Politics

"Iran in World Politics"

Interpreting the Islamic Republic of Iran

The Iranian-born political scientist Arshin Adib-Moghaddam describes the various interpretations and representations of the Islamic Republic of Iran in his book - from the Islamic utopianism of the early revolution via the first Gulf War to the current confrontation with American neo-conservatives and domestic reform debates. By André Bank
The Swat Peace Accord in Pakistan

"A Dangerous Precedence"

Judges trained in Islamic law began reviewing cases this week in a northwest Pakistani region where the government imposed religious rule to make peace with the Taliban. The deal is likely to encourage other groups to push for similar demands, says Pakistani jurist Zubair Masood, in this interview by Nusrat Sheikh
Interview with Ayman Nour

"I Won't Wait for the Regime to Give Me Its Blessings!"

Ayman Nour, the chairman of Egypt's liberal El-Ghad party, talked to Arian Fariborz and Mahmoud Tawfik about his party's perspectives for the future and his plan to run for office again in the next presidential elections
German-Israeli Relations

Solidarity and Responsibility for the Past

Sixty-one years of Israel, 60 years of the Federal Republic of Germany – two countries bound by fate. Today their relations are characterised by friendship and trust. But the path has been a long one. Bettina Marx reports
Iftikhar Chaudhry Reinstated in Pakistan

A Late Victory for Justice

In response to major opposition protest, the Islamabad government has climbed down and reinstating Chief Justice Ifkftikhar Chaudhry in office. Grahame Lucas comments
A New Strategy for Afghanistan

Lessons Learned from Iraq?

Obama's new US strategy on Afghanistan is forcing the European states to make decisions. If they want to increase their influence, they will have to fulfil the tasks they are already doing much more effectively. By Guido Steinberg
Arab Economic Oligarchy

Are New Business Elites Driving Democratic Change?

More and more entrepreneurs in the Arab world are taking on the role of political decision-makers. Will this have the effect of accelerating the breakdown of traditional, authoritarian power structures in the region?
By Amr Hamzawy
Rebuilding Gaza

Poor Prospects for the Economy

The international community plans to donate over five billion euro for rebuilding the Gaza Strip. But there are huge hurdles in the way of the repair work. Bettina Marx reports
Ayman Nour Released

New Impetus for Egypt's Opposition?

According to Tunisian journalist Slim Boukhdir, the recent release from prison of Ayman Nour, the iconic leader of Egypt's liberal opposition, can be attributed to the interplay of several factors: US appeals for more democracy in Egypt, the change of leadership in the White House, and pressure from Egyptian civil society
Provincial Elections in Iraq

Blow to Confessionalism

The Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki, has emerged the clear victor from the country's recent provincial elections. With their vote for Maliki's "State of Law" coalition, the Iraqis have confirmed his pragmatic policy of reconciliation and struck a blow against the religious parties. By Loay Mudhoon
Turkey and the Ergenekon Secret Network

The Men in the Shadows

It is not Islamists or members of the military or the old elite that pose a threat to the Turkish state. Its real enemies operate under cover, as Ahmet Altan, one of the country's most successful authors, explains
Turkish-Kurdish Relations

Tentative Steps towards Reconciliation in Northern Iraq

Turkish-Kurdish relations have historically been difficult and fraught with conflict. However, a recent conference in the autonomous province of Kurdistan in northern Iraq indicates a move in the direction of reconciliation. Günter Seufert reports