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Signs of Attrition

The Gaza Strip remains under siege. With Hamas and Fatah apparently incapable of compromise, it's likely that the current ceasefire in the Middle East will not withstand the next storm. A commentary by Christian Sterzing

"Bring the Millennium Development Goals on to the Streets"

The development community has declared 2005 to be the decisive year for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In this interview, Eveline Herfkens, UN Coordinator for the MDGs Campaign, explains what has to be done now to move closer to the goals.

Is Ankara Losing its Reform Zeal?

With the start of EU accession talks scheduled for later this year, Turkey's critics say its reform zest appears to be waning. But could it simply be a case that the drone of domestic politics has taken over? By Samira Lazarovic

Schröder, German Mission Seek Business Contacts

The trip of Gerhard Schröder to the Persian Gulf is described as the largest-ever official German mission to the region. The visit focussed on three topics: political talks, the support of democracy and economic cooperation. Peter Zimmermann reports

Shiites, Kurds Dominate Iraq Vote

US and British leaders praised Iraqi election results that handed a victory to a coalition of Shiite parties. But some European commentators worried about instability and the country's disenfranchised Sunni minority.

Authorities at Odds over Rally of Exiled Iranians

A regional administrative court in Berlin has overruled a decision by local police in Berlin to ban a rally of exiled Iranian resistance fighters. The decisive question of the row is: how closely linked are the demonstration's organisers to the People's Mujahideen? Hardy Graupner reports

Female Candidates Target of Violence

Although the interim constitution has guaranteed Iraqi women 25 per cent of the seats in the national assembly, many of the female candidates still keep in hiding for fear of violence from religious fundamentalists. Disha Uppal reports

A Democratic Dream for Germany's Iraqis

Despite continuing violence in their home country, expatriate Iraqis have begun signing up for their first democratic poll amid tight security. Hope for a better future is spurring voter registration across Germany.

Germany Sets up Voting Stations for Iraqis

With just over two weeks to go before elections in Iraq, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced plans to allow expatriate Iraqis to vote in fourteen countries around the world.

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.