Politics

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.
Africa

Globalisation Is an External Phenomenon

Globalisation is having a profound effect on the entire world. For Africa, however, the traffic has all been one way: globalisation and the advent of information and communication technology have flooded the continent with western ideals and standards. By Ayodele Aderinwale
Iraq

A Good Foundation for the Nation

The new interim constitution agreed by Iraqi politicians on Monday calls for a federal state that guarantees human rights. It's a very respectable result. Commentary by Peter Philipp
EU-Maghrib Relations

On Distant Mediterranean Shores

The states of North Africa enjoy close economic relations with the EU as a result of association treaties. Unlike the accession states in the East, however, they have no say in the European Union. Bernhard Schmid reports
Turkey

Germany Sees a Bright Future in Turkish Markets

In the 19th Century, Germans helped build the Baghdad Railway connecting Turkey to Iraq. Turkey remains an important trading partner today and German businessmen are eager to tap into the market of the future.
Deportation

Death in the Air

Within the last ten years, six failed asylum seekers died on commercial flights. Governments try to find alternative means to deport failed asylum seekers, but is it for the safety of the deportee or for reasons of greater efficiency? Tareq Al-Arab reports
Israel

More at Stake Than the West Bank Barrier

Hearings on Israel's security barrier were held at the Hague International Court of Justice last week. While examining the issue, the court may determine that Israel is the occupier it says it is not. A commentary by Peter Philipp
EU

Turkey Must Become Part of the Union

Berlin is on the right track in its support of Turkish EU membership. Failure to allow Turkey to join the bloc could result in tragedy - and not only for the Turks. A commentary by Baha Güngör
Turkey

Germany Supports EU Membership Bid

German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, on his first official visit to Ankara, has promised strong support for Turkey's push to join the EU. A decision on Turkey's candidacy is expected before the end of the year.