Politics

India and Pakistan after the Mumbai Blasts

Walking the Tightrope

The foreign secretary level talks between India and Pakistan, scheduled for July 20, were scrapped, at least for the time being. That does not mean that the peace process has reached the end of its tether, but it certainly needs a somewhat broader foundation, says Thomas Bärthlein.
Make-or-Break Time for Darfur

International Efforts Need Support from Khartoum and Warring Factions

Top officials from the UN, the EU, the US and the African Union have met in Brussels to address the worsening security situation in Darfur. International donors and stakeholders agreed to renew commitments to the peace process. Nina-Maria Potts reports
Mideast Crisis

US Resorting to Heartless Tactics in the Middle East

Washington is sending hesitant signals to the Middle East, saying intervention at this time wouldn't be helpful. This is a callous delay tactic, which condones further casualties, says Peter Philipp
Mideast Crisis

EU Mediation Requires a Common Line

The Israeli army has said its offensive to defeat Hezbollah could last several weeks. Yet time is running out for international diplomatic intervention. What role could the EU play in the negotiation process? Sabina Casagrande reports
Pollution Problems in the Maghreb Countries

New Challenges for Refuse Collectors

Migration into cities in Northern Africa has led to rapid growth of urban centres. The environmental impact in many places has been severe. In particular, municipalities face problems with regard to sewage and garbage disposal. More civil participation should improve local services. By Norbert Glaser
Interview with UNHCR Spokesman William Spindler

"Europe Has a Legal Duty to Help"

The flow of refugees from Africa to Europe has not let up. In an interview UNHCR spokesman William Spindler comments on the responsibilities of the EU with respect to migration policy
Kuwait Parliamentary Election

Kuwait's Shifting Tides

The arrival of women on Kuwait's political stage is matched in significance by the quiet rise of Islamists.
By Raymond Barrett
Janjaweed Militia in Sudan

Darfurs Fragile Peace

The collapse of the Darfur peace agreement designed to resolve the conflict in western Sudan could be averted by a more comprehensive approach to the key issue of disarmament.
By Alex de Waal
Uri Avnery on the Middle East Conflict

Battle with the Myths of Two Peoples

Writer Uri Avnery has been championing the cause of Israeli-Palestinian peace and the coexistence of two states for decades. Silke Bartlick questioned him on the central problem of the ongoing Middle East conflict: myth-making by the Palestinians and Israelis
Politics in Bangladesh

The Fraying of Democracy

Bangladesh is increasingly torn: between economic progress and insecurity, law and impunity, Islamism and secular politics, violence and democracy. Portrait of a troubled country approaching its next major electoral test.
By Liz Philipson
Economic Boycott of the Palestinian Government

The Price of Not Talking to Hamas

The situation in Palestine is deteriorating dramatically. However, not only Hamas is to be blamed but the EU and other international donors as well – their attempt to sideline Hamas has fuelled the current crisis. A commentary by Bettina Marx
Middle East Conflict

Terrorists or Freedom Fighters?

With the escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, the adversaries are once again bandying about terms like "terrorism" and "resistance" from a highly subjective viewpoint. An objective classification is not always that easy, however. By Peter Philipp