Middle East
Volume 10/2009 Fall
“The Gravediggers of Zionism” 
Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory obstruct Israeli-Palestinian peace and blemish Israel’s international image. Tel Aviv’s disconcerting unwillingness to take a hard-line against illegal settlements reflects the country’s political structure and psychological scars from the unsuccessful Gaza withdrawal in 2005.
Volume 10/2009 Fall
Iran at a Crossroads
Essay by Mehrdad Khonsari
The controversial re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran marks a major turning point in the country’s post-revolution history. For the first time in more than a century, a mass movement is being led not by clerics, but by Iranians with a secular, democratic agenda.
Volume 10/2009 Fall
Understanding Hamas
Essay by Henrik Meyer und Michael Bröning
Hamas is a central player in the Middle East conflict. The war in the Gaza Strip earlier this year underscored the difficulty that Western observers have grasping its complexity. All too often, Hamas is seen as a static, dogmatic, militant phenomenon. In fact, it is slowly transforming into a pragmatic actor that the West can engage with.
Volume 10/2009 Fall
The Syrian Connection
Essay by Ayman Abdel Nour
In the aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Syria found an array of powerful actors on its borders. The U.S. forces in Iraq are on one side, while the European Union projects its influence through Cyprus and, by extension, through Turkey. Israel and Lebanon are there, too. Syria finds itself in a position of unprecedented significance.
Volume 10/2009 Summer
Perilous Change of Course
Essay by Birgül Demirtas-Coskun
The election of the AKP government has brought significant changes to Turkey’s foreign policy agenda. Engagement with its Arab neighbors is taking precedence over cooperation with Israel and the West. But Ankara’s solidarity with Hamas undermines Turkey’s role as regional mediator. It also endangers its chances for EU accession.
Volume 10/2009 Summer
Jump Starting the Peace Process
Essay by John Hulsman
If the Obama administration is going to lay the groundwork for peace in the Middle East, it has to realize that it can no longer set the agenda alone. America and Europe need to coordinate a common position. Ultimately though, they have to help the Israelis and Palestinians fashion peace for themselves.
Volume 10/2009 Summer
After Gaza
Essay by Muriel Asseburg und Volker Perthes
The war in Gaza seems to be over even if the cease-fire is shaky. A European-American initiative could now create the conditions for something more durable, which addresses the security needs of both Israelis and Palestinians. To do so, Syria and Hamas must be engaged in the peace process.
Volume 10/2009 Summer
Changing Regime Change
Essay by Henner Fürtig
The United States and Europe need to alter their previous strategies if they want to influence Iran. The Obama administration should focus on using political and diplomatic means to address the regime in Tehran. The European Union should attach concrete and verifiable conditions to its stipulations.
