Politics

Middle East Conflict

A New Initiative for Palestinian-Israeli Dialogue

"Yes to the Accord!" was the slogan of an ambitious media campaign that was initiated one year after the signing of the Geneva Accord by Palestinian and Israeli politicians hoping to end the Middle East conflict. Igal Avidan reports
Middle East Conflict

The Inner Wall Will Continue to Grow

In a slim book of photos, Eyal Ofer has documented "everyday life" on the border fortification that was erected to offer the Israelis protection from Palestinian attacks. Amin Farzanefar gives us his impressions of the book.
Islamophobia

Holland Is Everywhere

Radical Islam poses a real challenge. But the debate in Germany has anti-Muslim tones. Nevertheless, the murder of van Gogh is no proof that multicultural society has failed, argues Eberhard Seidel.
UK's Anti Terror Law

Guantánamo in Britain's Backyard

Britain's highest court delivered a scathing judgement on the indefinite detention of foreign terror suspects under what Amnesty International called "cruel" conditions. The law lords called this practice unlawful. Tareq Al-Arab reports from London
EU Accession Talks

Turkey Sobers up after EU Dream

Brussels' announcement of a date to start EU membership talks comes as a relief to Tukey, after the issue of Cyprus threatened to derail negotiations. After the initial celebration, the doubts and worries are setting in. By Dorian Jones
Udo Steinbach/Hans-Ulrich Wehler

Experts Debate Turkey's Role in Europe

Can Turkey be integrated into Europe's political culture? Two prominent experts - Udo Steinbach, Director of the German Institute for Middle East Studies (pro), and internationally-renowned historian Hans-Ulrich Wehler (contra) - answer questions on the issue.
Turkey

Good Times at the Stock Exchange

With sinking inflation and upward growth rates, the Istanbul Stock Exchange is dominated by an atmosphere of optimism. Experts predict the good times will continue, even if Turkey is denied entry into the EU. Klaudia Prevezanos reports
EU Asylum Policy

Europe Closes its Doors

Commentators say the EU's asylum policy is not striving for the protection of refugees, but rather for the protection of Europe from refugees. The EU countries are shifting the responsibility to the poor regions of origin, says Karl Kopp.
EU/Turkey

EU Still at Odds over Turkey Joining

Foreign ministers from the European Union are in Brussels discussing the upcoming decision on entering talks with Turkey over future membership in the EU. But even at the last minute, they are not all of one mind. Bernd Riegert reports
France

University Courses for Muslim Prayer Leaders

France is to lay on university courses for Muslim prayer leaders to teach them about the French way of life. The move announced by Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin is aimed at better integrating France's imams. By Alasdair Sandford
Arab World Days

Opportunities for a Change in Perspective

German Bundestag recently held its first-ever "Arab World Days", where more than 300 Arab politicians and scholars met to engage in dialogue. Sabine Ripperger reports from Berlin
The Arab Reform Movement

Taking Stock after One Year

This year there has been increasing discussion of reforms in the Arab world. But what progress has the democratization process actually made?
By Amr Hamzawy