Politics

Ten Years of Mohammed VI

The Big Misunderstanding?

After ten years on the throne, King Mohammed VI has a number of political and economic success stories to his name. Yet human rights activists complain that Morocco has increasingly transformed into an absolute monarchy under his rule. Sonja Hegasy weighs up
Integration of Muslims in Germany

Turning Point in German National Self-Image

We must not allow the exploitation by demagogues and agitators of the Islamic world's indignation at the brutal murder of Marwa al-Sherbini to blind us to the recent change for the better in the relationship between the German state and the country's Muslims, says Loay Mudhoon in his commentary
The Quest for Democracy in Iran

A Century of Struggle against Authoritarian Rule

The Iranian-American political scientist Fakhreddin Azimi has written a study of Iranian parliamentary democracy. It shows that, for over a hundred years, the country's representative assembly has repeatedly suffered from the same kind of difficulties. Joseph Croitoru has read the book
Rule of Law in Pakistan

Confusing Plurality

The legal situation in Pakistan remains troubled. The country's laws tend to be biased against the poor – and against women in particular. Moreover, the state's judiciary co-exists with Islamic and traditional institutions that define and enforce rules. By Rubina Saigol
Suicide Bombings in Jakarta

Indonesia Shaken by Terrorist Attacks

At least nine people were killed in two blasts at luxury hotels in Jakarta on Friday. Sybille Golte says the attacks unfairly damage Indonesia's reputation as the most tolerant nation in the Islamic world
Coming to Terms with War Crimes in Turkey

The Dead Are Climbing out of the Wells

In the 1990s the Turkish army killed tens of thousands of Kurds in the dirty war against the PKK. Now these political crimes are coming to light. Details from Istanbul provided by Michael Thumann
Presidential Elections in Indonesia

A Vote for Security and Stability

The challengers to incumbent President Yudhoyono have clearly underestimated his popularity. They have failed to impress the public with their colourless public appearances and vague party programmes. By Christina Schott
Stephan J. Kramer on the Murder of Marwa al-Sherbini

In Solidarity with All Muslims

"The murder of Marwa al-Sherbini is the consequence of largely unchecked hate propaganda against Muslims spread by everyone from marginal extremists right through to people at the centre of society," says Stephan J. Kramer, General Secretary of the Central Council of Jews in Germany
"Mrs. Atatürk – Latife Hanim"

Maligned but Not Forgotten

Nearly 34 years after her death, she provokes more controversy than ever before: Latife Ussaki, Atatürk's wife. But now a book sheds a new light on her: "Latife Hanim", by the journalist Ipek Calislar, is a surprising and controversial portrait, presented here by Nimet Seker
Egyptian Reactions to the Murder of Marwa al-Sherbini

Pent-up Rage

For over a week one issue has dominated the Egyptian media, an issue which has provoked rage, despair and profound shock amongst the population: the murder of the thirty-two-year-old Marwa al-Sherbini at the beginning of July in the regional courtrooms of Dresden, Germany
Interview with Amir Sheikhzadegan

A School for Democracy in Iran

Amir Sheikhzadegan is of the opinion that the supporters of Karroubi and Mousavi have learned from the earlier experiences of the reform movement under former president Khatami and have made a conscious decision to demonstrate peacefully and voice realistic political demands. Alessandro Topa spoke to the Iranian sociologist
Political Power Struggle in Iran

Fighting a Losing Battle

According to the Iranian writer Faraj Sarkohi, the great hope of the Iranian reform movement, Mir Hossein Mousavi, has manoeuvred himself right off the playing field in the aftermath of the elections. Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, on the other hand, is emerging from the political crisis as the winner