Lebanon can hardly be seen as a full-scale state. To powerful are several militias, too little interest is there from the political and economical elites. Foreign countries taken more and more responsabilities of the state, NGO´s, United Nations and Western nations, neighbors from Arabia, Turkey and Iran. Where will this destruction of the state leads… Continue reading A Colonie – but for whom?
Tag: Egypt
The Center of the World?
Once the Mediterranean was the center of the civilised world, home of great civilisations and powerful empires. Today, it is at most seen as a route for migration, a store for natural gas or simply a place of political instability. But why is that the case today, will it change again and what can tell… Continue reading The Center of the World?
A Chance for Cairo – a Threat for Tehran?
The Insecurity of the Arab Nations
The Arabs’ missed Opportunity
Egypt and Turkey 2: A new Hope
Erdogan finds himself in a difficult position at the moment. His plan to assume a more important role in the politics of the Arab world as the new leader of the Sunni Muslims has failed for the time being. He is also in direct competition with the Saudi royal family, which claims this role for… Continue reading Egypt and Turkey 2: A new Hope
Egypt and Turkey 1: A difficult Relationship
Relations between Turkey and Egypt have been decidedly poor over the past decade. Ideological and geostrategic disputes determined the behaviour of the two regional powers, and there had been no signs of rapprochement for a long time. Now, however, the political environment has changed and the similarity of their interests outweighs their differences. The relationship… Continue reading Egypt and Turkey 1: A difficult Relationship
The Mediterranean steps on the gas
The eastern Mediterranean, the Levant, is one of the oldest cultural regions on earth. Egyptians and Phoenicians, Greeks, Byzantines, Judaism and Christianity all have their roots here. This historical significance has been somewhat lost sight of recently; in the times of the Cold War, the focus was on other areas, and only the eternal battle… Continue reading The Mediterranean steps on the gas
First Talks
Turkey has faced increasing isolation in recent years, at least in relation to its immediate neighbours and the surrounding area. The most painful alienation may have taken place in the case of Egypt. As the most populous country and historical powerhouse in the Arab world, the country is of paramount importance in the region. And… Continue reading First Talks
A historical omission?
Are the Arabs missing an opportunity they have been waiting for for centuries? A few ages have passed since the Arab caliphates were global centres of power. They were succeeded by the Ottomans, who dominated Middle Eastern politics for centuries, sometimes in competition with the Safavids. This was followed by the rule of the European… Continue reading A historical omission?