Reforms

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani

Iraq's economic reform experiment 

Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani is banking on hands-on reforms and new infrastructure projects to restore trust in the state. His approach has delivered short-term stability and popularity. But Iraq's oil dependence and economic weaknesses remain.
Coming to Terms with the Mubarak Era in Egypt

It's about Reconciliation, Not Punishment

Egypt is struggling with its recent past. Those in authority want to keep secret-service files hidden away, and nobody seems to have the courage to reform the country's security apparatus. But for some Egyptians, Germany is now considered an inspiration because of the way it is dealing with its recent history of misdeeds in formerly Socialist East Germany. By Andreas Jacobs
Iran and the Legacy of the Persians

Persepolis: A Political Compass

Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, an Ahmadinejad loyalist, is trying to inspire Iranian society with new ideas. To do so, he is plundering Iran's pre-Islamic history. Why is it that every year, more and more Iranians come to Persepolis, the ancient city of the Persian Empire? Is it pride? Is it nostalgia? Elisabeth Kiderlen investigates
Egypt's Army and the People

An Unusual Alliance

In late March, a large majority of Egyptians voted for constitutional amendments, the military had proposed, even though these amendments did not fulfil opposition demands. The referendum proved that, while the people may be uncomfortable with the top brass, they do have faith in the military in general. By Salua Nour