Society

German Wehrmacht Document on Islam

Ideological Vacuum

If it were not for the fact that the author of a code of conduct for Wehrmacht officers in Muslim countries – the army doctor Ernst Rodenwaldt – was a proven Nazi sympathiser, those in today's anti-Islamic milieu would most certainly hold him for a Muslim sympathizer. Stefan Weidner on an unusual historical manuscript
By Stefan Weidner
Dilwar Hussain on Reform Islam

Going beyond Literal Interpretation

In order to retain the values of the Koran, one must go beyond the literal meaning of the text, says British Islam scholar Dilwar Hussain. Instead, Muslims should try to interpret the dynamic of change of early Islam and apply that to modern times and conditions. An interview by Jan Kuhlmann
Freedom of the Press in Turkey

Tied to the Leash of the State

According to information from "Reporters without Borders", there are more journalists imprisoned in Turkey today than there ever have been since the end of the military regime in 1983. The freedom of the Turkish press is kept within very narrow limits. Yet, is this really such a new phenomenon? Fatih Cicek offers some answers
By Fatih Cicek
Jews in Tunisia

A Shrinking, Vulnerable Community

Jews lived in North Africa before the arrival of Christianity or Islam. On the eve of Tunisia's independence from France, there were more than 100,000 of them in the country. Half a century later, as few as 1,500 remain. Naomi Scherbel-Ball reports from Tunis
By Naomi Scherbel-Ball
Forced Marriage in Afghanistan

Suicide as a Final Resort

Up to 80 per cent of marriages in Afghanistan take place without the consent of the bride, who is often a minor. Many of these brides – particularly those who live in cities – see killing themselves as the only way out. Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi reports on this tragic state of affairs
By Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi
Interview with Sharif Nashashibi

''No Sovereign Government Has the Right to Oppress Its Own People''

In this interview with Samira Sammer, Sharif Nashashibi, co-founder and chairman of Arab Media Watch, discusses the difficulties of reporting on the Arab Spring in repressive states, the situation of minorities in Syria and the question of Western involvement in the Syrian civil war
By Samira Sammer
Interview with the Tunisian Feminist Saloua Guiga

Two Societal Projects on Collision Course

In this interview with Martina Sabra, the chairwoman of the Coalition for Women of Tunisia (Coalition Pour les Femmes de Tunisie), Saloua Guiga, tells of the Islamists' poor understanding of democracy and the precarious situation for women in her country
By Martina Sabra
Muslim Women and Integration

Oppressed in the Name of Islam?

The majority of Germans regard Islam as misogynist. No other issue in the public debate on integration has evoked such bitter controversy among Germans. Nonetheless, the image of the "oppressed woman" does not correspond to the real life situation of most Muslim women. By Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
The Perception of Muslims in the German Media

Heavy on the Clichés

A recent study shows that Muslims are often negatively portrayed in the German media. Is this really the case? The research indicates that this trend has been in evidence since 9/11. Klaudia Prevezanos has the details
By Klaudia Prevezanos
Morsi's Islamist Regime

Attacks on Egypt's Opposition on the Rise

Rights groups say attacks on opposition activists and critical media in Egypt are on the rise. In parliament, the Islamist regime is quickly trying to pass legislation that will further limit citizens' freedom of speech. Matthias Sailer reports from Cairo
By Matthias Sailer
Freedom of Speech in Egypt

Belly Dancer Exposes Islamists' Double Standards

Tweaking the Islamists' noses: In her music videos, Egyptian belly dancer Sama al-Masri pours derision on the Muslim Brotherhood. Now she may face trial for insulting Islam. Markus Symank reports from Cairo
By Markus Symank
The ''Women under Siege'' Website

Mapping Sexual Violence in Syria

"Women under Siege" is the name of a website gathering data on sexual violence in Syria. The use of open source software enables users to input their data directly. Many people are prepared to risk their own safety for the sake of being heard by the outside world. Johannes Thumfart has the details
By Johannes Thumfart