Politics

Militant Islamism in the Balkans

Mother Teresa in Hell

A recent online music video featuring Macedonians praising Osama bin Laden has fuelled fears that South-eastern Europe could be emerging as the latest breeding ground for home-grown Islamist militants. By James M. Dorsey
Debate on Islam in Germany

Anxiety Sparked by Ignorance

Headscarf discussions and battles about newly built mosques. At the same time German Federal President Christian Wulff is declaring that Islam is part of Germany. But he has not been able to persuade the Germans to agree with him. By Kersten Knipp
Press Freedom in Indonesia

Conservative Victory over Press Freedom

The former editor-in-chief of Indonesian Playboy magazine has begun a two-year prison sentence for "public indecency". And this in a country with the some of the most liberal media laws in Asia – since the toppling of Suharto. By Anett Keller
Interview with André Azoulay

"The Dialogue between the Cultures Is My Life's Work"

André Azoulay, advisor to the King of Morocco, is the only Moroccan of the Jewish faith to belong to his country's inner circle of power. For many years Azoulay has promoted dialogue between the cultures and religions. An interview
Interview with Sari Nusseibeh

Ways out of the Deadlock

Sari Nusseibeh has been engaged for many years in different Israeli-Palestinian peace initiatives. He talks with Igal Avidan about the chances for an Israeli-Palestinian accord
Interview with Jeremy Keenan

Mirage in the Desert?

Since 2003 a number of Europeans have been abducted in the Sahara. Officially, the Maghreb branch of Al Qaeda has been held responsible. Jeremy Keenan has been consulted as a specialist and mediator. An interview
Armenian Religious Service in Turkey

Breaking a Taboo in Akdamar

After almost 100 years, thousands of Armenians have flocked to the southern Anatolian city of Van to attend a religious service in the Church of the Holy Cross. The event marks a turning point in how Turkey treats its Christian minorities. By Susanne Güsten
Fresh Dispute over Islam

Why the German Media are Courting the Anti-Islam Movement

If discussions on the cultural pages of German newspapers in spring 2010 were representative of German opinion, around half of the German population comprehend Islam as a threat. Is this evidence of vigilance or prejudice? By Stefan Weidner
Iran and the West

Distrust Hindering Cooperation

The conflict between Iran and the West stretches back to the 19th century and has come to a head in the row over the Iranian nuclear programme. Yet by working together, both sides could profit from Iran's position as a force of order in the region. By Christian Horbach
Interview with the Iraqi Vice President Adil Abdul Mahdi

"We Need Greater Respect for the Constitution"

Adil Abdul Mahdi is a major player in post-Saddam Iraqi politics. In an interview, the Iraqi vice President talks about the reasons for the deterioration in the security situation and why it is taking so long to form a government
Religious Violence in Indonesia

Shattered Faith in a Peaceful Coexistence

In Indonesia, attacks by the extremist IDF against religious minorities are occurring with greater frequency. But despite religious freedoms enshrined in the constitution, authorities are responding with ambivalence and hesitantly. By Anett Keller
UNESCO World Philosophy Day in Iran

Absurd Meeting of Scholars

Peaceful protests have been brutally crushed by the regime in Teheran. And yet UNESCO has chosen Iran of all places to host its "World Philosophy Day", a country whose thinkers and philosophers must fear for their freedom. A commentary by Katajun Amirpur