Inna Rudolf

Press Review
Russian Media on Syria and Bashar al-Assad

Many consider Russia to be behind the latest round of regime infighting. But does a recent flurry of articles in Russian media criticising Assad really suggest that the Kremlin’s attitudes towards the Syrian president are cooling?

Interview with former Saudi intelligence chief Turki al-Faisal

As recent events have deepened uncertainty in the Gulf, zenith asks former Saudi intelligence chief Turki al-Faisal for his thoughts on the death of Qassem Suleimani, Saudi support for Iraq and a possible rapprochement between the kingdom and Iran.

Interview with former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al-Faisal
The demographics of Iraq’s protest movement
The demographics of Iraq’s protest movement

Are the largest protests in Iraq’s history seeing the left's comeback or the birth of a new youth movement? A Communist party veteran and an icon of the 2019 popular protests explain to Iraq researcher Inna Rudolf why they are taking to the streets.

Iraqi militias and the Aramco attack in Saudi Arabia
Iraqi militias and the Aramco attack in Saudi Arabia

Despite the warmongering rhetoric following Aramco attacks, Iraq's Prime Minister remains committed to preserving Iraq’s neutrality. Will the shield of the Iraqi security forces suffice to keep the various PMF factions in line and out of trouble?

A technocrat with an unorthodox streak - Iraqi PM Abdul Mahdi
New Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi

Branded as a compromise candidate, Iraq’s new Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi has made a bold entrance, issuing a number of unorthodox policy proposals. But will his nomination trigger a sustained momentum before the euphory fades away?

Youth near the Ebu Bekir mosque in Pazardjik.
Inequality Among Roma in Bulgaria

The threat of radicalisation of Roma is often raised by politicians and media commentators in Bulgaria. But economic exclusion makes Roma communities open to gestures of friendship or financial support, giving radical groups a target.