Politics
Topics
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Relations between the Arab World and TurkeyTurkey as Model for the Middle East?
The Arab world's long years of disinterest and mistrust in Turkish politics are coming to an end, especially since AK party chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan was elected prime minister. Rainer Hermann explains why
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EU-Uzbek Relations
"Germany Has Done Everything in its Power to Undermine Sanctions"
The German government has argued that sanctions against Uzbekistan ought to be eased because they had not produced any positive results. In this interview, Veronika Leila Szente Goldston argues that this is the case because the EU had not followed through with a pro-active engagement on the specific steps
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Afghanistan Five Years after the Taliban
In the Grip of the Jihadists
Hopes were high for Afghanistan's democratic renewal; but no one wanted to challenge the power of the warrior princes in the north of the country. Today Hamid Karzai's government is mired in a profound crisis of confidence. By Thomas Ruttig
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Islamic Reform Movements in Sub-Saharan Africa
Religious Renewal and Social Change
Islamic reform movements in Africa are booming, largely as a result of their commitment to social and educational issues. But in many places they have also taken on a political character and have adopted a rhetoric which rails against westernisation. By Roman Loimeier
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Turkey's Application for Membership of the EU
Litmus Test for Europe
The gulf between the secular elite and religious forces in Turkey is wider than ever. But, asks Zafer Senocak, is that not all the more reason for the EU to support the secular and democratic forces in Turkey more than it has done in the past in order to bind the country more closely to Europe?
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Reactions in Turkey to the EU Progress Report
Surprised at Europe's Forgetfulness
The European Commission's criticisms in the EU Progress Report on Turkey have met with incomprehension from the political leaders in Ankara. Accoding to Jürgen Gottschlich, the Europeans are unwilling to consider the background of the Cyprus conflict, and their analysis is very one-sided
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Interview with Sihem Ben Sedrine
Untiring Work for Human Rights
Sihem Ben Sedrine is a Tunisian journalist and human rights activist. She has now been awarded the 2003 Johann Philipp Palm Prize for Freedom of Speech and the Press. Interview by Silvia Kuske
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The Verdict in the Trial of Saddam Hussein
How Many Deaths Can a Dictator Die?
The trial of Saddam Hussein was above all supposed to prepare the ground for a national reconciliation. Yet exactly this has not happened, says Peter Philipp in his commentary
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Environmental Disaster in Lebanon
Contaminated for Years to Come
The war in Lebanon has cost not only the lives of thousands of people. The environment is also damaged for years to come as a result of an oil spill, dust and ash rain, as well as the rubbish from destroyed apartments. Bernhard Hillenkamp reports with the details
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German Navy off the Lebanese Coast
A New War Is Possible in Lebanon
According to Andreas Zumach, Germany and the other countries involved in the UNIFIL mission have to get Israel to stop its violations of Resolution 1701. Otherwise, he says, there is a risk of a return to war
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Portrait Yasar Nuri Öztürk
Religion and Politics in Turkey
When Turkish TV networks broadcast debates on Islam and politics, Yasar Nuri Öztürk is bound to be among the studio guests. Over the past few years, the reformist theologian and politician has become a popular media personality. By Ömer Erzeren
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The Role of Wahabi Scholars in Saudi Arabia
Political Islam Hindering Reform
In order to ensure its power, the leadership in the Saudi capital Riyadh continues to uphold its alliance with Wahabi scholars. Guido Steinberg says this policy prevents the country from engaging in any fundamental reform
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