Society

Alternative Nobel Prize for the Palestinian Raji Sourani

"We Just Don't Have the Right to Give up Hope"

The Palestinian lawyer Raji Sourani has been named laureate of the 2013 'Alternative Nobel Prize' "for his unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law under exceptionally difficult circumstances". Sourani sees the award as an "incentive not to lose hope". By Ulrike Schleicher
By Ulrike Schleicher
Germany's "Migrant MPs"

So Where Are You Really From?

Among the new German parliamentarians are 35 with an "immigration background" – a label they find unfortunate, as they are not there to merely fulfill a quota. Naomi Conrad talked to several of these parliamentarians in Berlin
By Naomi Conrad
Women Entrepreneurs in the Arab World

Successful Together

"Ouissal" means "connection". A new project bearing this name offers women entrepreneurs from Germany and Tunisia the opportunity to get to know each other and offer mutual support in their professional careers – a dialogue between equal partners. By Martina Sabra
By Martina Sabra
"Open Forums" in Turkey

New Forms of Participation

The Gezi Park protests have led to the emergence of local grassroots committees or "Open Forums" in many Turkish towns and cities. Their goal: To preserve quality of life in residential areas and foster political dialogue and development. A commentary by Ceyda Nurtsch from the "Open Forum" in the Istanbul neighbourhood of Beyoğlu
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Christians in Egypt

Persecuted and Forgotten

Anti-Christian violence is on the rise in Egypt. Although 45 churches and buildings were burned to the ground just a month ago, the Egyptian state is doing little to protect the country's Christians. By Markus Symank
By Markus Symank
Cultural Dialogue in Germany

Overcoming a Bloc Mind-set in East and West

At the invitation of Federal President Joachim Gauck, several thousand citizens met at Berlin's Schloss Bellevue to exchange views at the "place of encounters". Fabian Pianka depicts the current mood prevailing in Germany with regard to immigrants, how art can help in conflict situations, and the state of the dialogue with the Islamic world
By Fabian Pianka
Media in Egypt

Fall into Line or Switch Off

Just two years ago, the Arab Spring prompted many observers to talk about supposed Facebook revolutions. Looking at the state of the media today, and especially in Egypt, we can see a return to the old mechanisms of safeguarding authoritarian rule. By Carola Richter
By Carola Richter
Interview with Uri Avnery

"Pessimism Means Nothing to Me"

Israeli peace activist Uri Avnery is celebrating his 90th birthday. In this interview with Tania Krämer, he offers his perspective on the recent Middle East peace talks and the many questions arising from the Syrian conflict
By Tania Krämer
The German NGO "Adopt a Revolution"

Planning for a Postwar Syria

In times of war and carnage, the German nonprofit organization "Adopt a Revolution" supports Syrian civil society groups and plans for a Postwar Syria. Paul Hockenos reports
By Paul Hockenos
Egypt in Crisis

"We Deserve Better Than This"

In today's Egypt, moderate voices are sidelined by the military on the one hand, and the Muslim Brotherhood on the other. But neither the authoritarian state nor the totalitarian Islamists are an option, writes Elham Manea in her essay
By Elham Manea
Muslim Bloggers in Germany

Creating a Counter-public to Traditional Media

Germany's Muslim bloggers offer alternative opinions and perspectives on Muslim life. In so doing, they correct the image of Muslims that is portrayed in traditional media. Canan Topçu reports
By Canan Topçu
Syria's Civil War

The Emotional Scars of the Refugee Children

The war in Syria has traumatized children as well as adults. Their nightmares and drawings are blood red. In Turkey, one center is providing a sense of stability for refugees of all ages - paintbrush included. Monika Griebeler reports from Antakya
By Monika Griebeler