Essays
-
Syrian conflictEveryone against everyone
Rather than being concerned with the fate of the Syrian people, the Geneva peace talks mainly focus on the interests of the two superpowers Russia and the US, writes Islam scholar and sociologist Huda Zein
-
Fasting during RamadanToo much of a good thing
Ramadan is like Islam as a whole: from a distance, people are scared of it. But close up, it′s wonderful. If only it weren′t for an uncomprehending majority on one side, and the pious hard-core fasters on the other. By Anja Hilscher
-
Religion and politics in MoroccoBlurred lines
In Tunisia, the Ennahda Party has announced it is decoupling its political work from ongoing efforts to establish an Islamic social model. In Morocco too, the Justice and Development Party is presenting itself as a primary advocate for the separation of both spheres. In this essay, Ali Anouzla examines what lies behind the rhetoric
-
Islam and homophobiaThe hatred on our doorstep
Homosexuality is considered taboo in the Muslim community. But no one can expect tolerance if he himself makes a habit of excluding others. Those demanding solidarity must first set an example. By Busra Delikaya
-
Turkey and the refugee dealFalse friends forever
Germany is facing a crucial question. How can the refugees be stopped? Demonstrating an alarming lack of historical awareness, Chancellor Angela Merkel is putting all her faith in an alliance with Turkey. Yet as events of the early 20th century clearly showed, Germany should never make its political destiny dependent on co-operation with the nationalistic Turkish state. An essay by Stefan Buchen
-
Germany’s refugee debateIntegration is a two-way street
Asylum and immigration have always been part of German history. This history has taught us a great deal about co-existence and integration. Nonetheless, each one of these encounters constitutes a new constellation, determined by those who arrive or the current situation of the host society. An essay by Omid Nouripour of Germany′s Green Party
-
The UEFA Cup 2016The Teutonic preoccupation with race
For the UEFA Cup in France, the German national football team bus has been emblazoned with the slogan "Vive la Mannschaft" or "Vive la team". At the same time, members of this team suffer public racist abuse. By Rene Wildangel
-
Ennahda – the new Muslim DemocratsA blessing for Tunisian democracy?
Widely regarded as Tunisia′s equivalent of the Muslim Brotherhood back in 2011, Ennahda has moved a long way from its Islamist roots. Hans Dembowski assesses the latest developments
-
Sisi and the European UnionThe long arm of the dictator
From the very outset, Egypt's President Sisi has pursued policies of exclusion and polarisation. It is time for the EU to hold him to account and ensure that any aid granted is made contingent upon political inclusion and better governance, say Stephan Roll and Lars Brozus
-
Arab Spring five years onBrave new world?
While the West focuses on IS or Iran′s destructive role in the Middle East, most Arabs are simply trying to improve their lives. What they lack is the reassurance of good governance. By Marwan Muasher