Politics

The Syrian conflict

The illusion of a political solution

There is much discussion in the West about a political solution to the conflict in Syria. But the reality is that the world is looking the other way, continuing to nurture the illusion that something is being done at international level and that the Syrian people have not been abandoned. A critical contribution to the debate by Burhan Ghalioun
By Burhan Ghalioun
Dam treaty between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan

Who owns the Nile?

After years of conflict about control over the Nile, Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan have now apparently chosen the path of co-operation over open dispute. Politicians are demonstrating unity, but observers warn that not all differences have been resolved. By Ludger Schadomsky
By Ludger Schadomsky
Interview with Iraqi political scientist Ghassan Al-Attiyah

A nation torn apart

According to Ghassan Al-Attiyah, Iraq's political elite failed to develop an interdenominational understanding of the state after the end of the Baath dictatorship. Mulham Al-Malaika spoke to the renowned Iraqi political scientist about the country's future and the fight against IS
By Mulham Al-Malaika
The Moroccan thinker Abdallah Laroui

A modernist who defends theocracy

Abdallah Laroui has always been one of the people who advocated a break with the spiritual heritage of the Arab world and saw the values of Western modernity as the basis of a rational humanity. In a recent interview, however, he began defending theocracy, arguing that the Arab world had not succeeded in making a democratic system take root. By Ali Anouzla
By Ali Anouzla
Israeli economist Shir Hever

An economy of disparities

In his book "The Political Economy of Israel's Occupation", the Israeli economist Shir Hever analyses the relationship between the economy and Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories and its global impact. Martina Sabra read the book and spoke with the author
By Martina Sabra
Yemeni refugees in Cairo

An unwelcome exile

Food and water are in short supply not only in the conflict zones of Yemen, but also for many Yemenis stranded in Egypt since the conflict broke out in their country. As the Saudi-led alliance bombards Houthi positions in Yemen, it is considered too dangerous for the refugees to return home. By Andrea Backhaus in Cairo
By Andrea Backhaus
Rapprochement between Erdogan and the Turkish Army

Short-term tactic or long-term strategy?

One of the main achievements of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been to stop the Turkish Army meddling in politics. In the past few months, however, the president seems to have begun allying himself with the army in what could be a major realignment in Turkish politics. Dorian Jones in Istanbul considers whether this is a tactical or a strategic change in policy
By Dorian Jones
The AKP's version of Turkish history

Contrasting interpretations of Gallipoli

Joseph Croitoru reports on how leaders in Ankara are putting an Islamist spin on centenary commemorations of the Gallipoli Campaign and how they seem to hope that these events will detract attention from another centenary occurring this week: that of the Armenian genocide
By Joseph Croitoru
The German Empire and the Armenian genocide

Turning a blind eye

On 24 April, people all over the world will commemorate the mass killing of Armenians 100 years ago. A memorial service is planned in Germany as well. Many critics contend, however, that the country should take a closer look at the role played by the German Empire, which was an ally of the Ottoman Empire at the time of the massacres. By Ceyda Nurtsch
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Germany's Middle East policy

Is Germany changing tack?

Violent conflicts are spreading throughout the Middle East. The German government is extending a hand to the Egyptian president, siding with Saudi Arabia in the Yemen conflict and delivering weapons to the Peshmerga. But there is criticism from the opposition and scepticism within the ruling coalition. By Bettina Marx
By Bettina Marx
Interview with Nader Othman, deputy PM of the Syrian interim government

People want professionals, not Facebook heroes

The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces and the interim government it has formed have been subject to international criticism. They are regarded as ineffective, disunited and lacking support in Syria. Kristin Helberg spoke to the deputy prime minister of the interim government, Nader Othman, about elected provincial councils, progress and why Syria now needs engineers, not heroes
By Kristin Helberg
Islam in Pakistan

The myth of the Muslim monolith

In Pakistan, a radical minority of Muslims has usurped the definition of "Islam". Since the 1980s, government policies have supported their radical and violent ideology, and the judiciary confirmed that trend. The bitter irony is that the militant groups that benefited from state action are now not only terrorising the people, but rising up against the state itself. By Maryam S. Khan
By Maryam S. Khan