Politics

Debate about Günter Grass's Poem

The Best of Intentions, the Worst of Outcomes

Günter Grass is not an anti-Semite, as his critics and the politically conservative media are claiming; however, for an objective discussion about the dangers of a possible military strike against Iran, his poem is counterproductive, says Stefan Weidner
By Stefan Weidner
Conspiracy Fears in Syria

The Power of the Big Story

One of the most effective weapons in President Assad's arsenal is what Jan Kuhlmann refers to as "the big story", the conspiracy theory peddled by the regime that foreign powers are behind the uprising in Syria. In this essay, Kuhlmann takes a closer look at this and other "big stories" circulating in the Arab world and examines their roots and their consequences
By Jan Kuhlmann
Interview with Hazem Saghieh

Beyond the Authority of Religion and the Rule of Family Clans

The Lebanese political analyst and opinion-maker Hazem Saghieh is one of the foremost liberal thinkers in the Arab world. He has just published a book in which he analyses why democratic modernisation has failed to make much headway in Arab countries so far. Rachid Boutayeb spoke with him on the subject
By Rachid Boutayeb
Debate on Günter Grass's Israel-Iran Poem

The Old Man and the Stereotype

It is devastating to see an internationally renowned German literary figure like Günter Grass bandying about anti-Semitic clichés. A commentary
By Klaus Hillenbrand
President Gauck and Germany's Muslims

A Certain Distance to Islam

The interviews and speeches given by Germany's new president, Joachim Gauck, show that he is putting a clear distance between himself and Islam. But as German president, his job is not to polarise, but to differentiate. By Jan Kuhlmann
By Jan Kuhlmann
Arab League Summit in Baghdad

Reconciliation with Kuwait, Discord over Syria

The first Arab League summit in Baghdad in 22 Years showed that the country is back in the lap of the Arab community. And yet the glory that this summit was to bring in the shadow of a serious government crisis failed to materialise. Birgit Svensson reports from Baghdad
By Birgit Svensson
Revolt against Assad

Syria's Opposition Demands More Support

One year after the uprising in Syria began, opposition groups are calling for military support from abroad. The fragmented opposition displayed complete unity at a panel discussion in Berlin. Bettina Marx reports
By Bettina Marx
France after the Series of Murders in Toulouse

Against the Use of Fear for Political Gain

After the horrific events in the southern French city of Toulouse, the dangers of Islamic terrorism and domestic security have suddenly become the main themes of the election campaign. Experts and level-headed observers, however, warn against holding all Muslims suspect. Details from Toulouse by Birgit Kaspar
By Birgit Kaspar
Imran Khan

Pakistan's Dream Catcher

In Pakistan, the former cricket star and populist Imran Khan is attracting an ever-growing number of followers. His rise underlines the widespread dissatisfaction with the current leadership. Marcus Michaelsen reports from Islamabad
By Marcus Michaelsen
Ferhad Ahma of the Syrian National Council in Germany

''People Are Demonstrating All over the Country''

For over a year, Syrians have been out on the streets, protesting against President Assad regime. Ferhad Ahma, a member of the Syrian National Council, told Kersten Knipp that despite the atrocities there are still positive aspects concerning the country's situation
By Kersten Knipp
A Glowing Future in Jordan

The Nuclear Plans of King Abdallah II Provoke Discontent

Even after Fukushima, new nuclear plants are being planned around the globe. Jordan wants to have its first nuclear power plant in operation by 2019. But the King's plans to enter the nuclear age have already provoked resistance from certain sections of the population. Claudia Mende reports from Amman
By Claudia Mende
Joachim Gauck

Germany's Muslims Are Skeptical towards Their New President

Muslims are divided in their views on the new German president, Joachim Gauck. Many are concerned about his evident understanding for the views of Thilo Sarrazin on Muslims in Germany. Jan Kuhlmann reports
By Jan Kuhlmann