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The German government's reaction was predictable, says Hans-Jakob Schindler, a Middle East expert with the international organization Counter Extremism Project. Germany plays only a secondary role in the Middle East conflict and is unable to actively mediate. "Certainly, one could offer to do so. But now the direct negotiations between the US and the Iranians are crucial," Schindler told DW. "The negotiating format of the past—Germany, France, Great Britain, and the US with the Iranians—is no longer part of this formula. Unfortunately, the Europeans are now more spectators than actors in this conflict."

Following the Israeli attack, Iran fired drones, but Iran is "weaker than ever," says Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler, director of the Counter Extremism Project. What role does the United States play in the conflict? Gregor Schwung and Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler analyze the situation.

Mark Wallace, a lawyer and a former US diplomat who also happened to be the Chief Executive of the Counter Extremism Project said, "This house has been closed for 80 years. It was out of reach to the victims and their families. Finally, we can open it to honor survivors and show that this place of incredible evil is now open to all." According to Wallace, the plan was set by the Project to turn the house and its adjacent property into "Auschwitz Research Center on Hate, Extremism and Radicalisation." This center would work to spread the solemn pledge "Never Again ", taken in those historical days, and initiate activities to keep the pledge alive among the people of the present time.
CEP Senior Director Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler interviewed about the situation in Gaza: “The Hamas control and command infrastructure in Gaza is very damaged. They’re literally running out of senior leaders. So obviously Hamas wants to portray a still kind of functioning terror group and hence does not confirm necessarily the death of another leader… [Mohammad Sinwar]."

CEP Managing Director Daniel Roth writes: “For years, a dangerous myth has taken root in progressive discourse that the worst excesses of antisemitism were a problem of the far right. As philosopher and author Sam Harris asserted on a recent episode of his Making Sense podcast, “If you’re talking about antisemites who actually want to kill the Jews now, you’re not talking about the far left.” Current events have shattered that illusion.”
CEP Senior Advisor Edmund Fitton-Brown writes: "As British Ambassador to Yemen from 2015 to 2017, and later in counterterrorism roles at the UN, I watched with growing frustration as Washington, despite its early clarity, lost the plot in Yemen – with consequences that are now rippling across the Red Sea and into Israel.
In 2014, the international community got it right. UN Security Council Resolution 2140 blamed the right culprits: former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Houthi leadership. The Houthis, a small sectarian militia allied with Saleh, were trying to hijack Yemen’s democratic transition – and the world recognized that. When…"
Terrorism expert Hans-Jakob Schindler from the Counter Extremism Project draws attention to another risk. "Federal police officers could now be the last barrier to preventing attacks," said Schindler in an interview with this editorial team. Large train stations and airports are always potential targets for terrorists and extremists, according to the expert: "Because a lot of people often come together there. That's why there are special security measures for train stations." Any relocation of personnel from such places to the borders is therefore risky.


In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Edmund Fitton-Brown, former UK Ambassador to Yemen, about the evolving Houthi threat and its implications for Israel, the Gulf states, and the broader regional balance of power. They explore the role of the Houthis in Iran’s attempts to project power in the region and in ongoing talks about the Iranian nuclear programme.
Edmund Fitton-Brown is a veteran British diplomat who served as the UK’s Ambassador to Yemen from 2015 to 2017 and later coordinated UN expert panels on ISIL, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban. He holds advisory or fellowship positions with the Counter Extremism Project, the Middle East Institute, The Soufan Center and New America.
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