Most recent articles by Kersten Knipp
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Book review: "Contemporary Artists – Arab World"Perceptions of reality
The book "Contemporary Artists – Arab World" shows how different Arab artists have reacted to the upheaval in their countries. By Kersten Knipp
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Georges Corm on the conflicts in the Arab worldForget religion!
In his new book, the Lebanese historian Georges Corm criticises the tendency in the West to see the conflicts in the Arab world almost exclusively in a religious context. In reality, he says, the struggles in the states of the Arab Spring are for the fair distribution of economic power and democratic participation. By Kersten Knipp
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Syrian Refugees in JordanBleak Prospects
Syrian refugees in Jordan live under dire conditions, Amnesty International reports. The situation is particularly difficult for young girls, according to Amnesty International's Mideast consultant Ruth Jüttner. An interview by Kersten Knipp
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Yotam Feldman's Documentary "The Lab"Palestinians as Guinea Pigs?
Is the Middle East conflict one of the fundaments of the successful Israeli weapons industry? This is the question posed by director Yotam Feldman in his film "The Lab" – which reveals some surprising connections. By Kersten Knipp
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Interview with Saleh Diab''Egypt Doesn't Need Dollars, It Needs a Clear Plan''
Egyptian entrepreneur and publisher Saleh Diab is concerned over the future of his country. Foreign investors are being discouraged by political conditions, and the nation lacks a vision for the future, he says. Interview by Kersten Knipp
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Interview with Turkish Foreign Minister DavutogluDialogue Should Not Legitimize Assad
In an interview with Kersten Knipp, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu warns against interpreting Syria's civil war as a religious conflict. This perception could play into the regime's hands, he says
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Egypt Expert Björn Bentlage''The Draft Constitution Is a Success''
Angry demonstrators are protesting Egypt's draft constitution. But scholar Björn Bentlage thinks the constitution is in fact democratic, and criticizes the opposition for failing to bring more specific concerns. Interview by Kersten Knipp
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Interview with Peter Harling of the International Crisis GroupThe Religious Narrative of Syria's Armed Opposition
According to a new report, the presence of Salafi groups among Syria's armed opposition is an irrefutable and damaging trend. In this interview with Kersten Knipp, Peter Harling talks about why the makeup and character of Syria's opposition has changed
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Interview with Muriel AsseburgSyrian Opposition Plans 'The Day After' in Berlin
Syrian opposition activists have been discussing in Berlin how to reconstruct post-Assad Syria. Muriel Asseburg of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs explains the aims of the workshop
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Interview with Heiko WimmenThe Beginning of the End for Assad?
Weak spots in the Syrian armour have been exposed by the latest escalation of violence in Damascus and a rebel attack that killed three of President Assad's inner circle. Does all of this indicate that the Syrian dictatorship may be on the brink of collapse? Many around the world seem to think it does. Kersten Knipp spoke to Middle East expert Heiko Wimmen
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Massacre in TremsehWindow of Opportunity for Diplomacy Closing
Tremseh would seem to be the most recent addition to a growing list of bloody massacres in Syria. The brutality of the attack further reduces the likelihood of a diplomatic solution. Kersten Knipp reports
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Elections in EgyptEconomy Trumps Religion
Egyptians head to the polls to elect a new president this week. Unlike last year's parliamentary elections, economic issues – not religious ones – are foremost on voters' minds. Kersten Knipp reports