Constitutional Referendum in Egypt
Although a slim majority of votes cast in Saturday's first round support the new constitution, the Islamists have little reason to celebrate: only 18 percent of the electorate voted for the blueprint, as the Muslim Brotherhood's popularity continues on its downward trajectory. Commentary by Karim El-Gawhary More »
Turkey's New Ombudsman
The first chief ombudsman of Turkey, appointed to ensure the administration acts in line with a sense of justice based on human rights, has sparked public outcry due to his role in the conviction of the late journalist Hrant Dink. The new ombudsman also faces accusations of being too close to the government. Fatma Kayabal reports from İstanbul More »
Egypt – a Nation Divided
While Egypt's elites see themselves in a culture struggle between a liberal and a more strongly Islamic direction, the poor are growing increasingly disappointed in a revolution that has brought them no improvements whatsoever to date. Claudia Mende reports from Cairo More »
Mass Protests against Morsi
While most Egyptians may support Morsi's aims, a dramatic expansion of presidential power in order to attain them was, for many, a step too far. Morsi's decrees have undoubtedly polarized Egyptian politics further, says Omar Ashour More »
Egypt Expert Björn Bentlage
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 More »
Interview with Sari Nusseibeh
Sari Nusseibeh, Palestinian philosophy professor and President of the Al Quds University in East Jerusalem, talks to Inge Günther about the state of the peace process with Israel More »
Constitutional Crisis in Egypt
Faced with ongoing street protests, President Morsi has made some concessions. But the underlying conflict continues – and the opposition has called for more protests. Matthias Sailer reports from Cairo More »
Syria's ''National Coalition''
Instead of continuing to complain about the radicalization and militarization of the initially peaceful popular uprising, the time has come for the West to act. The National Coalition offers a transitional alternative to the Assad regime – and it needs our support. By Kristin Helberg More »
Interview with Maryam al-Khawaja
In conversation with Azzurra Meringolo, the head of the "Bahrain Center for Human Rights" Maryam al-Khawaja reports on the repression of activists within the Bahrain democracy movement and how the regime is trying to portray the protests as a conflict between ethnic or confessional groups More »
Erdogan's Authoritarian Drift
In the past decade, there were three kinds of Islamist governments: absolute monarchies in the Gulf region, the Mullah dictatorship in Iran and the freely elected government of Prime Minister Erdogan in Turkey. How he is running his country is setting an example for the entire region. But experts believe that his authoritarian leanings are beginning to prevail. By Peter Hauff More »
