Nagorno-Karabakh: The danger of getting used to a conflict The conflict, which has flared in the South Caucasus around Nagorno-Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia serves as a reminder that there are other regional conflicts that demand Europe´s attention. And Europe’s response will be no less important than in the case of Ukraine. By Nino Lejava
Afghan refugees receive a cold welcome in Europe With a backlog of more than 350,000 asylum applications, Germany is under pressure to speed up the asylum process. But efforts to quickly process Syrian refugees shortchange Afghanis and others. By Kavitha Surana and Thalia Beaty
Airstrikes alone won’t defeat ISIS As the UK debates extending into Syria, there is a striking absence of consideration for citizens. A commentary. By Haid N. Haid
Talking with Assad: an End in Itself? A Response to Phil Gordon Prominent voices, such as former White House Coordinator for the Middle East Phil Gordon, have advocated for striving for a negotiated interim solution in Syria that defers the question of Assad’s fate. Bente Scheller, director of our office in Lebanon, addresses some of the underlying myths and arguments shaping the current debate. By Bente Scheller
Germany and Israel: Special Relationship – Special Responsibility? The ties between Germany and Israel seem strong once again. Though especially in Germany the general attitude towards Israel has cooled. Reflections on the state of the German-Israeli relationship. By Ralf Fücks
Conference documentation: Europe one year after the annexation of Crimea At the beginning of March, international experts discussed at the Heinrich-Böll-Foundation in Berlin Europe’s response to Russia’s intervention in Ukraine. They all agreed on Europe lacking a long-term strategy.
The gravitational pull of the Soviet Union While Russia is redrawing the European map, Ukraine needs to move forward: A hybrid war cannot be ended with a hybrid peace and an economic crisis cannot be overcome with hybrid reforms. Changes have to be fast and radical. By Svitlana Zalishchuk
Assad’s Trap for the West Assad and ISIS appear to be perfect opposites. In reality, however, they are rather complementary. Whatever aspirations one may have for a cooperation with the regime, neither an end to the war nor safety will be gained through it. By Bente Scheller
Hannah Arendt, Putin and Today’s Russia Hannah Arendt would have found a lot to dislike about today’s Russia. But she would have loved Pussy Riot. An excerpt from the lecture of Ralf Fücks upon the occasion of the 2014 Hannah Arendt Prize. By Ralf Fücks
Keynote: The Delimitation of the Conflict in Syria How does the “Islamic State” change the perception of the conflict in Syria? An overview of recent developments and power constellations in the region. By Bente Scheller