Society

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 Muslim Brotherhood and Women's Rights in Egypt

A Project of Patriarchal Extremism

In this essay, the historian and feminist Margot Badran outlines how the Muslim Brotherhood has called into question a UN document that seeks to end violence against women and with it the democratic achievements of the Egyptian revolution
By Margot Badran
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
Interview with Bakary Sambe

''In the Arab World, We Africans are Viewed as Inferior Muslims''

The French military intervention in Mali has triggered controversial reactions among Muslim intellectuals in West Africa. While there is almost universal rejection of jihadism, opinion about France's political motives is divided. Charlotte Wiedemann spoke to the Senegalese political scientist Bakary Sambe
By Charlotte Wiedemann
The EU's Migration and Asylum Policy

Not in Line with European Values

Right-wing populists like to issue dire warnings of a flood of migration that is about to overwhelm Germany. But the EU Commission's figures clearly refute this perception: only four per cent of all people living in the EU are third-country nationals. By Elif Cindik and Louisa Pehle
By Elif Cindik | Louisa Pehle
Women Muslims Outraged by Femen Action

Exposing Misunderstandings

With their "Topless Jihad Day", Femen activists wanted to demonstrate for the rights of Muslim women. The problem is that Muslim women see no need for protest. "Nudity does not free us" was their answer in an online campaign. Femen activists, in turn, diagnose Muslim women as suffering from Stockholm syndrome. By Nadia Pantel
By Nadia Pantel
Germany's First Muslim Car Sharing Service

''We Are Protecting Marriages''

Selim Reid set up Germany's first Muslim car sharing service to spare his mother disparaging remarks and to reduce the number of extra-marital affairs. Cigdem Akyol spoke to the entrepreneur about his concept and his motivation
By Cigdem Akyol