Politics

Interview with Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu

Dialogue Should Not Legitimize Assad

In an interview with Kersten Knipp, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu warns against interpreting Syria's civil war as a religious conflict. This perception could play into the regime's hands, he says
By Kersten Knipp
After the Assassination of Chokri Belaid

Searching for the Ringleaders

The Leagues for the Protection of the Revolution are considered to be the prime suspects in the case of the assassination of the well-known Tunisian opposition politician Chokri Belaid. However, it is also possible that Salafists or networks of members of the security forces from the Ben Ali era could also be responsible for the attack. Beat Stauffer reports
By Beat Stauffer
Consequences of the Military Intervention in Mali

A Tinderbox Situation

Algeria and Morocco granted France permission to use their airspace in its campaign against militant Islamists in Mali. But Arab experts fear that the Mali intervention could push many young Muslims into the arms of the Jihadists. By Siham Ouchtou
By Siham Ouchtou
Tunisia in Turmoil after Chokri Belaid Killing

Between Anger and Grief

Tunisians are in shock, following the assassination of opposition politician, Chokri Belaid. Thousands of people took to the streets to call for the government to step down. Sarah Mersch reports
By Sarah Mersch
Nuclear Conflict with Iran

Time Is Running Out

Iran, once again, has signaled its readiness to enter negotiations on its controversial nuclear program. This time around, experts are hoping for direct talks with the United States - because little time remains. Naomi Conrad reports
By Naomi Conrad
After the Arab Revolutions

Islamic Modernity

An enormous whirlwind of change has been unleashed by the upheavals in the Arab world and the long-term effects are unforeseeable. A middle course will have to be charted between the precepts of Islam and the demands of revolution. By Rainer Hermann
By Rainer Hermann
Israel after the Election

Caught in the Honey Trap

Many analysts have interpreted the outcome of Israel's elections as a rebuff for the country's right-wing politics. But, says Gideon Levy in his commentary, paradoxically, an extreme right-wing Israeli government might have been preferable to a moderate one, as it would have served as a wake-up call for the world to finally achieve peace
By Gideon Levy
Interview with Ahmed Rashid on Mali

''Worse than Afghanistan''

Pakistani writer and Taliban expert Ahmed Rashid reports on the failures of the international community in Mali and how Islamist Al-Qaida affiliates have been able to establish themselves there. He spoke to Silke Mertins
By Silke Mertins
Jordan Has Voted

King Abdullah Can Catch His Breath

King Abdullah II emerged as ostensible winner of the parliamentary elections held in Jordan on 23 January. An absolute majority of royalist members in the next lower house of Parliament and a lack of pressure for reform from outside have given the challenged monarch a chance to catch his breath. But the discontent spreading through many parts of Jordanian society could soon cause protests to resume. By André Bank and Anna Sunik
By André Bank, Anna Sunik
The Egyptian Political Scientist Ammar Ali Hassan

''The Constitution Is a Catastrophe''

Egypt is becoming increasingly polarized under the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood. The newly adopted constitution represents a huge problem in this respect, says Amar Ali Hassan. But the political scientist remains optimistic and predicts that the movement will not hold on to power for long
By Martina Sabra
Impoverishment of the Egyptian Middle Class

A Frustrated People

The middle class forms the core of the pro-democratic movement in Egypt. But the economic downturn and the country's uncertain political future are threatening its existence. Markus Symank reports from Cairo
By Markus Symank
Egypt Two Years after the Revolution

No Agenda, No Goal

Egypt remains gripped in political turmoil and despite apparent efforts by President Morsi to initiate dialogue with his opponents, it appears neither he nor his rivals are able to come up with a concept to lead the nation out of its ongoing crisis. An analysis by Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary