Politics

Political Crisis in Bahrain

Reformers on the Defensive

Two years after the outbreak of the unsuccessful revolution in Bahrain and the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in the Gulf state, protests are continuing unabated. There is no end to the conflict in sight, while Saudi Arabia is setting strict boundaries to the Bahraini King Hamad's reform programme. By Guido Steinberg
By Guido Steinberg
Weapons Exports to Countries of the Arab Spring

Armed to the Teeth

The Middle East and North Africa region is the most militarised world region. It spends five percent of gross domestic product on arms on average. The global average is only two percent. In regard to military procurement, the revolutions have not made a difference. By Sheila Mysorekar
By Sheila Mysorekar
Interview with Amel Grami

Political Stagnation in the Cradle of the Arab Spring

Tunisia's process of democratic transition has been stagnating since late 2012. The Tunisian people are still waiting for their new constitution. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent murder of opposition politician Chokri Belaid. Ute Schaeffer and Loay Mudhoon spoke to the renowned academic Amel Grami about Tunisia's political crisis
By Ute Schaeffer, Loay Mudhoon
Obama's Visit to the Middle East

Winning Peace through Hearts and Minds

Following his recent visit to the Middle East, US President Barack Obama was heavily criticised for his praise of Israel and his clear commitment to the country's security. Alon Ben-Meir argues that Obama has to win the trust of Israelis before progress can be made in the peace process. He also says that both sides have to live up to their responsibilities, make painful concessions and change their public narratives in order to reach a viable solution
By Alon Ben-Meir
The Economic Policies of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt

Following in the Footsteps of the Old Regime

The Muslim Brotherhood is a proponent of a neo-liberal economy – regardless of how this contributes to the further impoverishment of Egypt – and that suits the West just fine. A commentary by Abdel Mottaleb Husseini
By Abdel Mottaleb El Husseini
Öcalan Announces PKK Peace Plan

Too Good to Be True

The offer of a ceasefire made by Abdullah Öcalan, the incarcerated head of the banned Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), has been welcomed by the Turkish government. But how can there be real peace when the conflicts of the past are glossed over instead of being openly discussed and addressed? A commentary by Ömer Erzeren
By Ömer Erzeren
Interview with Moncef Marzouki

''We Don't Have a Magic Wand''

Ahead of his visit to Germany, Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki told Sarah Mersch that his country could take a leaf out of Europe's book as it struggles with the transition to democracy and that Tunisia would welcome help from Germany in a number of areas
By Sarah Mersch
Interview with Matenia Sirseloudi

What Drives Young People to Jihad?

What is behind the Islamicisation and radicalisation of young people in Europe? To what extent do European foreign policies and military interventions abroad play a role in this? Albrecht Metzger spoke to sociologist Dr Matenia Sirseloudi about politically motivated violence and radicalisation processes
By Albrecht Metzger
Power Struggle in Egypt

Courting Disaster

The growing gulf between Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi and the secular opposition threatens to tear the country apart with unforeseeable consequences for Egypt's economy and political future. A commentary by Volker Perthes
By Volker Perthes
Non-Violent Resistance in Palestine

Hitting a Nerve

Palestinian activists are increasingly employing strategies of peaceful resistance: The tent camp they have erected on sites earmarked for settlement construction are symbolic of the battle that has flared up over Areas B and C in the West Bank. Ingrid Ross reports. By Ingrid Ross
By Ingrid Ross
Court Rulings in Egypt's Soccer Stadium Riots

The Underhand Role of the Police

A year after the bloody clashes at Port Said's soccer stadium, people in the harbour town are horrified at the Draconian punishments that have been handed down to individuals who continue to deny any involvement in the riots. Karim El-Gawhary reports from Port Said
By Karim El-Gawhary
Tunisia's New Interim Government

Looking for a New Beginning

New jobs, discipline and national unity - according to Tunisia's new head of government, Ali Larayedh, this is what the country needs. But time is quickly running out. Ute Schaeffer reports from Tunis
By Ute Schaeffer