Eurotopics.net

The authoritarian Iranian regime has been supporting armed groups such as the radical Islamic Hamas and the Lebanese Hezbollah with money and weapons for years. Since the terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October, Tehran has repeatedly threatened military involvement should Israel or the US "cross red lines". Commentators shed light on Iran's role in the Middle East and assess the threat of Iranian intervention.

After the election victory of the opposition forces in Poland it remains unclear how the change of government will be put into practice - or whether the defeated PiS will be able to cling to power. Regardless of the outcome in Poland, the defeat of the nationalist-populist forces there is already making waves in Budapest, where Viktor Orbán leads a similar regime. The press of both countries discuss Hungary's prospects.

After returning from his Middle East trip, US President Joe Biden addressed the nation in a televised speech, explaining why it is vital for the US to support both Ukraine and Israel financially and militarily. He said that "terrorists" like Hamas and "tyrants" like Putin must not be allowed to win. Biden has requested further aid packages for the two countries from Congress.

In Switzerland's parliamentary elections, the national-conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP) has consolidated its position as the leading political party and secured another nine seats in the National Council. The Greens and the Green Liberals were the biggest losers, dropping eleven seats between them. The SVP used warnings about migration as its main campaign topic. In Switzerland, the strongest parties have governed together since 1959.

The attack on Israel by radical Islamic Hamas and the reaction of the Israeli military are prompting fears of a further escalation in the region. The EU is under pressure to take a clear stance. A look at Europe's commentaries reveals the challenges Brussels and the individual member states face.