Politics

The Sudan

Oil-Cursed

Sudan seems to confirm the theory that oil-rich countries do not develop politically. How did oil become a political factor there? And how has it marginalised the people in the south of the country? By Elke Grawert and Atta El-Battahani
Sudan ahead of Elections

Fragile Statehood

Sudan's people will go to the polls in April. Less than a year later, southern Sudan will probably hold a referendum on independence. However, experts warn that elections alone cannot turn a country into a democracy. By Christian Jahn
Anti-Islamisation Conference in Paris

United against a Common Enemy

The "Assises Contre L'Islamisation de L'Europe", a congress recently held in Paris, provided rightwing extremists and opponents of Islam with a welcome forum to issue new tirades of hatred against Muslim immigrants. By Bernhard Schmid
The Turkish AKP as Role Model for the Arab World?

No Counterpart

Western politicians see the Turkish AKP as a role model for change among the Islamist parties in the Arab world. They fail to recognise that the Turkish experience with Islamism is unlikely to be successful in Arab countries.
Kurdish-Iraqi Returning Refugees

Spaetzle in Erbil

Germany is home to the largest Kurdish diaspora outside of Kurdistan. But since their temporary "toleration" status is no longer being prolonged many are returning to northern Iraq. By Birgit Svensson
Turkey's Chief Negotiator for the EU Egemen Bağış

"We Perceive Europe as a Union of Values"

Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for the EU Egemen Bağış thinks Turkey does not need the EU economically. Rather, says Bağış, Turkey perceives the EU as a peace project. Ayşe Karabat spoke to the minister
The Palestinian National Authority

Suffering an Identity Crisis

The Middle East peace talks have escalated to such an extent that Mahmoud Abbas has threatened to dissolve the Palestinian Authority. What could replace it? By Nader Alsarras
Parliamentary Elections and the Mubarak Regime

Long live the Pharaoh!

The present election results will make it difficult for the Egyptian regime to portray the ballot in a democratic light. Europe should take critical note of this and review its policy towards Egypt. By Thomas Demmelhuber
Interview with Abdelilah Benkirane

"Islam Is Not a Static Religion"

Abdelilah Benkirane is one of Morocco's most influential politicians. In this interview, he talks about his party's position in Morocco and explains the extent to which Islam influences his party's politics
Interview with Matt Beynon Rees

"Hamas and Fatah Have an Interest in the Conflict Continuing"

British crime writer Matt Beynon has won numerous awards for his series of novels about a fictional Palestinian detective. Eren Güvercin spoke to him about his work and the situation in Palestine
Women for Human Rights in Afghanistan

Our Country is Not an Exception to the Rule

The human rights situation and the role of women in Afghanistan are, as ever, severely under threat. Female human rights activists are issuing urgent warnings about cultural relativism and compromises with the Taliban. By Shikiba Babori
Development Efforts in Afghanistan

"There Is No Sense of Trust"

Nine years ago, US troops took over Kabul. Instead of making progress, Afghanistan seems to have sunk ever deeper into civil war since then. Afghanistan expert Conrad Schetter explains why development efforts have not borne more fruit