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Intercultural Peace Forum or Talking Shop?

The UN's Alliance of Civilizations, a forum for intercultural and interreligious dialogue, met in Rio to discuss the current issues between Islam and the West. Some experts, however, question its usefulness. Nick Amies reports

Lebanon in World Cup Fever

Politicians in Lebanon utilise football to further their own interests, a situation that has alienated fans. As a result, the football-crazy Lebanese are looking forward to the World Cup all the more. Birgit Kaspar reports

"Islamic Charity Organizations Are a Powerful Force for Integration"

Islamic charity organizations have increasingly been accused of channelling funds for terrorist activities. If used properly, Islamic charity traditions like 'zakat' and 'awqaf' are also a potential socio-economic development factor, says Jonathan Benthall

Attention Deficit

The media and relief organisations depend on one another in various ways. Their cooperation, however, involves risks which, if ignored, erode the credibility of both aid workers and journalists. Uli Post has some recommendations

Smoke-free Zone

Whether it be water pipes or cigarettes, smoking in public spaces is now banned in Syria – an astounding development for the country and a first for an Arab state. Alfred Hackensberger has the details

From Islamic Religion to Muslim Denominations

Historian Dan Diner talks to Nader Alsarras about the consequences of secularisation in Europe, the necessity of change for Islam and the relationship between Islamophobia and anti-Semitism

Open to All the Voices of the Universe

The ambitious Istanbul radio station Açık Radyo is a beacon of diverse opinion and independent reporting in Turkey. Claudia Hennen visited the programme makers in Istanbul

Combating Discrimination in Their Own Country

Although Tanzania is home to the largest Muslim population in East Africa, the country's civil service is dominated by Christians. The Muslim University of Morogoro was founded in the hope of changing the status quo. By Charlotte Wiedemann

A Radio Station for Peace

The people of South Sudan are voting on whether to secede. The euphoria over the prospect of independence masks the social conflicts in the region. Meanwhile, a Catholic radio station is trying to promote peace. By Thomas Kruchem

The Vision of Shared Moral Values

The third "Congress of World Religions" took place the first two days of July 2009 in Kazakhstan. By appealing for more tolerance and cooperation between the religions, the host country wants to raise its profile as international peacemaker. By Edda Schlager