Politics

Pogrom against the Greeks in Istanbul

The Darkest Night on the Istiklal

For the first time, an exhibition in Turkey deals with the pogrom against the Greek minority in 1955. It seems as if Turkey has begun to come to grips with this dark side of its past. By Christiane Schlötzer
Parliamentary Elections in Afghanistan

Disenchanted Voters in the Hindukush

Around 12 million Afghans were called on to vote, and as elections took place under generally peaceful conditions, they have been described as successful - yet many Afghans were decidedly unenthusiastic about voting. Ratbil Shamel reports
Muslims in Russia

Tragically Torn Between Two Loyalties

In an attempt to fight further marginalisation of their communities, Muslim religious leaders increasingly pledge their support to hard-handed President Putin – in vain, it seems, as Svenja Üing and Ruth Dickhoven report
German Election

Naturalized Citizens and Muslims as Voters

Andreas M. Wüst, social scientist, takes a close look at the political affiliations of naturalized citizens and Muslims and makes a prognosis for their future role in Germany's party politics
Interview Dina Shahata

"One Must Develop the Capacity to Think Critically"

What role can Egyptian society play in fighting violent Islamist extremism? Dina Shahata, a member of the association "Nahdet El Mahrousa," cites people's general lack of interest in standing up to extremism and Islamism
Parliamentary Elections in Afghanistan

A Historic Event Facing Several Obstacles

The parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18th are meant to be the final step in establishing a democratically-oriented order in Afghanistan. Said Musa Samimy analyses the upcoming elections
Egyptian Election Analysis

Mubarak the Invincible?

The presidential elections in Egypt turned out as most people had expected: Hosni Mubarak was re-elected in a landslide victory. With almost 90 percent of the vote, he was some 80 points ahead of his most prominent challenger, Ayman Nur. By Veit Medick
Islam and the West since 9/11

Perceived Threat Fosters Islamicisation Trend

A new study conducted by the German Institute for Middle East Studies noted an increasing return to religious-cultural values in the Islamic world as a defensive reaction to the politics of the West. Sigrid Faath outlines some of the study's key findings
Afghan Parliamentary and Regional Elections

Germany to Assist with Afghan Elections

For the first time since the fall of the Taliban regime, Afghanistan will elect its parliament on Sept. 18. The NATO-lead international forces continue to play a key role ensuring safety and stability. By Nina Werkhäuser
Presidential Elections in Egypt

Dampened Hopes for Democratic Change

Although independent candidates have been admitted to the race for the first time this year, a large portion of the Egyptian population still harbors doubts about the potential of the elections for bringing change. By Veit Medick
Presidential Elections in Egypt

A Predictable Vote

Egypt began voting in the country's first contested presidential election but veteran leader Husni Mubarak is widely expected to win a fifth term. Reem Nada reports from Cairo
Bülent Arslan

As Muslim in the Christian Democratic Party

Bülent Arslan is a politician with a Turkish background, a practicing Muslim, and a member of a party whose program includes an appeal to Christian values. Peter Philipp spoke with him about this apparent paradox.