Politics
Topics
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The Aftermath of the European Elections in the NetherlandsGeert Wilders and the Right-Wing Populist Threat
The recent elections for the European Parliament showed that, as elsewhere, political change is on the rise in the Netherlands as well. Right-wing populist and anti-Islamic camps are gaining a voice in government, posing a threat to democratic culture, warns Ayman Mazyek
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Controversial Election Results in Iran
No Alternative to Dialogue
Despite ongoing protests against Ahmadinejad's controversial victory in Iran's presidential election, the West must keep talking to the Iranian leadership. In his commentary, Peter Philipp says that the new strategy of dialogue should not be called into question
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Volker Perthes' Study: "Iran – a Political Challenge"
Behind the Scenes of the Islamic Republic
Middle East expert Volker Perthes has written an objective, balanced analysis of the diverse and difficult subject of Iran. Particularly impressive is his success in representing the heterogeneity of Iranian society. Sebastian Sons read the study
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Presidential Elections in Iran
Unorthodox Ways of Appealing to Voters
Although President Ahmadinejad's economic and political performance has been disastrous for many Iranians, the fact that so many voters are likely to stay at home could see him hold on to power. From Katajun Amirpur in Teheran
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Parliamentary Elections in Lebanon
Dilemma over Forming a Government
Hezbollah has suffered an election defeat in Lebanon. This will remove some of the obstacles for international efforts towards normalising the situation in the region. Yet it will not be easy to form a government, writes Peter Philipp
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Barack Obama's Speech to the Islamic World
"The President Has Spoken; Now We Are Waiting for Action!"
Obama touched Muslim hearts with his speech in Cairo – but now the Arab world is waiting for action to follow on from his words. Amira El Ahl listened to Obama's speech at the University of Cairo
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Elections in Lebanon
At the Crossroad of Peace and Stability
"When Beirut's pitted roads are getting done, its election time." This common saying can often be heard from the capital's taxi drivers these days. With the Parliamentarian ballot votes scheduled for June 7, Lebanese parties have spread their campaign billboards all around the streets of the country. By Martin Wählisch
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US and EU Role in the Middle East
Breaking the Impasse through Open Dialogue
Political scientist Stephan Stetter identifies four approaches open to US and EU policy if they are to exercise an effective and realistic external influence on the achieving of a comprehensive political and socially viable peace in the Middle East
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The Future of the Two-state Solution in the Middle East
Reviving a Fata Morgana?
US President Barack Obama is currently in the Middle East and is generally expected to canvas for a revival of the two-state solution. Bettina Marx investigates whether this concept still has a future or not
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Hosni Mubarak's Reign in Egypt
The Pharaoh's Legacy
Hosni Mubarak has enjoyed unlimited power in Egypt for the past 28 years. Today, however, there is increasing resistance against his autocratic reign. Many Egyptians are wondering what the future of the Nile republic might look like after Mubarak's death. Amira El Ahl reports from Cairo
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Interview with Ahmed Saif Hashed
Democracy as a Personal Mission
Ahmed Saif Hashed, an independent delegate in the Yemeni parliament, has been frequently attacked in recent years for his commitment to democracy and civil rights. Sarah Mersch talked with Saif Hashed about his work and the political system in modern Yemen
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Interview with Mohamed Al Rumaihi
"Kuwaiti Women Are Pioneers of Reform"
Four years after the introduction of women's right to vote in Kuwait, women are entering parliament for the first time. Kuwaiti professor of sociology and journalist Mohamed Al Rumaihi analyses the results of the most recent parliamentary elections. Interview by Hisham Adem
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Interview with Angelika Neuwirth
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