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After Germany lost World War II it had to acknowledge that it is a middle power that cannot dominate Europe. It therefore focused on rebuilding relations with former enemies through confidence building measures, economic cooperation and total restraint from military adventurism. Could this strategy be a role model for India and Pakistan as well?

The current situation in Afghanistan is difficult. The violence is increasing, and neither the international forces or the Afghan government seem to be able to prevent this. A peace process between the government and the rebels which regulates the distribution of power in the state, could pacify the situation.

Following the popular uprisings, there has been much amount of debate on the future of minority Christians sects in the region. Is the new Arab world hostile to Christians? Is it wise for them to fear the downfall of the Assad regime?

Exactly 11 years ago, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1325 on Women and peace and security. This groundbreaking document calls for representation of women in peace negotiations and increased protection of women and children against violence in conflict situations. In Israel, our parter organization Itach-Maaki is working for the national implementation of the resolution.

Smuggled diamonds are still financing violent conflicts in Africa. In 2003 the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was created to prevent the trade of these blood diamonds. But recent reports of violence, human rights abuses and smuggling are fuelling doubts about the credibility and effectiveness of the certification scheme.

Arab Spring cought the West by surprise. The United States are currently facing a tremendous loss of influence in the region. Changing US policy toward authoritarian regimes has been like turning an oil tanker.

Nearly six months after the Fukushima nuclear crisis, the No Nukes Asia Forum organized its annual forum to reiterate its position against nuclear technologies and to foster debates on its dangers. Our Southeast Asia Regional Office supported seven Thais to take part in the event. As a result, the experiences and lessons from Japan must be learnt and taken in the Thai power development plan.

The international project „Transrespect versus Transphobia Worldwide“ researches the human rights situation of trans people worldwide. On October 5th, the research team and representatives presented some first results to a wider public audience. We present the recording of the panel discussion.

Afghanistans development is heavily dependend on the role of its neighboring country Pakistan. A new report examines the perceptions of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Elite on the situation in Afghanistan, their interests and strategies. The results are uncomforting.

Are democracies are more environmentally conscious than non-democratic countries? Ideally, progress toward stable democracy and tackling climate change should proceed together. But sometimes political experimentation could retard the bold and urgent action now needed against climate change.