Politics

Tunisia and the European Union

Rebooting Democracy

Much to the disappointment of the protesters, both individual EU member states and the EU itself have been slow to react to the events in Tunisia. As Tunisia's most important partner, the EU has the opportunity to support the regime change in a constructive manner. By Isabel Schäfer
Protest Movements in the Maghreb

Recurring Revolts

Moroccan philosopher Mohamed Sabila describes the generation gap in the three Maghreb states and the social plight of young people, who have turned away in disappointment from the political dogmatism of their parent's generation
After the Elections in Afghanistan

An Unsatisfactory Status Quo

In view of its recurrent election shortcomings, Afghanistan faces the choice of either fixing evident flaws or risking the collapse of its political system. A commentary from Babak Khalatbari
Interview with the Turkish Writer Dogan Akhanli

Caught in the Crossfire

Turkish writer and human rights activist Dogan Akhanli talks to Eren Güvercin about his politically motivated trial, the Turkish judicial system and the current socio-political debate in his home country
Tunisia's Opposition Movement After Ben Ali

A Long-term Gestation Process

Tunisia's opposition is fragmented, and prospects for political consensus are still remote. This means it is too soon to expect a rapid transition to a democratic post-Ben Ali era. By Sigrid Faath
Tunisia's Opposition Movement

Stumbling Blocks on the Road to Democracy

The opposition is clearly relieved about the overthrow of the dictator Ben Ali. Yet the movement needs time to reconstitute and prepare for elections. Alfred Hackensberger reports from Tunis
Aftermath of the Church Bombing in Egypt

Taking a Stand against Terror with Crucifix and Koran

After the bomb attack on a Coptic church in Alexandria, Christians and Muslims are demonstrating for unity in Egypt and against al-Qaeda's terror and the Mubarak regime. By Karim El-Gawhary
Social Unrest in Tunisia

"We Have a Right to Work, You Robbers!"

Tunisian human rights activist Sihem Bensedrine details the extent of the current social unrest in Tunisia and describes the way in which freedom of expression is being suppressed in her country
Referendum in Southern Sudan

Historic Chance for Peace

The government in Khartoum would appear to be willing to accept the secession of southern Sudan. Europe should swiftly grasp the opportunity to become politically and economically engaged in both Sudanese states, says Volker Perthes
Interview with Werner Ruf

"Algeria is a Thoroughly Corrupt Country"

Do the violent protests in Algeria pose a serious threat to the government of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, as some political observers believe? Werner Ruf talks about the roots of the current unrest and the desperate economic state of the country
Copts in Egypt

The Dome Dispute

The recent attack on a Coptic church in Alexandria has highlighted the increasing sectarian tensions in Egypt. In the Cairo neighbourhood of Omraniya, the construction of a Coptic church building was halted. By Amira El Ahl
Interview with Sihem Bensedrine

"The EU is an Accomplice of this Criminal Regime"

The people's uprising in Tunisia is not just about the state of the economy, but also about civil rights and dignity, says Tunisian opposition activist Sihem Bensedrine in this interview with Reiner Wandler