Society

The Trojan Horse scandal in the UK

Islamists in the classroom?

Are some British Islamists involved in a conspiracy to infiltrate, control and Islamise secular state schools with a high proportion of Muslim pupils, thereby discouraging integration and possibly encouraging extremism? This is the nub of the Trojan Horse scandal that has rocked Britain in recent weeks. Prime Minister David Cameron has responded by calling for "British values" to be promoted at schools. By Susannah Tarbush
By Susannah Tarbush
Afghan refugees in Iran

Treated like second-class citizens

Iran constantly draws attention to the plight of other peoples and minorities – whether it is the Palestinians in Gaza or the Shia in Saudi Arabia. Yet at the same time, the government in Tehran takes a hard line against minorities living in Iran. According to Emran Feroz, the largest group to suffer as a result of this policy is the Afghan refugees
By Emran Feroz
FIFA World Cup 2014: Algeria

"My money's on Algeria and Russia"

The Algerian national squad are aiming to realise a dream at the World Cup in Brazil: to finally make it through to the second round. Algerian sports commentator Hafiz Deraji believes this is eminently possible and that Algeria and Russia will survive the group stage. He spoke to Adil Chroat
By Adil Chroat
FIFA World Cup 2014: Iran

Lack of experience is the greatest obstacle

Vahid Hashemian played for the Iranian national squad during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. In an interview with Farid Ashrafian, he recalls the 2006 championship, compares current players with those of his own generation and considers the prospects for Iran in 2014
Women's movements in the transitioning Arab states

For dignity, peace and equal rights

Despite all the setbacks suffered by many women's rights groups in the transitioning Arab states, regional co-operation has improved considerably over the past few years. Juliane Metzker takes stock
By Juliane Metzker
Syrian Christians and the Assad regime

"Assad is only protecting himself"

Syria's dictator Bashar al-Assad likes to present himself as a champion of his nation's religious minorities, in particular the Christians. But increasing numbers of Syrian Christians in exile are resisting this narrative. By Martina Sabra
By Martina Sabra
Women's rights in Morocco

Gender equality on paper only

Ever since a young woman took her own life two years ago after being raped and married off to her aggressor, equal rights between men and women have been the subject of heated discussion in Morocco. A set of laws that is riddled with contradictions further fuels the debate. By Susanne Kaiser
By Susanne Kaiser
Honour killings in Pakistan

Little hope of change

In the space of just a few weeks, two cases of honour killings in Pakistan shocked the world. Although some might expect such global outrage and attention to help trigger change, activists in Pakistan do not hold out much hope for improvement in the near future.
By Roma Rajpal Weiss
Green Islam

The fair mosque

Mosques with solar panels, fair trade products and a guide to living an eco-friendly life during the Hajj ... Eco Islam is gaining momentum. Ulrike Hummel reports on a project that seeks to develop environmental awareness among Muslims in Germany
By Ulrike Hummel
Indian Muslims' attitudes to the election of Narendra Modi

Apprehension and hope

Many in India, particularly those in the country's Muslim community, are wondering whether India's new prime minister, Narendra Modi, will modify his stance on extremism. At the same time, they hope that Modi, who is feted with having brought prosperity to the state of Gujarat, can improve both the economy and the lot of Muslims, who face difficulties and discrimination in their everyday lives.
By Roma Rajpal Weiss
LGBT asylum seekers

A silent revolution

While it is a well-known fact that LGBT people face discrimination and violence in Muslim and Arab countries, it is not quite as well known that LGBT people seeking asylum in the West also face considerable difficulties and in some cases gross insensitivity. Some of those who have been granted asylum are now using the Internet to try and foster tolerance in their native countries. By Joseph Mayton
By Joseph Mayton
Family policy in Iran

Children for the revolution

With slogans like "An Iran of 150 million" and "More children, more happiness", the leadership in Tehran is calling for higher birth rates – a U-turn in its family planning policy. What is still unclear is how the desired increase in the size of the population would contribute to solving the country's economic and social problems. By Marcus Michaelsen
By Marcus Michaelsen