Politics

Journalists in Afghanistan under Duress

Is Karzai Sacrificing the Freedom of the Press?

The freedoms that independent media in Afghanistan have struggled to achieve over the past few years are now melting away like snow in the sun, writes Martin Gerner from Kabul
Musharraf and the Islamists

The General Forced to Make a Move

Pakistan could face a civil war. The army has squandered its reputation as savior of the nation and the General is under pressure to act. A commentary by Bernard Imhalsy
Darfur: The "Ambiguous" Genocide

Pessimist Manifesto

In his book on the war in Darfur, Gérard Prunier, an expert on Africa and genocide, laments the international community's inability to provide effective protection for the conflict's victims. Annette Weber comments
Release of the Bulgarian Nurses from Libyan Jail

A Lesson in Ruthless Special Interest Politics

The future of the EU's much-hailed "common foreign policy" has been placed at risk by France's independent negotiations with the Qaddafi regime and the upgrading of its status through Sarkozy's state visit. Andreas Zumach comments
Sweeping Election Victory for the AKP in Turkey

Firmly Rooted in Mainstream Society

Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP bolstered its share of the vote in Turkey's parliamentary election thereby becoming the balancing power in Turkey. Günter Seufert reports from Istanbul
Elections in Turkey

Beyond Kemalism

Election results in Turkey have put to rest the lie that the AKP is merely an obscure Islamic secret society. Yet, the results also present a great danger. The newly found strength of the AKP will be difficult to control, says Ömer Erzeren
The Front National and Arab Immigrants

A 'Muslim Vote' for Le Pen?

France's right-wing Front National has slowly changed its stance towards Arab immigrants and has even accepted some as party members. What is the idea behind this new strategy, and, does it work? Götz Nordbruch takes a look
France's Right Wing and the Cartoon Controversy

Plea for Blasphemy Clauses

The right wing in France is using the cartoon controversy as a pretense to take up arms against the republic's secular mindset. Details from Bernhard Schmid in Paris
Sarkozy in Africa

French President Calls for New Trans-Mediterranean Partnership

The French President Nicholas Sarkozy revealed during his last trip to both Algeria and Tunisia four factors integral to a project designed to unite the countries on the Mediterranean basin which he proposed to both presidents Boutiflika and Ben Ali. Salim Boukhdir reports
Elections in Turkey

An Irreconcilable Political Situation

Shortly before the parliamentary elections this Sunday, the parties remain entrenched in their positions. Turkish society is divided along lines of political conflict, and the opposition's nationalistic rhetoric is coming across loud and clear. Ömer Erzeren reports from Istanbul
Pakistan's President Musharraf under Pressure

Boxed into a Corner

Pervez Musharraf has long been regarded as a master of playing his political opponents off against each other. Yet, how much support does the Pakistani president have after the storming of the Red Mosque? Thomas Bärthlein with a background report
Book Review: The 33-Day War

Global Dimensions

On July 12, 2006 Israeli forces attacked Lebanon. Authors Gilbert Achcar of Lebanon and Michael Warschawski of Israel investigated the ensuing "July War" or "33-Day War" and are already warning of a continuation. Beate Hinrichs presents their book