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A Mecca for Intellectuals, a Centre of the Revolution

The Merit publishing house was only founded in 1998, but quickly assumed a key role in the country's political opinion making. Samir Grees visited the Merit offices and spoke to founder Muhammad Hashim

An Unusual Alliance

In late March, a large majority of Egyptians voted for constitutional amendments, the military had proposed, even though these amendments did not fulfil opposition demands. The referendum proved that, while the people may be uncomfortable with the top brass, they do have faith in the military in general. By Salua Nour

An Appeal to the West

Sahar Khalifeh is considered one of the most prominent Palestinian writers. In this essay, she argues that Western imperialism is indirectly responsible for the return of mandatory veiling for women in the Islamic world

Fear of Separatists

In the multi-ethnic nation that is Iran, religious and ethnic minorities suffer discrimination at the hands of the regime. In his essay, Faraj Sarkohi describes the tense relationship between representatives of minorities and the Shia-dominated state

In Awe of Erdogan

Prime Minister Erdogan can look forward to the parliamentary elections on 12 June with composure: his Islamic AKP currently has between 45 and 50 percent support in the polls. The opposition appears uninspired and politically beleaguered. Details from Thomas Seibert in Istanbul

Split Identity

Pakistan is suffering from Islamist extremism. In Pakistan's history, manipulation of the faith for political purposes has deep roots. By Mohammad Ali Khan

Iron Hand and Bloody Reform

The brutality of the crackdown against the democracy movement in Syria is a reminder that the iron hand of the regime squeezes the life out of any potential reforms at birth – respected Syrian writer Fawwaz Haddad reports from Damascus

Which Image of God Determines the Ritual Behaviour?

The Islamic month of fasting began last Monday – in Europe too, where the majority society still knows far too little about the holy practice, which is a religious duty of all Muslims and one of the "five pillars of Islam". Emel Zeynelabidin says that for this reason, posing questions that are free of fear and born of interest is now a matter of great urgency

''Foreign Aid Helped Us Get on Our Own Feet''

As president of Indonesia, Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie facilitated the democratisation of his country after May 1998. His autocratic predecessor Suharto had resigned in view of a huge protest movement. In an interview, Habibie recently shared his experiences with Hans Dembowski. Some of his insights may prove useful in Arab countries like Egypt

Religion Must Not Be Regarded as an Integration Problem

If it wants to be authentic and relevant to practice, religious education along denominational lines should not become an instrument of integration and should take the expectations of Muslims seriously. Nimet Seker takes a stand