Politics

The Pakistani Religious Cleric Tahir ul-Qadri

Manic Street Preacher

His call for a "million man march" in favour of reforms and against corruption has propelled cleric Tahir ul-Qadri to the status of champion of Pakistan's middle classes. Although the protest in Islamabad apparently achieved little, it casts a spotlight on the population's growing displeasure and its dwindling faith in Pakistan's mainstream political parties. By Marcus Michaelsen
By Marcus Michaelsen
Israel and Its Conflict with the Palestinians

Slight Movement in the Stagnation

When it comes to the Israeli government's future approach to the conflict with the Palestinians, the outcome of the Knesset elections in Israel is less than encouraging. A commentary by Moshe Zuckermann
By Moshe Zuckermann
Knesset Elections in Israel

Giving Away Their Votes

Many Arab Israelis have lost faith in the political system and won't be casting their votes in Tuesday's poll. But their election boycott will only serve to boost prospects for the rightwing nationalists. Inge Günther reports from Jaffa
By Inge Günther
Israel's Party Landscape

Annexation not Negotiation

Israel's party landscape has undergone reorganization yet again ahead of this week's elections, with a clear shift to the right still in evidence. The predicted success of a militant religious nationalist party openly advocating the annexation of most of the West Bank serves as a clear indication of this trend – which is bad news for the peace process. Analysis by Joseph Croitoru
By Joseph Croitoru
Egypt

Morsi under Fire for anti-Israel Remarks

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has cultivated the image of a political pragmatist. But he made inflammatory remarks against Israel in old TV interviews, raising questions about whether he harbors anti-Semitic views. Nils Naumann reports
Marching against al-Maliki

Has the Arab Spring Arrived in Iraq?

Iraq's government is falling apart. While the president of the country is being treated for a serious illness in Germany, both the national parliament and the government back home are dysfunctional and in disarray. Birgit Svensson reports from Baghdad
By Birgit Svensson
Interview with Ennahda Leader Rachid Ghannouchi

''The Old Regime Is Still Not Dead''

In an interview with Moncef Slimi, Rachid Ghannouchi, leader of the Islamic Ennahda Party, appeals to the Tunisians to defend the achievements of the revolution against the return of representatives of the old regime in a new guise
By Moncef Slimi
Tunisia Two Years after Ben Ali

''The Revolution Is Like Yeast Dough''

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali ruled Tunisia with an iron fist for more than 20 years before he fled the country in January 2011. But two years later there is still little to celebrate for most Tunisians. Sarah Mersch reports from Tunis
By Sarah Mersch
Mali

From Regional Role Model to Crisis Zone

France is backing Mali in the fight against Islamist rebels. The Malian government has lost control over large parts of the country, and the outcome for the French intervention is uncertain. By Anne Almeling and Kersten Knipp
Essay by Tony Klug

Two States – by Design or Disaster

In his essay, Tony Klug warns that there might soon come a time when it will be too late to negotiate a peaceful two-state settlement through mutual agreement. But, he says, Israel and its people will ultimately have to pay a high price - unless Israel soon starts to support the inevitable two-state solution
By Tony Klug
Egypt's and Tunisia's State Security Files

An Inaccessible Past

Two years after the Arab Spring started shaking up the political landscape of the Middle East, many secret police files are still kept locked up in the relevant ministries and therefore remain inaccessible. Christoph Dreyer reports
By Christoph Dreyer
Assad versus the Rebels

Syria to Experience 'Hell' before Transition

Whether Assad chooses "hell" or a democratic transition for his country, Syria's fate will likely be decided in 2013. Rebels smell victory. Yet opposition forces should be working now to avoid a second hell thereafter. By Conor Dillon
By Conor Dillon