Politics

Interview with Zbigniew Brzezinski

"The West Must Avoid Russia's Mistakes in Afghanistan"

Zbigniew Brzezinski was instrumental in arming the Afghan mujahedeen against the Soviet Union. In an interview with Dennis Stute, the former US security advisor talks about how the West can avoid the mistakes of the Russians
The Role of the Turkish Military

Proud Guardians of the Republic

In contrast to other democracies, the role of the military in Turkey is regarded positively by the vast majority of the country's population. The Turkish armed forces have never sought to establish a military dictatorship as in case of almost all of its neighbours in the Middle East. By Loay Mudhoon
Sunni Militias in Iraq

From Scapegoat to Pillar of the State

Once rebels, now allies of the Americans in Iraq: Sunni militias are charged with ensuring stability in Iraq under government command. Their ranks include a number of ex-Al Qaeda fighters. Peter Philipp reports
Interview with Udo Steinbach

"There Has to Be a Debate on Secularisation"

According to Middle East expert Udo Steinbach, Islamic societies are locked in a clash between modernisers and backwards-looking ideologues. Western policy should animate Islamic elites to develop a concept of secularity suitable for the modern Islamic context. Mohammed Khallouk talked to Udo Steinbach
Media War in Turkey

Oil on the Flames

The conflict between the AKP government and the Turkish media giant Doğan is escalating. The bone of contention is critical reporting on a charity donation scandal in Germany involving high-ranking AKP members, which is causing a ripple effect throughout the media. Ömer Erzeren reports from Istanbul
Turkey: Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair

Power Struggle Hits Literature

The power struggle between Turkey's laicists and Islamists has not left the cultural scene untouched, and is now throwing its shadow over the book fair in Frankfurt. In protest against the AKP government, a group of Turkish authors intends to boycott the fair. By Susanne Güsten
Compensation for Italian Colonial Policy

A Double Deal with Tripoli

"We'll have fewer illegal immigrants and more oil" – these were the words with which the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, praised his latest political deal with the Libyan revolutionary leader, Muammar Ghaddafi. Bernhard Schmid explains the background to the new Libyan-Italian "friendship agreement"
Tzipi Livni's Future Challenges

"Breakthroughs" Not at the Top of the Agenda

Israel's foreign minister, Tzipi Livni, looks likely to become its next prime minister. It is vital that Olmert's successor is aware of the huge responsibility she would bear for the future of Israel and the region. Rainer Sollich shares his views on the matter
The EU and Iraqi Refugees

The Myth of "Voluntary Return"

EU interior ministers have recently agreed to take in 10,000 Iraqi refugees currently living in Syria and Jordan. But human rights organizations criticize the preference given to Iraqi Christians and warn that the Iraqi government is painting a false picture of the grim situation in Iraq in an effort to lure refugees back home. By Anja Zorob
Muslims and the US Election Campaign

"A Time for Change"

While America's Muslim leaders are calling on Muslims to vote for Barack Obama, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate is trying to quash the belief held by many that he is a Muslim. Nevertheless, Obama is considered by many to be a real alternative. Mounir Azzaoui reports fom Washington
"Anti-Islam Congress" in Cologne

European Parties Fail to Feed Resentment against Islam

European right-wing populist parties had planned an "Anti-Islam Congress" in Cologne for the past weekend. An alliance of local people, politicians, the media, churches and associations put a stop to these plans. Frank Überall reports from Cologne
Head of Judiciary: Abdurrahman Yalcinkaya

Turkey's Hard-core Prosecutor

Kemalists regard him as the keeper of the Grail: Abdurrahman Yalcinkaya, Turkey's Chief Prosecutor. With his proclaimed intent of closing the ruling AK party for "anti-secularist activities", he has recently stirred up a new political storm. Semiran Kaya introduces the uncompromising prosecutor