Politics

Cyprus

Countdown Begins for Reunification Deal

U.N. Secretary-General Annan has presented Greek and Turkish Cypriots with a revised blueprint for a future united Cyprus. The parties have until March 31 to agree to the plan, which has sparked mixed feelings.
Afghanistan

The Country Is in Need of International Support

Afghanistan's interim President Karzai announced a postponement of the elections. This goes to show that the international community must deliver the support it promised. A commentary by Peter Philipp
Libya

Looking for a Fourth Way

Revolutionary leader Qadhafi is currently attempting a foreign-policy balancing act: On the one hand, he is making extensive concessions in an attempt to gain favor in the West, while on the other hand holding fast to his vision of becoming the leader of a "United States of Africa".
Spain

Moroccan Immigrants Mourn with Victim's Families

Moroccan immigrants in Spain are showing solidarity with the victims of the Madrid bombings during Wednesday's official memorials. Their message: Islam does not equal terrorism.
Elections in Malaysia

Reform without Democracy?

Malaysia's moderate Islamist party has suffered a crushing defeat in the country's general elections. By shifting religion back into the spotlight, Prime Minister Badawi has succeeded in winning over countless Muslims. By Charlotte Wiedemann
Iraq

Closing the Rift

Germany's steadfast opposition to the Iraq war led to a division within Europe and a new ice age with the Bush administration in Washington. One year later, wounds have (mostly) been healed.
Iraq

Conflicting Views

Taking stock of the situation in Iraq one year after the outbreak of war reveals conflicting appraisals of the progress that has been made there. No weapons of mass destruction have been found to date. Nor has there been a democratisation of Iraq and the Middle East. Peter Philipp comments
Human Rights

Despite Terrorism, Standards Must Be Maintained

Representatives of Germany's Human Rights Forum say that the fight against terrorism has become an excuse for violating human rights, but that despite the cruelty of terrorist attacks, human rights standards must be maintained.
Germany

"We Need to Strengthen the Dialogue with Iran"

In spite of the conservative shift following the Iranian parliamentary elections, Michael Gahler, member of the European Parliament, sees good chances for expanding political and economic relations between Europe and Iran. Interview: Peter Philipp
Saudi Arabia

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Recently there have been signs that Saudi Arabia has reached a historical turning point. Pressure from the international community but also from within has forced the Saudi royal family to cautiously introduce reforms. Joseph Croitoru reports
Guantanamo Bay

British Prisoners Released, Criticism Remains

Five British prisoners held at the U.S. prison camp on Guantanamo Bay have arrived in the U.K. But their return won't heal the rift between Europe and the U.S. on the controversial camp.
Goethe Institut to Open in Baghdad

The Goethe Institut will be resuming its work in the Iraqi capital after 35 years of forced absence. A delegation of the cultural institute and representatives of the foreign office are to visit Bagdad in August 2003 to test the waters.