Politics

Egypt a Year after the Military Takeover of Power

From a Secular Uprising to a Muslim Democracy?

The fundamental change that took place in Egypt in 2011 is considered a turning point in history. Where is the country heading politically? What role will religion play in the Egyptian state and society in the future? By Thomas Demmelhuber
By Thomas Demmelhuber
The Arab League and the Iraqi-Syrian Relationship

Baghdad's Surprising Support for a Former Enemy

The Arab League's mission in Syria is coming in for heavy criticism – and so is Iraq, which brokered the mission: the country has performed a drastic about-face that many find quite astonishing. Birgit Svensson in Baghdad has the details
By Birgit Svensson
Anniversary of the Egyptian Rebellion

Egypt's Protesters Ready for the Next Revolution

On the face of it, not much has changed since the protests against former President Hosni Mubarak's regime began a year ago. Now, activists want to start another revolution to topple the military council. By Viktoria Kleber
Turkey's Military versus the Government

From Military Tutelage to Civilian Authoritarianism?

Opinion in Turkey remains divided over whether the recent remand of a former chief of General Staff on charges of coup plotting represents a further blow against an older, less democratic order, or a move by the incumbent government to further consolidate its power. Fatma Kayabal investigates
By Fatma Kayabal
Salafists in Egypt

Exploiting the Weakness of the People

The Salafists provided the biggest surprise of the Egyptian elections. They will constitute the second largest party in the new Egyptian parliament. The Salafists are seeking to present an outwardly moderate image, but it is their radical slogans that score points for them with the voters. Karim El-Gawhary reports from Cairo
By Karim El-Gawhary
Syria's Minorities and the Uprising against the Regime

In Assad's Fortress

Who wants to topple Assad? Syria's confessional minorities are nervous about what might follow a regime change. But like the country's majority Sunni Muslim community, they are also divided along political lines. Hubertus Ecker assesses the current mood in Syria
By Hubertus Ecker
Interview with the Tunisian Opposition Politician Maya Jribi

''Tunisia Is Rooted in the Modern and Tolerant Tradition of Islam''

In last October's elections, the people of Tunisia spoke and Maya Jribi, chairwoman of the Progressive Democratic Party, listened to what they had to say. Twelve months on from the revolution, her party has learned from its bitter electoral defeat and intends to merge with five other liberal parties at the centre of the political spectrum. She spoke to Sarah Mersch
By Sarah Mersch
Interview with Ex-Guantanamo Detainee Sami al Hajj

''The Guards Are Prisoners Too''

Exactly 10 years ago the first plane carrying detainees landed in Guantanamo Bay. Since then, 779 men have been detained without charge and without trial, with 171 of them still being held in Cuba. Sami al Hajj, a Sudanese journalist, was one of them. Stephanie Doetzer met him in Doha
By Stephanie Doetzer
Acquittal of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim

A Small Victory for Democracy in Malaysia

It was a trial with many scandalous facets: Anwar Ibrahim, one of Malaysia's most prominent politicians, had been charged with homosexuality – in the eyes of many, a politically motivated manoeuvre orchestrated by the government. The acquittal came as something of a surprise, and is a small victory for Malaysia's democracy movement, says Andy Budiman
By Andy Budiman
Morocco and the Arab Spring

Reform, Not Revolution

Mohammed VI, Morocco's king, responded fast to the protests of the Arab spring. After constitutional reform, he can no longer chose the head of government on his own. This change has enhanced his legitimacy. By Helmut Reifeld
Searches of NGO Offices in Egypt

Between the Fronts

The searches of international and local non-governmental organisations in Egypt not only serve to repress civil society, but are also an attempt by the military council to restore its own credibility. By Matthias Sailer
By Matthias Sailer
Twelve Months after the Start of the Arab Spring

Year Two of the Rebellions

According to Middle East expert Volker Perthes, the phrase "Arab Spring" is misleading because the Arab World is only at the start of what will be a prolonged period of change. Perthes identifies four factors that will have a major influence on how things develop in the region
By Volker Perthes