Politics

The rise of Boko Haram

When the terror began

In his new book, journalist Mike Smith describes the rise of Boko Haram from an obscure sect to a feared terrorist group. According to Ulrich Schwerin, while Smith vividly portrays the group's violent practices, he leaves many questions about the movement's goals, structures and financing unanswered
By Ulrich von Schwerin
Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappe in dialogue

A one- or two-state solution?

In their recently published dialogue, "On Palestine", Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappe make the case for a greater effort to be made to find a political solution to the Middle East conflict. They discuss the issue of a one or two-state solution and prompt a debate that is virtually non-existent in Germany. By Emran Feroz
By Emran Feroz
Archaeological artefacts and sites in Syria

When historical treasures become pawns in a civil war

The Druze region in southern Syria, home to numerous archaeological treasures, is still regarded as one of the strongholds of the Assad regime. But that may soon change. Will Suwaida become the next Palmyra? By Joseph Croitoru
By Joseph Croitoru
Conflict between Arabs and Berbers in Algeria

A social minefield

Hostilities between Berbers and Arab tribes in eastern Algeria in early July claimed at least 22 lives and left dozens injured. The Algerian Defence Ministry has announced that it is sending troops into the restive province of Ghardaia to put an end to the violence. Andreas Gorzewski takes a closer look at the background to this recent escalation
By Andreas Gorzewski
After the nuclear agreement with Iran

Time to deliver

After the successful negotiation of an agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, the pressure on Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is set to increase. Iranians expect an improvement not only in their economic and socio-political situation but also in the fight against corruption. By Adnan Tabatabai
By Adnan Tabatabai
Nuclear agreement with Iran

A major historic breakthrough

The US and Iran have overcome their enmity. This opens the door to the settlement of a number of conflicts in the Middle East. A commentary by Andreas Zumach
By Andreas Zumach
Interview with "Der Spiegel" reporter Christoph Reuter

The strategists of terror

At present, IS is the most dangerous terrorist militia in the world. It controls a territory that stretches from north-eastern Syria to western Iraq, including almost all Syrian oil and gas fields. Igal Avidan spoke to Christoph Reuter (correspondent for the German weekly news magazine "Der Spiegel") about the ascent of IS
By Igal Avidan
Interview with Iran expert Trita Parsi

A nuclear deal would benefit all parties

According to Iran expert Trita Parsi, a comprehensive nuclear deal would be beneficial for both Iran and the world's powers. In this interview with Sven Pohle, he explains why and criticises those who oppose the ongoing negotiations
By Sven Pöhle
How the West views Iran's leaders

A sober and critical eye is needed

Has Iran really undergone fundamental change since President Hassan Rouhani took office? Observers shouldn't allow themselves to be deceived by the current trend towards rosy political analyses, warns Ali Fathollah-Nejad, a German–Iranian political scientist, who points out that developments in the Islamic Republic are characterised by continuity
By Ali Fathollah-Nejad
After the Sousse attack

United against terror

Following the attack on a beach hotel near Sousse, which claimed the lives of 38 and injured 39 others, many Tunisians took to the streets to demonstrate against Islamist terror in their country and call for a tightening of security laws. Report from Sousse by Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Interview with Alaya Allani, an expert on Islamism

"The jihadists have no social base in Libya"

Alaya Allani, professor of contemporary history at the Monouba University in Tunis and a specialist on Islamist movements, does not expect that the IS terrorist militia will be able to establish itself in Libya over the long-term, although the jihadists have already successfully formed cells in some regions of the country. Beat Stauffer spoke to him in Tunis
By Beat Stauffer
The civil war in Syria

When minorities become pawns in a power game

The Assad clan is exploiting the multi-religious composition of Syria and holding its minorities in a fatal grip of dependency. By Haid N. Haid and Bente Scheller
By Haid N. Haid, Bente Scheller