ORIENT III / 2009

Focus: Turkey

Dr. Boğaç Erozan
Turkey and the West: A History of Ambivalence

In his contribution, Dr. Boğaç Erozan argues that the ambivalence in Turkish attitudes toward the west, especially toward Europe and the European Union, is in part a historical legacy. Erozan explains how the Ottomans tried to conquer the West because they saw themselves as superior to the European neighbors. This attitude changed during the 19^th century due to the political and economic circumstances. The author sheds light on the difficult relations of the past, in particular during the era of the Ottoman Empire, and the deep-rooted influence of the European imperialism. Afterwards, European states became role models for public life, politics and culture in the Ottoman Empire especially in the period of the Tanzimat reforms. Furthermore, Erozan analyses the relationship of the Turks to Europe in the 20^th century and concludes that the Turks do not wish to give up on the West entirely, while still resist becoming fully Western.

Turkey, European Union, Europe, Relationship

Weiterlesen: ORIENT III / 2009

ORIENT I / 2009

Focus: Pakistan - Afghanistan

Dr. Gunter Mulack

Uneasy Neighbours- The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan

The article provides a basic analysis of the problematic relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan in its historical and cultural dimension. The conflicts stem from the Durand Line the border between the two countries, which was introduced by the British in the 19^th century and divides the Pashtu tribe. Afghanistan does not recognize that border. The author stresses the international and particularly the German efforts to ease the conflict and concludes that reconciliation between the countries is possible, as shown in European history between former arch-enemies like France and Germany. However, a solution cannot be imposed by foreign outsiders, but has to be developed by both governments and populations.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Durand Line, relationship

Weiterlesen: ORIENT I / 2009

ORIENT II / 2009

Focus: United States and the Near and Middle East

Prof. Barry Rubin

U.S. Middle East Policy: Too Many Challenges and Yet a Single Theme

In his contribution, Prof. Rubin discusses the many challenges the Obama Administration has to face when it comes to the strategy of the U.S. in the Middle East. Prof. Rubin identifies two main problems that need to be solved if the U.S. wants to make progress in its foreign policy. On the one hand, the new administration needs to realize the enormous amount of problems it is facing in the region and find an adequate solution for each. Among others, he suggests putting a high priority on Pakistan and Afghanistan and urges U.S. politicians to try a friendly diplomacy to persuade Iran to change its course. On the other hand, the author clarifies that in case the U.S. wants to achieve these goals, the neo-conservative U.S. politicians would need to be disempowered. In short, the article underlines the fact that the U.S. still has a long way to go if it wants to bring peace to the region.

Middle East, U.S. Foreign Policy, Obama, Strategy, Iran, Pakistan, Neo-Conservatives

Weiterlesen: ORIENT II / 2009

ORIENT III / 2008

Focus: Islamic Banking

Ph.D. Paul Rivlin
TheDevelopment of IslamicBanking

This paper examines the principles on which Islamic banking is based. It then looks at how these principles have been implemented by banks in the last 25 years. Some critiques of Islamic banking are then outlined and the paper concludes with an estimate of the scale of Islamic banking and its growth in recent years, with special attention to developments in Germany, the UK and the USA.

Islamic Banking, Historical Development, Riba, Mudarabah, Murabahah, Musharakah, Critique, UK, Germany, USA

Weiterlesen: ORIENT III / 2008