Politics

Laicism and the death of Samuel Paty

Emmanuel Macron leads France in fight against Islamism

In the wake of the brutal murder of teacher Samuel Paty, France has cracked down on suspected Islamist radicals for promoting "hatred and violence". President Macron needs to be tough, yet patient and persuasive, says Barbara Wesel
By Barbara Wesel
Radicalisation among Barelvis in Pakistan

The spread of violent fanaticism

In the early years of the new millennium, Pakistan's leaders were keen to promote the Barelvi movement as the embodiment of traditional, peaceful, Pakistani Islam. In recent years, however, certain Barelvi elements have become radicalised. Now, the violence is spreading beyond Pakistan's borders
By Mohammad Luqman
Interview with Saudi social anthropologist Madawi al-Rasheed

"Gradual change is a myth, Saudi society is ready"

Madawi al-Rasheed is one of a group of Saudi exiles responsible for founding NAAS – the National Assembly Party. Set up on Saudi National Day in September, it is the first ever organised political resistance to challenge the House of Saud. Al-Rasheed talked to Jannis Hagmann about the party's aims and ambitions
By Jannis Hagmann
Ankara on the defensive

Pro-Kurdish faction in Recep Tayyip Erdogan's crosshairs

The Turkish government is hoping to split the opposition and put off voters by cracking down on pro-Kurdish politicians. But critics say the strategy won't work this time. By Daniel Derya Bellut and Hilal Koylu
By Daniel Derya Bellut & Hilal Köylü
Book review: Daniel Marwecki's “Germany and Israel. White Washing and State Building“

For more honesty in German-Israeli relations

The historian Daniel Marwecki’s latest work provides an important analysis of the complex motives driving German-Israeli relations since World War Two. Rene Wildangel read the book
By René Wildangel
Flight and migration from the Maghreb

Under pressure, Tunisia accepts "unusual deportations"

With the arrival of thousands of Tunisian refugees in Italy, the Italian government is putting increased pressure on Tunisia and wants to extend its deportation deal with the small country. A Tunisian NGO is calling for transparency. Sofian Philip Naceur reports from Tunis
By Sofian Philip Naceur
France's "anti-separatism" drive

Emmanuel Macron's plan to protect French values alienates Muslims

Upcoming legislation crafted to "protect" the Republic and French values promises to be deeply divisive, with French Muslims fearing it will unfairly single them out. Some also see political calculus behind the effort. Elizabeth Bryant reports from Paris
By Elizabeth Bryant
Book review: Narges Bajoghli's "Iran Reframed"

Glossy nationalism to win over Iran's youth

A new book offers a deep insight into Iran's state media apparatus. It gives a first-hand account of the debates around the how the system positions itself – and shows how a new approach is being used in an attempt to win over young people to the Islamic Republic. By Daniel Walter
By Daniel Walter
Interview with Iranian activist Taghi Rahmani

"A robust civil society is the essence of democracy"

The execution of wrestler Navid Afkari triggered an international outcry, as well as protests against the Iranian justice system. At the same time, it has highlighted the persistently precarious situation of many human rights activists in the Islamic Republic. Azadeh Fathi spoke to the journalist and activist Taghi Rahmani
By Azadeh Fathi
A sacred site in Jerusalem

The new Saladin

Now that he has converted Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is setting his sights on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Joseph Croitoru explains why the call to "liberate Al-Aqsa" is being elevated to a state ideology in Turkey
By Joseph Croitoru
Protests in Libya

Violence and corruption: young people say enough's enough

Just as in Lebanon and Iraq, civil war-torn Libya is also experiencing a wave of protests against corruption and undignified living conditions. The difference here is that demonstrators in Libya are confronted with two governments at once. By Kersten Knipp and Khaled Salameh
By Kersten Knipp & Khaled Salameh
COVID-19 in Iran

Power, identity and the coronavirus

The coronavirus is changing everything, forcing cancellation of the usual shows of force and mass religious events seen as indispensable to the rulers of the Islamic Republic. A new age is dawning in Iran: a virtual age. By Ali Sadrzadeh
By Ali Sadrzadeh