Politics

Interview

A Tightrope Walk Toward Democracy

Currently, an end to the Iraq conflict is nowhere in sight. Yet in some parts of the country there are signs of political normalization and an economic revival. Qantara.de spoke with Professor Ferhad Ibrahim upon his return from Iraq.
Germany/Iraq

"Iraq Could Destabilize Middle East"

Germany's Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer critizised the U.S.-led war in Iraq, saying on Saturday he feared continued fighting in Iraq was destabilizing the entire Middle East and playing into the hands of Islamic terrorism.
Germany

Embroiled in Diplomatic Spat with Iran

In response to a contoversial plaque unveiled in Berlin last week, Tehran plans to post signs accusing Germany of supplying Saddam Hussein with chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq war.
Germany

Promoting Turkish-German Trade

A new Turkish-German Chamber of Commerce opened in Cologne on Tuesday: At stake are billions of euros in investments, thousands of jobs, and - not least - the alignment of Turkey and the EU.
Opinion

Turkish Cypriots Kept out in the Cold

The Greek Cypriots may have voted no to reunification, but they will still be joining the EU on 1 May. The outcome of the referendum not only casts a dark shadow over Cyprus's accession to the EU, it is also a disaster for European foreign policy, says Rainer Sollich.
Book Review

Swimming against the Tide

Amira Hass is the only Israeli journalist living in the Palestinian territories – scrutinising reality in the West Bank, publishing facts and giving people a voice. Igal Avidan read her latest book, Reporting from Ramallah: An Israeli Journalist in an Occupied Land.
Middle East

Israel's Double Standard

Nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu has now been released after 18 years of imprisonment for treason. Peter Philipp comments on Israel's nuclear weapons strategy.
Islam and Democracy

"Democracy Can't Be Imposed from Outside"

At the Congress of Democrats of the Muslim World, politicians, newspaper editors and members of NGOs from 11 countries met for two days of talks on developing democracy across the Muslim world. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
Afghanistan

Setting an Example for Iraq

During his visit to Afghanistan on Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer praised the work of German troops and said the reconstruction effort there should serve as a role model to Iraq.
Germany/Iraq

Blind Solidarity

Several leftist organizations in Germany are collecting money to benefit the Iraqi resistance. But who and what are they really supporting with this money? Majid al-Khatib, who was exiled by Saddam Hussein, gives us background information.
Middle East

Germany and France Criticize Rantisi Killing

Germany and France have joined international criticism of Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Abdel Asis Rantisi at the weekend, calling for a return to the road map to peace in the Middle East. Uwe Hessler has the details.
Middle East

EU Skeptical about Israeli Plan

European reaction to U.S. support for Israel's West Bank plans was reserved on Thursday. The EU and the German government warned that both Israelis and Palestinians must agree to any border changes.