a school, with almost 145 children dead. This is a new escalation in an ongoing war; while American drone attacks have been reduced, Pakistani military engagement in its border area has significantly increased. But why are the Taliban now attacking schools? Continue reading Why atrocities in Pakistan are likely to continue
Afghanistan ist nicht der Irak. Diese Annahme klingt banal, war aber die Grundlage entscheidender policy-Entscheidungen: Unter Obama haben die USA von vornherein unterschiedliche Ansätze zz Bekämpfung des Terrorismus in beiden Ländern verfolgt. Mit dem IS aber nehmen die Parallelen zu. Continue reading Levante: Die neue Af-Pak Region