Politics

Syria's Civil War

Promoting Democracy

The Syrian conflict is dangerous and complex. A recent publication points out how western governments might promote the pro-democracy forces in the country. By Dagmar Wolf
By Dagmar Wolf
George Sabra, President of the Syrian National Council

"We Always Have to Hope for a Political Solution"

The president of the Syrian National Council George Sabra tells Najima El Moussaoui why peace talks with Bashar al-Assad in his opinion will only waste time, but that he still believes in a diplomatic solution
By Najima El Moussaoui
Syrian Refugees

Driven out of Egypt

The Egyptian authorities are taking a very heavy-handed line against refugees from the Syrian civil war. Amnesty International says Cairo is forcing those who have fled the violence and entered Egypt to leave the country again, thereby pushing them into a highly uncertain future. Andreas Gorzewski reports
By Andreas Gorzewski
Russia, the US and the Syrian Civil War

A Bloody Game of Chess

The Assad regime has succeeded in turning Syria into a chess board over which Russia and the US have locked horns as the blood and tears continue to flow. The losers in this stalemate are undoubtedly the Syrian people, writes Elias Khoury in his essay
By Elias Khoury
Interview with Hani Shukrallah

"Egypt's Media Are Propaganda Machines"

In this interview with Andrea Backhaus, the renowned Egyptian journalist and political scientist Hani Shukrallah criticises the way the Egyptian military is using the media to its own political ends and the blatant opportunism of many of the country's journalists
By Andrea Backhaus
Preaching Ban for Islamists in Egypt

Controlling the Message

The interim government appointed by the Egyptian army is banishing Islamist preachers from mosques. But imams who are loyal to the regime are still allowed to combine religion and politics. By Markus Symank
By Markus Symank
Islamism and Politics in Zanzibar

Religious Hatred in Paradise

For the some hundred thousand tourists that visit Zanzibar each year, the island is paradise on earth. Yet, beyond the calm of its tourist venues, religious tensions on the island have been increasing. The attacks on churches, hate tirades by preachers, and leaflets inciting violence are but mileposts of a growing religious radicalization. Danja Bergmann reports
By Danja Bergmann
Open Letter to Europe

"Tunisia Needs Help!"

In an open letter to José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, the well-known Tunisian journalist Soufiane Chourabi appeals to the EU to put pressure on Tunisia’s government because it tolerates the attacks by fundamentalist Islamic groups on Tunisians’ personal freedoms
By Soufiane Chourabi
Libya

A Sanctuary for Radicals and Militants

Libya has morphed into the Wild West of northern Africa just two years after the fall of the Gaddafi regime. In particular, the Libyan Desert has become a sanctuary for radical forces. Valerie Stocker reports from Tripoli
By Valerie Stocker
The Lampedusa Tragedy

EU Refugee Policy Is Morally Bankrupt

The EU's interior ministers have discussed refugee policy following the catastrophe off Lampedusa - without any result. They've failed to use a good opportunity for a new, more humane policy, says Ute Schaeffer
By Ute Schaeffer
Protests in Egypt

Civilians against Civilians

The spiral of violence In Egypt continues. Dozens of former President Morsi's supporters have died during protests. But those responsible for the deaths are not likely to face legal consequences for their actions. Markus Symank reports from Cairo
By Markus Symank
The Turkish Border Town of Ceylanpinar

A Base for Al-Qaeda?

The target of stray bullets and shells coming from Syria, the small Turkish border town of Ceylanpinar has also turned into a hub for Islamist militants – allegedly backed by Ankara. Many believe that Turkey is providing a haven to al-Qaeda-affiliated fighters. Karlos Zurutuza reports
By Karlos Zurutuza