Society

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
Death Penalty in Tunisia

On the Way to Class Justice

The death penalty has not been carried out in Tunisia since the early 1990s. But there are still prisoners on death row to this day. In their book "The Siliana Syndrome", authors spotlight an issue that still represents a major social taboo. By Sarah Mersch
By Sarah Mersch
New Media and Democratization in the Arab World

No Pedestal for Facebook and Twitter

Were the revolutions in the Arabic world started by social networks? Tunisian publicist Amel Grami is sceptical, and warns against the extremist potential of the new media
By Amel Grami
Depleted Uranium Munitions in Iraq

Deadly Dust Falls in Silence

There is no question that American and British troops in Iraq used depleted uranium (DU) in their munitions. While the United States continues to deny any responsibility for the consequences of uranium contamination, including severe deformities among newly born children, the international community has turned a blind eye to the problem. The city of Basra, as Birgit Svensson discovers, has borne the brunt of it all
By Birgit Svensson
Persecution of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt

Humiliated even in Death

Hundreds of supporters of ex-President Mohammed Morsi were killed in Egypt last week. Judging by what Markus Symank witnessed during his visit to a Cairo morgue, it seems as if their relatives are being systematically bullied by the government
By Markus Symank
Pakistani Cartoon Series

Superhero in a Burqa

A burqa-wearing superhero? The first episode of Haroon Rashid's animated "Burka Avenger" has been broadcast in Pakistan. The creator of the series says he wants to create a role model for girls in his country. By Rachel Baig
By Rachel Baig
Interview with Pakistani Media Expert Fauzia Shaheen

How Pakistan's Media Is Defending Democracy

Fauzia Shaheen is a media expert, women's activist and president of the Women Media Centre in Pakistan. She would like to promote equal opportunities for women in Pakistan's media by training female journalists. Julie Schwannecke spoke to her about the current role of the media, press freedom and democracy in Pakistan
By Julie Schwannecke