Is it permissible to study politics, follow it, and specialize in it, knowing that the Islamic world is in need of Islamic politicians, while the Salafis consider it forbidden?

Learning what benefits Muslims and following their news is permissible, and may even be a communal obligation (fard kifayah) if it does not lead to a Shariah-forbidden act. Politics, in the sense of managing the affairs of the Ummah for its betterment, is among the important matters undertaken by the Prophets and the Rightly Guided Caliphs, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The Children of Israel were governed by their Prophets." This is because it involves unifying the populace upon goodness and doing justice to the oppressed.