A rocky road to science and diplomacy in the Middle East

A flamboyant media tycoon and three-time Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi divided the public, in Italy and abroad, like few other politicians. Looking back, he was one of the trailblazers for political populism.

Riyadh has moved its focus from the US to China, Russia and others in a pragmatic approach to diversify its foreign and economic relations. Does that also mean a political shift?

Since the start of the Syrian crisis in 2011, the European Union has been the largest donor of humanitarian, stabilisation and resilience assistance to Syrians, with another conference known as Brussels VII – aimed at supporting Syria and the region – held on June 14 and 15 in the Belgian capital. But the recent rehabilitation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by regional players has arguably complicated the EU's task.

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After the AfD's weekend success in regional elections, critics warn the political floodgates have been opened. The party, parts of which have been labeled extremist by authorities, has set its sights on larger goals.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has staked the Spanish left's governing power on July snap elections. Sunday's election might instead bring a right-wing government into power.

A one-day summit by West African leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and the Niger Republic ended in a stalemate after the leaders met with Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Muslim Cleric Mahmoud Dicko.

All activities by political parties in Niger have been suspended until further notice, army Colonel Amadou Abdramane said on state television on Thursday, after the army declared allegiance to leaders of a coup that toppled the government.

Thailand's Constitutional Court put off ruling on whether to block election winner Pita Limjaroenrat's premiership bid. The Thai royalist-military establishment has prevented Pita's' Move Forward Party from taking power.

Former PM Imran Khan's chances of returning to power appear slim after he was convicted in a case involving the selling of state gifts.

Germany's economy is in decline. Now the main opposition party, the center-right CDU, has presented an emergency program to combat the recession, stepping up pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The controversial law cracks down on criticism and bans anonymous internet pathways. Activists fear that this will affect the LGBTQ minority.