Society

The 'Mapping Democracy' Project

Global Dialogue in Real Time

To explore innovative forms of democratic dialogue – that's the idea behind the project "Mapping Democracy", which saw experts and audiences taking part in a simultaneous debate in Cairo, Madrid and Munich. Claudia Mende reports
By Claudia Mende
Israel's Social Media and the Gaza Crisis

Truths Come Through

In light of the war of information raging throughout the current Gaza conflict, the Israeli writer Assaf Gavron highlights the important role that social media plays in his country, providing a voice for authentic and independent viewpoints beyond any control or influence by the state
By Assaf Gavron
Iranian Reformist Thinkers in Exile

More Freedom, Less Impact?

Iran has forced intellectuals and clerics like Abdulkarim Soroush and Mohsen Kadivar into exile. These men once drove the debate about a reform of the political system and religion in Iran. They have found refuge in the West, where they can work, speak, and conduct research more freely. But what influence – if any – do they still have in Iran? By Urs Sartowitz
By Urs Sartowicz
The Arab Spring and the Media

Distorted Images

Why have Al-Jazeera, Al-Arabiya and most western media neglected to report on the uprisings in Bahrain? Is it true that in Syria, Alawites are fighting against Sunni Muslims? And who were the real victims of the Houla massacre? Amira Mohsen Galal takes a look at some of the most striking flaws in reporting on the Arab Spring, two years after the uprisings began
By Amira Mohsen Galal
Interview with the Egyptian Muslim activist Asmaa Mahfouz

''There is no war between Islam and America''

Asmaa Mahfouz is one of the founders of the April 6 Youth Movement. She has been credited with helping to spark mass uprising through her video blog posted one week before the start of the 2011 Egyptian revolution. In this interview with Nina zu Fürstenberg, she shares her concerns and hopes for the Arab Spring
By Nina zu Fürstenberg
Gay Rights in Tunisia

Not Illegal, but Taboo

Homosexuals in Tunisia celebrated the ouster of dictator Ben Ali, hoping it would improve their situation. But in nearly two years, little has changed for the country's gay and lesbian community. Sarah Mersch reports from Tunis
By Sarah Mersch
Goethe Institute series: ''Receiving the World – Mapping Democracy''

New Challenges for Democracy

With a new series of events entitled "Receiving the World – Mapping Democracy", the Goethe Institute seeks to explore new challenges to our understanding of democracy. The focus of the series is on the similarities and differences between the new social movements in Europe and the protest movement in North Africa. By Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Interview with Fawzia Koofi

''It Is Not A Matter of Overnight Change''

Fawzia Koofi is an Afghan women's rights activist and MP. She has already declared that she will run for president in 2014. In this interview with Martin Gerner, she outlines the two policy areas closest to her heart and explains why some Afghans view the timeline for the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan with trepidation
By Martin Gerner
Lalon Shah and the Bauls

The Mystic Minstrels of Bengal

Lalon Shah is the king of Bauls, a unique mystical tradition from the region of Bengal. In Bengali culture Lalon has become an icon of religious tolerance. Hindus depict him as a Hindu and Muslims believe he represents their faith – but he was beyond such notions. By Marian Brehmer
By Marian Brehmer
''The New Arab Women''

Are the Arab Revolutions Devouring Their Own Daughters?

The so-called "Arab Spring" has a female face. Now, a new book by Gabi Kratochwil provides a very personal and exciting insight into the background to this tumultuous period, casting a new light on the major presence of women on the streets of Egypt, Tunisia and Libya. Martina Sabra read the book and spoke to author
By Martina Sabra
Islamic Community under Suspicion

A Disservice to Reformers

The Islamic community Milli Görüs is the second-largest Muslim organisation in Germany. It is being kept under close observation by the federal and state offices for the protection of the constitution, impeding dialogue with policymakers and the public – as well as progressive reform from within. By Ursula Rüssmann
By Ursula Rüssmann
Book Review: ''News - The Televised Revolution''

Mouths Issuing Silent Screams

The work of artist Monika Huber is a critical appraisal of how the media reported on the Arab Spring. Some of her pieces now appear in a book published in cooperation with the Middle East reporter Susanne Fischer. A review by Björn Zimprich
By Björn Zimprich