Politics

The West's strategy in the Middle East

Hollow alliance

The islands of stability in the Arab-Islamic world are shrinking. In the face of war and chaos, the West continues to cling to its new-old allies: the "moderate Sunni regimes". The aim of this alliance, which purportedly shares goals and ideals, is that "good Islam" will conquer "bad Islam" with Western support. By Stefan Buchen
By Stefan Buchen
Peace initiatives for Syria

Negotiate locally, implement internationally

A comprehensive solution to the Syria conflict is still a distant prospect. And "freezing" the fighting will not succeed without UN monitoring. If the suffering of the people is to be alleviated and a foundation of trust laid for negotiations, local initiatives must be implemented with international support, says Kristin Helberg
By Kristin Helberg
Fourth anniversary of Egypt's January Revolution

Graveyard silence replaces revolutionary euphoria

On the first anniversary of Egypt's January revolution, there was a huge festival on Cairo's central Tahrir Square. On the fourth anniversary, demonstrations were banned and the square blocked off by the army. By Karim El-Gawhary in Cairo
By Karim El-Gawhary
The crisis in Yemen

The primacy of stability over real change

Since 22 January, Yemen has been mired in an almost unresolvable crisis of government. After a power struggle that lasted several days, President Hadi stepped down along with Prime Minister Bahah and his whole cabinet. Marie-Christine Heinze takes a closer look at the current crisis and its wider implications
By Marie-Christine Heinze
Minister's letter to British Muslim leaders

A deficit of trust

In mid-January, the British Communities Secretary Eric Pickles sent a letter to 1,000 Muslim leaders in Britain, asking them to "explain and demonstrate how faith in Islam can be part of British identity". The reaction was swift, with many Muslims expressing anger or dismay at what they saw as the insinuation that Islam is not part of Britain. By Susannah Tarbush
By Susannah Tarbush
Civil war in Libya

A stateless society

The political divide in Libya continues to grow. Amal El-Obeidi, professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Benghazi, cites two historical causes for the current situation: the absence of a Libyan identity and the tribal structure of society in the North African country. By Laura Overmeyer
By Laura Overmeyer
On the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

"Riyalpolitik", conservatism and modernisation

King Abdullah, who died on 23 January aged around 90, was seen as a moderate reformer in a deeply conservative country. His death raises questions over the future of Saudi Arabia's moderate reform path. Menno Preuschaft explores how Abdullah earned his reputation as the "Reform King"
By Menno Preuschaft
Power struggle in Yemen

An unstable situation turns critical

The political crisis in Yemen came to a head when Shia Houthi rebels stormed the presidential palace and surrounded the home of President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi on 20 January. Two days later, the president resigned. Sherif Abdel Samad has been assessing the situation in Sanaa and Saada, where he spoke with representatives of the Houthi rebels
By Sherif Abdel Samad
Terrorism debate

The distortion of Islam

Why do terrorists such as those involved in the Paris attacks cite Islam as their motivation? Their actions have nothing in common with what most Muslims believe. By Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax
After the Paris attacks

The dangerous "alliance" between Islamism and Islamophobia

There can be no excuse for the recent attacks in Paris. However, one possible way of understanding them is to take a closer look at the bipolar "alliance" between Islamists and Islamophobia, which can be viewed as the root of these terrorist acts. Moreover, in the wake of the attacks, we must ask ourselves what freedom of speech is, what its boundaries are and who really represents it. A commentary by Atef Botros
By Atef Botros
Interview with the French imam Djelloul Seddiki

"Extremist groups want to impose on us a clash of civilisations"

The French imam and director of the Al Ghazali Institute at the Grand Mosque of Paris, Djelloul Seddiki, fears that the assassination of members of the "Charlie Hebdo" editorial staff could further poison the social climate in France and endanger peaceful co-existence. Interview by Yasser Abumuailek
By Yasser Abumuailek
Interview with Basil Fernando on the election in Sri Lanka

Nurturing a spirit of reconciliation

Maithripala Sirisena was the surprise winner of last week's presidential election in Sri Lanka. He was swept to power on a platform of political reform and an end to corruption. Sirisena has promised to transfer many of the president's executive powers to parliament. Only days after his election, he took steps to increase press freedom. Roma Rajpal Weiss spoke to Basil Fernando, Sri Lankan activist and former director of the Asian Human Rights Commission, about the significance of Sirisena's victory
By Roma Rajpal Weiss