Politics

Escalation in the Palestinian Territories

High Noon in Gaza!

Fighting between fractions from Palestinian Hamas and those from the Fatah movement has reached a bloody climax in the Gaza strip. Christian Sterzing reports with an appraisal of the situation
Interview with Burhan Ghalioun

"The West Has Relied Too Much on Violence"

If George Bush had his way, the principle under which Western policy in the Middle East is pursued should be: where violence doesn't help, try more violence. Syrian-born Burhan Ghalioun, told Mona Sarkis why he believes this approach has polarised the region
Analysis F. Stephen Larrabee

Central Asia's Other Turkmenbashis

A dictator's sudden death almost always triggers political instability. But it is doubly dangerous when it poses a risk of region-wide destabilization and a scramble for influence among the world's greatest military powers, argues F. Stephen Larrabee
Europe and Central Asia

Dictators, Politics and Oil

Germany intends to launch a new foreign policy initiative to build closer ties between the EU and the countries of Central Asia. But dealing with dictatorships in this key region poses a major challenge. Marcus Bensmann reports from Baku
Turkish Media Comment on the Murder of Hrant Dink

"The Hostile Bullet Backfired"

Although Hrant Dink had been taken to court over his statements on the genocide against the Armenians and had been attacked by the main Turkish media as a "traitor," it was now the same media which used his murder to invoke a new national unity. Antje Bauer reports
Joint Palestinian and Israeli Curriculum Project

Learning Each Other's Historical Narrative

In 1998, the Palestinian educationalist Sami Adwan and the Israeli psychologist Dan Bar-On founded the Peace Research Institute in the Middle East. Now, they have developed an unusual history textbook for the school system. By Joseph Croitoru
Obituary Hrant Dink

A Voice of Moderation and Humanity

Following the assassination of Hrant Dink, one of the most prominent voices of Turkey's shrinking Armenian community, the country is still in a state of shock. Dorian Jones, Istanbul, remembers of the courageous editor of the bilingual Turkish-Armenian weekly "Agos"
EU-Syrian Relations

Acting in Good Faith

Despite the fact that Syria is a pariah of the international community, the EU has granted Syria millions in aid money - on the condition that it be used for the promotion of good government, social development and equitable economy. Tiziana Sforza reports
Islamism in Tunisia

Politically Unbroken

Has Tunisia become a breeding ground for radical groups close to Al Qaeda? This is what people are asking following recent clashes with armed Islamists in the country. Salah ad-Din al-Jourchi looks at the historical causes for the growth of radical Islam in Tunisia
Pervez Musharraf's "In the Line of Fire"

Credibility on the Line?

The translation of Pervez Musharraf's autobiography into Urdu, the official language of Pakistan, was named "Pakistan First". This version, interestingly, did exclude some details previously included in the English edition. Atilla Iftikhar comments
EU's Political Ties with Syria

Tough Negotiations for Partnership Treaty

After almost one year of bargaining and bickering, Syria and the European Union were able to initiate a partnership treaty - the US continues its sanctions policy. Bernd Riegert reports from Brussels
Accession Negotiations in Crisis

Will Turkey Find Its Way to Europe?

At the close of 2006, the EU commission presented its progress report on Turkey's accession to the EU, identifying the country's achievements as well as failures. Andreas Marchetti reports on the background and prospects of the negotiations