Politics

France and the Mediterranean Union

The New Dream of the Old Leading Role

Germany's Chancellor Merkel and France's President Sarkozy have agreed to transform the EU's current cooperation with its Mediterranean neighbours into a Mediterranean Union. Abed Othman asked Middle East expert Rudolph Chimelli what it's all about
NATO Policy in Afghanistan

West Needs Coordinated Afghan Policy, Merkel Says

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on NATO members to improve coordination of military and civil elements in crisis areas such as Afghanistan. She stressed that Germany would not lift restrictions on troops in the country
Violence in Gaza Strip

Threat of Renewed War

Israel is continuing with its massive military operation in the Gaza Strip. The Olmert government is pursuing a misguided strategy, which will only succeed in driving more and more Palestinians towards radicalism, says Peter Philipp
Kosovo as "Muslim State in Europe"

False Fears and False Hopes

The declaration of independence in Kosovo has brought a new nation to Europe, with a population that is 90 per cent Muslim. Islam, however, has no influence on the country's politics. Balkans and Kosovo expert Konrad Clewing explains why
Micha Brumlik's Critique of Zionism

In Order to be a Realist, You Must Believe in Miracles

The debate on Zionism often takes a polemical turn; the ideology on which the state of Israel is based does not always facilitate sober discussion. This makes it all the more encouraging to see Micha Brumlik venturing a critique of Zionism that eschews cheap polemics. By Michael Brenner
Turkish Offensive against the PKK in Northern Iraq

Ankara Given Free Reign

Despite a few admonitions coming out of Washington, the Turkish army's incursion into northern Iraq is not really putting the country's relations with the USA to the test, Peter Philipp maintains in his commentary
The New American Strategy in Iraq

Transitional Phase in Civil War

In spite of the unequivocal success of the new American strategy in pacifying post-war Iraq a lasting stabilisation of the country is not in sight, says Guido Steinberg in his analysis
Israel's Media Watchdog "Keshev"

War Reporting under Scrutiny

"Was the war necessary?" asks the journalist and historian Tom Segev in Haaretz newspaper, referring to the 2006 war against the Lebanon – nuances rarely heard during armed conflicts, as the Israeli NGO "Keshev" has found out. By Mona Sarkis
Elections in Pakistan

Of Winners and Losers

As election results continue to trickle after the 18 February elections in Pakistan, it is clear that what is happening is little short of a tsunami that has transformed the political landscape overnight. Irfan Husain reports
Turkish Parliament Adopts Headscarf Reform

Is Freedom Now at Hand – or the Religious Police?

The Turkish parliament has lifted the headscarf ban in Turkish universities. The Kemalist opposition sees this as a threat to basic democratic values, and intends to appeal to the supreme court. Susanne Güsten in Istanbul looks at the background to the issue
Interview with Geert Mak

A Basic Mood of Xenophobia in the Netherlands

The right-wing populist Geert Wilders is causing an uproar in the Netherlands with his plans to make a film about the Koran. A new caricature debacle is not in the offing this time, however, says publicist Geert Mak. Nevertheless, a nervous mood prevails. Interview by Daniel Bax
Syria Crushes the Opposition

Fear of "Gentle Revolutionaries"

The Syrian regime has been waging war on the opposition for several weeks in fear that it could endanger the position of President Bashar Al Assad – by supporting Washington in its efforts to effect regime change from outside. Kristin Helberg reports