Society

The Gulf States

A Hypermodern Centre of the Modern Global Economy

While in the traditional core countries of the Arab World people are rising up against stagnation, the Gulf is busy showcasing itself as the spearhead of modernisation. In his new book, Rainer Hermann writes that the Gulf States demonstrate what Arabs can accomplish when given the necessary freedom
By Claudia Mende
Interview with Integration Minister Bilkay Öney

"Integration is a matter of wanting to, being able and being allowed to"

In May, Bilkay Öney will have been in office as integration minister in the German state of Baden-Württemberg for one year. The Turkish-born politician says she is privileged
By Klaudia Prevezanos
Comparative Theology in Germany

Muslims and Christians Discussing Nietzsche

Klaus von Stosch is the most important representative of Comparative Theology in Germany. In his new reference work, Stosch writes that this course of studies is a "guide to the world of religions". Ursula Rüssmann introduces the man and his theology of dialogue
By Ursula Rüssmann
On Tour in Afghanistan, Part 1

On the Highway from Kabul to Mazar-i-Sharif

Around the turn of the Persian calendar year, our author Marian Brehmer set off for a two-week trip through Afghanistan. In Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul he spoke with people outside the war zones. What are their hopes for the new year, and how do they view the recent developments in their country?
By Marian Brehmer
Muslims in Germany

''Integration in Germany Is Making Progress''

You wouldn't expect it in light of the resurgent German debate about the willingness of young Muslims to integrate into mainstream society, but integration in Germany is actually faring better than expected. An analysis by Jonathan Laurence
By Jonathan Laurence
Introducing Sharia in Western Legal Systems

When States Legally Sanction Discrimination

Integrating Islamic law in family law in European and North American societies poses a serious threat to women's rights – and to national integrity, writes Elham Manea, Swiss-Yemeni political scientist
By Elham Manea
Interview with Michael Muhammad Knight

''Religious Laws Can Change''

Michael Muhammad Knight has earned a reputation as an ostentatious cultural provocateur among American Muslims. In this interview with Richard Marcus, however, he talks quite seriously about matters of faith and the relation of religion and ideology
By Richard Marcus
Postal Threats Sent to Mosques in Germany

Solidarity in the Face of Rightwing Extremism and Racism

Germany's religious communities are standing shoulder to shoulder following the sending of obscure, threatening letters to mosques and the Jewish Community of Berlin. Background information by Jan Kuhlmann
By Jan Kuhlmann
The Muslim Social Media Network ''Salamworld''

A Halal-Friendly Space on the Internet

Salamworld aims to draw Muslims from around the world to have an exclusively Muslim 'halal' space online. But are young Muslims really so different than youth anywhere? Matthew Brunwasser reports from Istanbul
By Matthew Brunwasser, Hiltrud Schoofs
Rabbi Arik Asherman of Rabbis for Human Rights

A Different Way of Understanding Judaism

The Israeli organisation Rabbis for Human Rights protects Palestinian olive farmers and helps in the reconstruction of Palestinian houses. Co-founder Arik Asherman bases the group's commitment on religious sources. Andreas Baum spoke to him
By Andreas Baum
The International ''Global Prayers'' Project

Redemption and Liberation in the City

Mass prayers in Cairo, mega church services in Lagos, large-scale festivals in Mumbai: At the international "Global Prayers" conference in Berlin, researchers and artists explored the phenomenon that is the global expansion of cities and religions. Aya Bach reports
By Aya Bach
Row over Report on Young Muslims in Germany

Easy Pickings for Headline Grabbers

Comments issued by German Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich on a controversial new study have triggered a debate on the refusal of young Muslims to integrate. But his critics accuse him of cherry-picking the report's findings to generate sensational headlines.
By Daniel Bax