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The bitter legacy of past Franco-Algerian relations

Benjamin Stora is considered the foremost historian of Franco-Algerian relations. Kersten Knipp spoke to him about the enduringly thorny relations between the two countries

The Shadow of a Colonial Heritage

An Algerian plan to pass a law which would make it possible to bring French crimes from the colonial period before the courts has led to new tension in the already difficult relationship between France and Algeria. By Bernhard Schmid

Soundtrack of two revolutions

Tahrir and Taksim: two squares, one new culture of protest? In the second part of this two-part report, Amin Farzanefar looks at the how street art, music and film became essential parts of the new protest culture

A Forgotten Conflict

The conflict over the status of Western Sahara has been simmering for four decades between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Sahrawi independence movement Frente Polisario. Efforts to find a solution to the deadlock appear to be paralysed – a fact partly due to a lack of international interest. By Annett Hellwig

From Holes in the Sand to a Digital Library

Forgotten, stolen and now rediscovered: In West African Timbuktu, families have maintained thousands of Islamic manuscripts down the centuries. Private individuals such as Abdelkader Haidara are now working to protect and digitise this African library heritage. By Charlotte Wiedemann

Songs of Praise to the Brotherhood

With "Egypt", Youssou N'Dour has recorded a deeply religious album. But this is nothing out of the ordinary, because, in West Africa, the relationship between pop music and Islam is quite close. By Max Annas and Dorothee Plass

Fears of War on the Horn of Africa

After 15 years of anarchy in Somalia, Islamists have taken control of large parts of the country. But the growing influence of the Union of Islamic Courts and the rise to power of extremists threaten to embroil the entire region in war. By Marc Engelhardt

Modern Palestinian Oud Music Goes Abroad

The oud trio only recently recorded its first album, and already the three Palestinians play their modern Arabic music at major jazz festivals worldwide. Max Annas has their story

Training in Secret for Fear of Extremists

Afghanistan's very first fitness and beauty center has recently opened in Kabul. Three years after the fall of the Taliban regime the owner has nonetheless decided to keep its location a secret. By Ali Matar

Gradually Breaking out of Isolation

Since the Taliban regime was toppled in Afghanistan, women have been able to play a greater role in society again. A radio station for women recently hit the airwaves. Ratbil Shamel reports