Politics

On the Death of the Grand Ayatollah Fadlallah

"Religion Serves the People"

The most senior Shiite cleric in Lebanon, Grand Ayatollah Fadlallah, has died. The intellectual guiding force of the Shiite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon, Fadlallah supported the armed fight against Israel but condemned Islamic terrorism. He also worked for the peaceful coexistence of the different denominations in Lebanon. This portrait by Stephan Rosiny
Environmental Awareness in Egypt

All the World's a Rubbish Bin

Egypt faces severe environmental challenges – but there is little environmental awareness among the public. Even leading intellectuals are interpreting news of global warming as a chimera created by "the West". Joseph Mayton reports
"The Arabs and the Holocaust"

War of Narratives

"The Arabs and the Holocaust" is the first comprehensive study in Arabic of the complex relationship of the Arabs to the Holocaust. Lebanese historian Gilbert Achcar set out with his research to shed light on the Holocaust above all for the benefit of the Arab World. Samir Grees read the study and spoke with the author
Bismarck's Egypt Policy

The Ulcer of the Orient

Germany was and is a welcome political and economic partner in the Arab world. But many political observers believe that German involvement in this region is inadequate. Could contemporary approaches learn from the example of Bismarck's policy on Egypt? Answers from Christian Horbach
Turkish-Israeli Relations

Turks to Gaza!

An appraisal of Turkey's geopolitical situation makes the alienation between the former Kemalist state and Israel comprehensible. But it is exactly this situation that now requires Turkey to assume fresh political responsibility in the Middle East, writes Dan Diner, Professor of History at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem
Gaza Blockade

A "Jewish Ship" for Gaza

Since the storming of the Mavi Marmara at the end of May, a growing number of aid flotillas is being sent to Gaza from all around the world. A group of German Jews also wants to demonstrate solidarity with the people in the Gaza Strip. Bettina Marx reports
Afghanistan's Mineral Reserves

A Treacherous Blessing

Last week, the US Military reported that Afghanistan's mineral resources are worth the equivalent of one to three trillion US dollars. How realistic is to expect the rapid commencement of mining operations? What opportunities and risks might the new race for Afghanistan's resources bring? Martin Gerner reports
Media Freedom in the Arab World

Unchecked Farce

The Yemeni army besieges a newspaper. In Kuwait journalists are convicted for uncovering a rigged horse race: Arab regimes are making a laughing stock of themselves as they endeavour to restrict the freedom of the media. By Hamid Skif
New Afghanistan Strategy

Civilised Military Doctrine

Non-governmental organisations are warning against militarising development policy in Afghanistan. But as Hans Dembowski reports, US military doctrine has recently become far more geared towards civilian reconstruction than critics realise
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy under King Abdullah

Growing Challenges, Limited Room to Manoeuvre

Since King Abdullah ascended the throne, Saudi Arabia has pursued a more active regional policy than in the past. According to Guido Steinberg the kingdom has not been able to stop Iran becoming the leading power in the region
The Green Movement in Iran

A Divided Coalition

The Green movement in Iran is still hoping that its tactic of applying pressure on the government from below, while negotiating at the top, will produce results. But Faraj Sarkohi believes that the options remain limited
Violent Unrest in Kyrgyzstan

The Fergana Valley Powder Keg

Unrest in southern Kyrgyzstan is thought to have so far claimed the lives of 170 people – and displaced hundreds of thousands more. But who and what has caused this situation, which has devastated the entire southern region of the country? By Edda Schlager