Society

Interview with Nader Hashemi

On the Compatibility of Islam and Democracy

In this interview with Lewis Gropp, Nader Hashemi, a leading scholar on Islam and secularism, says that the two are far from being incompatible – and that the West has to accept its share of responsibility for the revival of anti-democratic forces in the Islamic world
By Lewis Gropp
Destruction of Historic Sites

Syria Is Losing Its History

The civil war in Syria is not only causing human suffering, it is also endangering the nation's historic legacy. Most recently, extensive damage was inflicted on Aleppo's ancient bazaar. Björn Zimprich discusses the consequences of this destruction with Stefan Knost, who took part in historic excavations in Aleppo several years ago
By Björn Zimprich
The Domiz Refugee Camp in North Iraq

The Agony of the Syrian Refugees

Syrian refugees are flocking in ever-greater numbers to the neighbouring countries, fleeing from the violence at home. In the Domiz refugee camp in northern Iraqi, 700 new people arrive every day. But the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR and the Kurdish autonomy government are unable to provide for them. A report by Jan Kuhlmann
By Jan Kuhlmann
''Young, German, Taliban''

What Causes Radicalization?

How does one explain the phenomenon of Salafism? And what causes young Islamists the world over to take up jihad? Wolf Schmidt offers some answers in his insightful book "Young, German, Taliban". Albrecht Metzger has read the book
By Albrecht Metzger
Mohammed Caricatures in "Charlie Hebdo"

Provocation as a Marketing Strategy

The publication of Mohammed caricatures in the French satirical newspaper "Charlie Hebdo" has created quite a stir. In recent times, the newspaper has deliberately and frequently attempted to pick fights with devout Muslims. Bernhard Schmid with a portrait of Charlie Hebdo from Paris
By Bernhard Schmid
Interview with Pınar Selek

''The Old Mindset Is Still in Place in Turkey''

Turkish sociologist and human rights activist Pınar Selek discusses her role in the democracy movement, ongoing legal proceedings against her, and the shortcomings of Turkey's political system. An interview by Ceyda Nurtsch
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Women in Kazakhstan

Progress in the Face of Patriarchy and Islam

Although women have always played a central role in Kazakh society, they have only recently started to move more into traditionally male-dominated areas. Nevertheless, Kazakhstan is still a man's country. In some regions, the rise of Islam is even placing new restrictions on women. Marina Khegay reports
Christians in Lebanon

Caught between the Frontlines

The Pope visited Lebanon at a precarious time. The destabilisation of Syria may have given Christians more room to manoeuvre, but they are also being dragged into the conflict between Shiite and Sunni Muslims. Mona Naggar reports from Beirut
By Mona Naggar
Cairo's Shanty District of Ramlet Bulak

Slumdogs vs. Billionaire

Egypt's richest man, Naguib Sawiris, has cast his eye upon the Cairo slum district of Ramlet Bulak. The police want to vacate the area and are terrorizing its inhabitants. Yet, residents refuse to give up the fight. A report by Markus Symank
By Markus Symank
Gay Rights in Malaysia

Creating Change in the Mosque

Malaysia's government has gained a reputation for running a policy of intolerance towards the gay and lesbian community in the country. But a younger generation of Muslims is starting to change perspectives, using their faith, as Joseph Mayton reports
Persecuted Emos in Iraq

No Place for Emotions

Since Shiite militia began hunting down followers of the 'Emo' youth movement and according to various sources have already killed 90 of them, they have vanished from the Iraqi capital. Details from Birgit Svensson in Baghdad
By Birgit Svensson
Christians and Muslims in Nigeria

Kano Struggles against Hate

Following the bloody terrorist attack in January, a fragile state of normality now reigns in the Nigerian metropolis of Kano. Local Christians and Muslims have turned to dialogue in order to prevent renewed outbreaks of violence in their city. Thomas Mösch reports
By Thomas Mösch