Politics

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
German EU Presidency and the Middle East

"Between Political Inertia and a Lack of Vision for the Region"

What has the German EU presidency contributed toward the peace process in the Middle East? Ahmad Hissou discussed this issue with German journalist Stefan Buchen, Dr. Hadila Qazaz of the Heinrich Böll foundation in Ramallah and Dr. Rudolph al-Qareh, a specialist in European-Arab relations
Interview with Rita Süssmuth

"Integration Is Not a One-Way Street"

The UN Commission on International Migration recently released a report entitled "Migration in an interconnected world". Roman Garthoff spoke to member of the commission, Rita Süssmuth, about the challenges in shaping a modern migration policy
Persecution of Ayatollah Boroujerdi in Iran

The State Fears the Traditional Clergy

The case of the traditionally oriented but politically critical Ayatollah Boroujerdi shows that the alliances among the clerics in Iran are becoming increasingly fragile. The calls for a separation between state and religion are getting louder. By Ghasem Toulany
"Hamastan vs Fatah-Land"

A Chance for Mideast Progress?

Muriel Asseburg of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs wrote in her commentary that the international community should avoid deepening the Hamas-Fatah split in order to achieve peace
Legal Proceedings against Politicians in Diyarbakir

Multilingualism as a Separatist Crime

Public prosecutors in Turkey are bringing an increasing number of politically motivated court cases against Kurdish local politicians who are standing up for the recognition of the cultural and social rights of the Kurds. By Ömer Erzeren