International

Review of the Parliamentary Elections in Moldova

A test case for Switzerland?

by René Zittlau*

(24 October 2025) (CH-S) Moldova is a candidate for EU membership. The country's government therefore made a special effort to meet Brussels' requirements in the recent elections – the official criteria are compliance with the rule of law and democracy. This is an interesting test case for closer ties between Switzerland and the EU. A review of the election process reveals contradictions. Eastern Europe expert René Zittlau has investigated the matter.

Middle East

“For an end to the spiral of hatred and violence”

(17 October 2025) The Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin spoke to the Vatican media on the second anniversary of Hamas’ “shameful and inhuman” attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which led to the destruction of the Gaza Strip. He called for the release of hostages and an end to the violence.

What next after the SCO summit?

Aiming for higher living standards and productivity

by Prof. Michael Hudson,* USA

(26 September 2025) (CH-S) At the summit meeting of the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization” (SCO) in China, discussions focused on the development of a new international economic order based on mutually beneficial trade and investment. Michael Hudson shares his views on the outcomes of the summit and the possible consequences.

“You can keep your dollars – we’ve got the dysprosium”

The strategic power of materials is rising, and China holds the upstream advantage

by Dr Warwick Powell*

(19 September 2025) Chinese diplomats must feel like Daedalus at times. Daedalus was Icarus’ father, who warned his son that if he flew too close to the sun, his wings would melt and he’d fall to the ground. Consumed with hubris, Icarus ignored Daedalus’ warnings.

“Gaza is a hotbed of human rights violations”

Interview with Philippe Lazzarini (UNRWA)* conducted by Guy Mettan**

(5 September 2025) On Friday, 22 August, the United Nations declared a state of famine in Gaza, where more than half a million people are in a “catastrophic” situation. The helpless majority of the world’s population is outraged, while the West remains inactive. Trapped in their guilt over the Holocaust, Western powers remain passive in the face of Israeli attacks, even though a new genocide is underway and a confidential report by the Israeli army confirms that 83% of the 62,000 people killed in Gaza are innocent civilians.

“All peoples must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights”

Joint Statement by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, 26 August 2025

“In the path of righteousness there is life, in walking its path there is no death” (Proverbs 12,28). 