Politics

Journalists in Iraq

Flight into Exile

After five years of war in Iraq, the situation looks grim for Iraqi journalists. Many have fled from the daily violence in their country to Syria or Jordan – usually without a visa or work permit. Those who remain behind continue to report on events only at great danger to their lives. By Petra Tabeling
Fifth Anniversary of Saddam Hussein's Downfall

Still Need for Active Democratisation in Iraq

Five years after the removal of Saddam Hussein's dictatorship, there are few signs of the hoped-for "democratisation". Nevertheless, there is still need for a Western policy of promoting democracy, says Loay Mudhoon
Mediterranean Union

First Partner, Then Neighbour, Then Member State?

Now that Germany and France have settled their differences about the "Union for the Mediterranean", the conference marking the establishment of the union will show whether the project is a coherent concept for the future of Euro-Mediterranean co-operation. By Isabel Schäfer
Arab League Summit in Damascus

Hopelessly Mired in Discord

Shared political visions were once again conspicuous by their absence at this year's summit of the Arab League. The heads of state from the key nations didn't even bother to come. Peter Philipp comments
Cyprus without "Mr. No"

A Window of Opportunity for Reunification

It was only recently that the Turkish Cypriot leadership opened its own diplomatic mission in Israel; now both Turkish and Greek Cypriots seem to be showing the political will which could lead to a reunification of the island. Susanne Güsten reports from Istanbul.
Pakistan's New Prime Minister

Democratic Turning Point

The election of Pakistan's new prime minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani represents a turning point in the country's recent history. Pakistan is facing a new democratic beginning. Thomas Bärthlein comments
Iraq: Five Years On

"Respect and Fairness for the Muslim World"

Five years after the Iraq War, Jürgen Todenhöfer, a prominent German media manager and former member of parliament for the Christian Democrats, travelled to Iraq to interview "resistance fighters" and al-Qaida terrorists. He recently published an account of what he experienced there. Interview by Hisham Adem
German-Israeli Relations

Merkel Could Have Taken It Further

On her visit to Israel, German Chancellor Angela Merkel could have addressed more "difficult" issues, says Peter Philipp. What the Middle East needs most, he says, is encouragement to pursue peace
The Third "German Islam Conference"

Muslim Pluralism Must Be Encouraged

The third "Islam Conference" has shown once more: the debate about institutionalising Islam in Germany by creating a single umbrella organisation for all Muslims is one which raises questions as to whether such an organisation would be really representative. A commentary by Loay Mudhoon
Islam Coverage in the Media

The Dialectics of Integration

Despite some progress studies still show that mass media heavily emphasizes the negative aspects of Islam in its coverage. A professional conference in Germany discussed how to normalize news coverage. Loay Mudhoon reports
Parliamentary Elections in Iran

A Game without a Public

Many Iranians regard the parliamentary elections in the Islamic Republic as a political farce, since they are intended only to legitimate the power of the mullahs. Ghasen Toulany says that many Iranians see no reason to go to the polls
Israel's Settlement Policy

"Hamas Is an Accomplice of the Jewish Extremists"

In a move that undermines the peace process, Israel has announced plans to build hundreds of new homes in the West Bank. Volkhard Windfuhr, correspondent for the newsmagazine "Der Spiegel", criticises extremists on both sides of the fence
By Khaula Saleh