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Islam, Al-Azhar and the terrorists′ ideology

If the cap fits

Whenever a country is the target of a terrorist attack, the issue of whether the perpetrators were linked to Islam rears its head. As Assem Hefny argues, questions regarding the relationship between Egypt′s Al-Azhar mosque and university, terrorism and ideological extremism – though hurtful – should not be dismissed out of hand
Pope Francis’ visit to Al-Azhar

Who holds sway over religious identity?

The Muslim world is in upheaval: who will have the authority to interpret the teachings of Islam in future? Cairo′s Al-Azhar University regards itself as fit for the job. But the times are changing and the master may yet become the student. Indeed the pope′s visit was literally something of a god-send. By Alexander Goerlach
Angela Merkel′s visit to Egypt

Blinkered realpolitik

No head of state looks forward to meeting a national leader known for the brutal silencing of his critics. Had Angela Merkel pursued a more courageous line in foreign policy, she could have saved herself a deal of discomfiture. By Matthias Sailer
Azza Soliman, an Egyptian feminist at risk

"What has Azza done?"

To portray the extent of authoritarianism of the Egyptian state, it is often said that ″even″ feminists and women′s organisations are being targeted, since feminism and women′s issues are not generally perceived as a threat by authoritarian regimes. Yet that′s a flawed premise, argues Mozn Hassan
Conscientious objection in Egypt

Playing the system

Military service is obligatory for young men in Egypt. But an increasing number of people attempt to evade the compulsory service by being signed off or exempted. For those with no other option, conscientious objection remains the last resort. Sofian Philip Naceur reports from Cairo
Planned ″business amnesty legislation″ in Tunisia

Tunisia: sweeping history under the carpet rather than confronting the past?

A proposed law designed to provide amnesty for corrupt businessmen is causing uproar in Tunisia. Opponents accuse the government of subverting the reappraisal of the country's dictatorial past. Details supplied by Sarah Mersch in Tunis
Arab identity crisis

What is left of the Arabs?

Despite war and mass murder, the Arabs were never as numerous as they are today. But they were also never as unsure about who they are. Does an Arab identity survive? What about Arab culture? These are the questions being asked today. In view of the political and social downward spiral, all of this is now at stake, says Stefan Buchen in his essay
Interview with Choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

"I Don't Mix Cultures, I Translate"

In his work, the Belgian-Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui combines elements from different cultures, religions and styles. In this interview with Ceyda Nurtsch, he explains how his Moroccan roots influence his perception of aesthetics and speaks about the role of art in the Arab Spring
Album review: ″Detour Guide″ by Karim Nagi

Breaking the mould

Stereotyping has been going on for a long time. We see something different and we try to make it easily definable by using simplistic, often demeaning, words describing something as complex as an entire culture, or race. In his newest release, ″Detour Guide″, Karim Nagi tackles this issue with humour and intelligence, while expressing pride in his culture and people
Images of Iran in the West

Unpicking the Negatives

A German, an exiled Iranian and a Persian singer – at the "Bliss Festival", the clichés are roundly challenged and turned on their heads. If we look beyond the stereotypical images of Iran, we find a culture that has the power to touch our hearts. By Marian Brehmer