Politics

Interview with Mohammad Ehsan Zia

"Afghanistan Must Sit in the Driver's Seat"

So far, efforts to reduce opium poppy cultivation and to promote alternative crops in Afghanistan have hardly borne fruit. Mohammad Ehsan Zia, Minister for Development of Afghanistan, elaborates on how to improve the situation.
Shireen Hunter

Islam in Russia

Russia's Muslim community has been largely viewed through the prism of the Chechen war, despite its diversity reflecting the trajectory of both Islam's spread in Russia and Russia's imperial expansion into the Muslim lands. By Shireen Hunter
Dan Bar-On on the Mideast Crisis

The Vicious Circle of Rightfulness, Power, and Loss of Compassion

Israelis have internalized the sense of "victimhood" and have thus become blind to the suffering of their adversaries, writes Israeli psychologist Dan Bar-On
War Crimes and Resurgent Violence in Afghanistan

"Culture of Peace" or "Culture of War"?

It seems that one of the reasons why post-war countries like Afghanistan experience a resurgence of conflict after a relatively peaceful transitional phase is that they have failed to come to terms with their war-torn past. An analysis by Citha D. Maass
Middle East Diplomacy

Germany Has Mixed Record as Mediator

Germany has begun playing an active role in pursuing a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. It's not the first time German diplomats have gotten involved in the region and this conflict. Peter Philipp reports
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