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"Globalization Is a Very Ambivalent Process"

Navid Kermani says that an increase in globalization will not automatically lead to an increase in democratization. In our interview, the renowned German-Iranian publicist draws a balanced view of globalization and global conflicts

Obstacles on the Rocky Road to Statehood

The Palestinians want their own independent state. Palestine was made a full member of UNESCO in October and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has applied for full UN membership. But would a Palestinian state even be viable? By Anne Allmeling

Respectable Rebels

In the early 1990s, heavy metal bands in Egypt were branded as Satanists by religious hardliners and persecuted. Today it is much easier for them to perform in public. Arian Fariborz checked out the heavy metal scene on the Nile

As Rebellious As It Gets

Islamism, punk, rebellion, and the clash of civilisations all packed into one road movie. The film Taqwacore: The Birth of Punk Islam has it all. It has also won a number of documentary awards. By Mathias Bölinger

Shedding New Light on Islamic Art

An extensive collection of Islamic artwork is making its way around the globe. Its organizers hope that it will arouse an interest in Islamic culture and foster understanding between Muslims and the western world. Silke Bartlick reports

Building Things the World Has Never Seen Before

Having been awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004, Zaha Hadid is currently at the zenith of her success. Melanie Weidemüller met the star architect, artist, and diva at a press conference in London

An Ancient Heritage of Diversity

A current exhibition in Amsterdam is showing visitors a very different, unfamiliar image of Afghanistan. The 250 archaeological objects on display shine a light on the former glory of Afghanistan's ancient ruling dynasties. Nasim Saber reports

Virtual Journey to the Artistic Treasures of the Islamic World

Much of Islamic art is in danger because of lack of preservation. Now curators from Europe and Islamic countries in an unparalleled concerted effort have initiated an Internet project to document an endangered cultural heritage. Ariana Mirza reports

Respect, Not Labels

The Syrian author, film critic and screenwriter Abeer Esber rejects the label "female writer" and instead aims to take up progressive issues in her novels that transcend gender. Abeer Esber on censorship, taboos and the place of women in contemporary Arabic literature

New Creative Impetus for the Palestinian Film

Palestinian cinema was showcased at the last film festival in Cannes with two productions at once. One of these was "Rana's Wedding" – an extremely poetic film. Amin Farzanefar interviewed the film's director Hany Abu-Assad