Politics

The Impact of Crowd Dynamics on the Arab Spring

Like Dark Clouds Gathering before a Storm

In this essay, Sami Mahroum takes a closer look at the genesis, dynamics and impact of crowds in particular in the Arab world, where crowds – both spontaneous and those born through social media – have been shaping political processes since before the Arab Spring
By Sami Mahroum
Interview with the Israeli Peace Activist Uri Avnery

''Israel Needs Peace, Not Settlements''

Despite growing international criticism, Israel is pressing ahead with the construction of new settlements in and around Jerusalem. In this interview with Diana Hodali, peace activist Uri Avnery says that the current Israeli government does not actually want a two-state solution, regardless of what it says
By Diana Hodali
''Human Rights as an Alibi'' by Bahman Nirumand

The Colonial Era Is Long Gone

In his new book, the German-Iranian journalist Bahman Nirumand appeals to the West to adopt a new foreign policy approach. Western politics should not align itself with the principles of realpolitik, but place much more emphasis on individual values. He says this is the only way to contribute to a stabilisation of the Middle East region. By Laura Overmeyer
By Laura Overmeyer
Referendum on the Constitution in Egypt

Resistance from the ''Cradle of the Revolution''

It was not only in Cairo that the majority voted against the draft constitution; in the industrial city of Mahalla El-Kubra, which used to be the stronghold of resistance to the Mubarak regime, most people voted "no". Markus Symank spoke to people in the city
By Markus Symank
Constitutional Referendum in Egypt

The Islamists' Pyrrhic Victory

Although a slim majority of votes cast in Saturday's first round support the new constitution, the Islamists have little reason to celebrate: only 18 percent of the electorate voted for the blueprint, as the Muslim Brotherhood's popularity continues on its downward trajectory. Commentary by Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Turkey's New Ombudsman

Anti-Qualified

The first chief ombudsman of Turkey, appointed to ensure the administration acts in line with a sense of justice based on human rights, has sparked public outcry due to his role in the conviction of the late journalist Hrant Dink. The new ombudsman also faces accusations of being too close to the government. Fatma Kayabal reports from İstanbul
By Fatma Kayabal
Egypt – a Nation Divided

Trapped between the Religious and Secular Fronts

While Egypt's elites see themselves in a culture struggle between a liberal and a more strongly Islamic direction, the poor are growing increasingly disappointed in a revolution that has brought them no improvements whatsoever to date. Claudia Mende reports from Cairo
By Claudia Mende
Egypt Expert Björn Bentlage

''The Draft Constitution Is a Success''

Angry demonstrators are protesting Egypt's draft constitution. But scholar Björn Bentlage thinks the constitution is in fact democratic, and criticizes the opposition for failing to bring more specific concerns. Interview by Kersten Knipp
By Kersten Knipp
Interview with Sari Nusseibeh

A Virtual State Called Palestine

Sari Nusseibeh, Palestinian philosophy professor and President of the Al Quds University in East Jerusalem, talks to Inge Günther about the state of the peace process with Israel
By Inge Günther
Constitutional Crisis in Egypt

No More Time for Dialogue?

Faced with ongoing street protests, President Morsi has made some concessions. But the underlying conflict continues – and the opposition has called for more protests. Matthias Sailer reports from Cairo
By Matthias Sailer
Syria's ''National Coalition''

Support for the Moderate Forces

Instead of continuing to complain about the radicalization and militarization of the initially peaceful popular uprising, the time has come for the West to act. The National Coalition offers a transitional alternative to the Assad regime – and it needs our support. By Kristin Helberg
By Kristin Helberg
Erdogan's Authoritarian Drift

Retreat from Democratic Achievements

In the past decade, there were three kinds of Islamist governments: absolute monarchies in the Gulf region, the Mullah dictatorship in Iran and the freely elected government of Prime Minister Erdogan in Turkey. How he is running his country is setting an example for the entire region. But experts believe that his authoritarian leanings are beginning to prevail. By Peter Hauff
By Peter Hauff