Politics
Topics
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Interview with Hazem SaghiehBeyond 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
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Debate on Günter Grass's Israel-Iran PoemThe 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
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President Gauck and Germany's MuslimsA 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
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Arab League Summit in BaghdadReconciliation 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
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Revolt against AssadSyria'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
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France after the Series of Murders in ToulouseAgainst 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
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Imran KhanPakistan'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
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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
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A Glowing Future in JordanThe 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
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Joachim GauckGermany'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
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On the Death of Pope Shenouda IIIA Pragmatist Who Was Not Afraid to Take a Stand
Pope Shenouda III, the head of the Christian Coptic Church, passed away last weekend. Throughout his time as Coptic spiritual leader, he faced a variety of challenges from all sides: Islamisation, dictatorship and even revolution. His successor has yet to be named. Karim El-Gawhary reports from Cairo
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Interview with Samar YazbekConveying the Suffering of the Syrian People
In her "Damascene Diaries", the Syrian writer and journalist Samar Yazbek documents the first months of the revolution. Since she has been in exile, she sees how Syrians have been left utterly alone. She has made it her task to give them a voice. Susanne Schanda met the author for an interview in Zurich
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Sex education in the Arab world
Let's talk about sex, habibi!