Politics

End of the Middle East two-state solution?

Israeli highways – a fast track to West Bank annexation

This summer it was reported that Israel had abandoned its plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. Now, however, Israel is driving forward its settlement programme in the territory with a master plan for road construction. Inge Gunther in Jerusalem has the details
By Inge Günther
France's anti-separatism bill may increase discrimination

Muslims are not the problem, they are part of the solution

Critics of France's draft law to combat "radical Islamism" say the proposed measures are inefficient and will further stigmatise Muslims. They assert that involving Muslims in the process of addressing radicalisation is essential. Lisa Louis reports
By Lisa Louis
Turkey expert Gunter Seufert

"Turkey is aware of how dependent it is on the EU"

Sanctions against Ankara are being considered at the EU summit. The number of those in favour has risen. It remains unclear how Germany will behave. But would such measures have any impact on Turkey?
By Panagiotis Kouparanis
Highlighting Sisi's systematic crackdown

Lawyers detained in Egypt receive CCBE Human Rights Award

The CCBE – European Council of Bars and Law Societies – recently honoured seven Egyptian lawyers with its prestigious Human Rights Award to draw attention to the Egyptian regime's ongoing repression of civil society. By Sofian Philip Naceur
By Sofian Philip Naceur
Turkish ultranationalist, right-wing extremists

Germany's mission to muzzle the Grey Wolves

The German Office for the Protection of the Constitution classes them as "far right" and politicians want to ban them: the ultranationalist Grey Wolves movement. It originated in Turkey, where it is the secret power in the country and a political kingmaker. Marion Sendker reports from Istanbul
By Marion Sendker
U.S.-Turkey relations in 2021

Biden and Erdogan – how much carrot, how much stick?

Initial statements by the Biden administration indicate it will follow a carrot and stick policy towards Turkey. Ankara believes its role in negotiations on various issues could strengthen its hand when it comes to ties with the new man in the White House. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
By Ayşe Karabat
Arrest of EIPR human rights activists in Egypt

My friend Gasser Abdel Razek, the "terrorist"

In Egypt, several human rights activists working for the EIPR – Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights – were arrested recently following a meeting with EU ambassadors. One of them is Gasser Abdel Razek, a long-time friend of Middle East correspondent Karim El-Gawhary. In this highly personal report, El-Gawhary writes about his friend’s detention
By Karim El-Gawhary
Exclusive – Germany's universal jurisdiction

The chances of indicting Syria's Assad for war crimes

Investigations by German federal prosecutors into the evidence of chemical warfare in Syria are ongoing. Deutsche Welle and Der Spiegel gained exclusive access to witnesses and documents that form part of the landmark inquiry. By Lewis Sanders IV, Birgitta Schulke-Gill & Julia Bayer
By Lewis Sanders IV, Birgitta Schuelke-Gill, Julia Bayer
U.S. foreign policy in the Arab world

Joe Biden and the Middle East – bid farewell to Trumpism

Recognising the shifting geopolitical priorities facing America and the Arab states, analyst Marwan Muasher cites three areas in which U.S. President-incumbent Joe Biden's Middle East policy is likely to differ from that of his predecessor Donald Trump
By Marwan Muasher
Human rights repression under Sisi

Egypt activists' meeting with diplomats oversteps the mark

Last week Egypt's police stepped up an "unprecedented escalation" on activists by arresting a leading rights group director. Advocates on the Nile have long weathered a crackdown – what's new is detaining them for meeting foreign diplomats. Tom Allinson reports
By Tom Allinson
Canada and the problem with Bill 21

Quebec's controversial secularism law takes the stand

In France and in Canada's Francophone province of Quebec issues of personal freedom have recently been thrown into sharp relief. In Quebec, legal proceedings have been initiated against Law 21, which prohibits public servants from wearing religious symbols in the workplace. Richard Marcus reports
By Richard Marcus
Turkish views on Erdogan's feud with Macron

"Religion is the President's last resort"

Relations between Ankara and Paris have reached a new low, with presidential communications contributing to the escalation. To describe recent bilateral exchanges as undiplomatic would be the height of diplomacy. By Ronald Meinardus
By Ronald Meinardus