Politics

Turkey's Ethnic Rifts

Tearing at the Country's Fabric

Further cracks are appearing along Turkey's ethnic fault lines. According to the Turkish authorities provocations prior to a referendum on constitutional amendments are the main reason, but experts suggest otherwise. By Ayşe Karabat
Mohamed Sifaoui's "Bin Laden Unveiled"

A Comic Book Assassination of al-Qaida

Mohamed Sifaoui, an Algerian journalist and considered expert on radical Islamic ideologies, attempts to tackle radical Islamists by using humour as his weapon – and amply makes use of anti-Islamic clichés. By Joseph Croitoru
Memories of the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait

The End of a Childhood

In August 1990, Saddam Hussein's troops invaded Kuwait, providing the catalyst for Operation Desert Storm. Emad M. Ghanim, fifteen years old at the time, experienced the war in southern Iraq at first hand
Interview with Gerhard Schweizer

"The AKP Has No Hidden Agenda"

Sabre-rattling in its foreign affairs and power struggles in its domestic politics are prompting to wonder where exactly Turkey is heading. Gerhard Schweizer rejects fears of Islamification as "out of touch with reality".
Al-Qaida's Third Generation on the Web

Terrorist Franchising

Al-Qaida has launched its first online magazine in English: Inspire. With Islamist propaganda and instructions for do-it-yourself bombs, it is aimed at supporters from the west. Emad M. Ghanim reports
Interview with Ruprecht Polenz

"Turkey Belongs in the EU!"

Ruprecht Polenz argues in favour of Turkish accession to the EU, and grapples with negative western perceptions of the nation, as well as of Islam. He spoke to Eren Güvercin
Turkish Involvement in Afghanistan

Wielding "Soft Power" for a Good Image

Although the AKP was critical of NATO's Afghanistan mission, Turkey remained part of it even after the party came to power in 2002. Turkey's main aim now is to introduce security to the country and assist with redevelopment. Cem Sey has the details
Attacks on the Sahwa Militia in Iraq

Bloody Revenge and Coercion

Al-Qaeda is increasingly directing its attacks in Iraq against the Sunni Sahwa militia, which is helping government troops fight terrorism. What is the intention behind it? By Birgit Svensson
Gaddafi's Big Power Politics in Africa

Erratic Political Manoeuvring

In order to shore up his influence in Africa, Colonel Gaddafi has fanned the flames of conflict and acted as a peace mediator as he felt inclined. Interestingly, the Libyan leader could bring stability to the region. By James M. Dorsey
Syria's Foreign Policy Role in the Middle East

The Key to Peace?

As a result of its relations with Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas, Syria can exert both a positive and a negative influence in the region. Which option will President Assad choose? By Rainer Sollich
The Gulf Region

A Challenge for Beijing's Foreign Policy

With the Middle East already China's largest oil supplier and with China's growing energy needs, Beijing's relations with the Gulf countries are becoming more important. But they are also fraught with difficulties, writes Dai Ruyue
One Year after Obama's Speech in Cairo

No Fresh Start for the USA and the Muslim World

Arab human rights activists are critical of American policy towards their native countries. They feel that in the twelve months since President Obama's speech in Cairo, the United States has done very little to follow up on its good intentions. Christina Bergmann reports