Politics

Kurdish Policy of Turkey's Governing AKP

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Although the Kurdish policy of the AKP differs radically from other parties in Turkey, Prime Minister Erdogan has nonetheless been accused of leaving his policy of reconciliation by the wayside as a result of pressure from the military and nationalists. By Susanne Güsten
Iran's Independent Journalists under Pressure

Walking A Tightrope

Since Ahmadinejad came to power in Iran, the independent, critical press has seen its already restricted political freedom being eroded even further. But hardliners are also increasingly zeroing in on bloggers and members of Internet forums. By Arian Fariborz
EU Progress Report

A Bureaucratic Look at Turkey

The EU progress report on the situation in Turkey ignores the current crisis in the Kurdish region. In this respect it seems unrealistic. But it is these prosaic tactics that enable negotiations to progress, writes Daniela Schröder
Update on the Ben Barka Affair

Echoes of the Cold War

On October 29, 1965, the left-wing Moroccan politician Ben Barka was abducted in broad daylight in Paris. According to later revelations, French, Moroccan, and American agents were operating behind the scenes. Now an ambitious investigating judge is reopening the case. By Bernhard Schmid
Persecution of NGOs in Pakistan

"Like a Damoclean Sword Hanging over Our Heads"

In Pakistan, thousands of opposition activists, human rights activists, and journalists have been arrested; many others have gone into hiding. Annette Meisters reports from Karachi
Emergency Rule in Pakistan

Musharraf Loses His Nerve

The speculation is no more. For months, there were rumours emergency rule would be imposed when things got a bit tight for President Musharraf. A commentary by Thomas Bärthlein
The Republic of Niger

The Uranium Curse

A Tuareg revolt, coveted uranium resources, geopolitical rivalries, endemic poverty: is Niger becoming the latest patient in Africa's emergency-ward?
By Tristan McConnell
Indonesia and Nuclear Energy

Javanese Muslims Oppose Nukes

In Indonesia, non-governmental activists are challenging the government's plans to introduce nuclear energy. While the authorities speak of economically-attractive options, environmentalists worry about nuclear waste and the danger of accidents. By Edith Koesoemawiria
Benazir Bhutto's Return

Pakistan Plays Waiting Game

On her return from exile Pakistan's former prime minister Benazir Bhutto sought to be celebrated as the great hope for democracy and prosperity. But can she fulfil expectations at home and abroad? This is by no means certain. Anette Meisters reports
Journalists in Afghanistan

Reporting Between the Lines

Nowadays, Afghan journalists risk life and limb when it comes to reporting objectively on the deplorable state of affairs in their country. Not only the Taliban, but also the pro-Western government tends to see courageous journalists as enemies. Ratbil Shamel and Najibullah Zeyarmal report
EU Sanctions against Uzbekistan

Watered down beyond Recognition

On October 15 the European Union once again relaxed the sanctions against Uzbekistan. The decision was based on short-sighted power politics and demonstrates a lack of principles, Marcus Bensmann argues
Nationalism and the Judiciary in Turkey

Hrant Dink's Son Sentenced for "Denigrating Turkishness"

Arat Dink, the son of the Turkish Armenian journalist Hrant Dink who was assassinated in January of this year, has been given a one-year suspended sentence for reprinting an interview his father in which he spoke of the Armenian genocide. A commentary by Aydin Engin