Society

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
Israeli Plans to Dismantle Solar Power Plants in the West Bank

Bulldozing German Development Aid

Solar and wind power plants built using German funds for Palestinian villages in the West Bank face an uncertain future. Israel says they are not authorised and wants them cleared.
By Bettina Marx
Post-revolution Tunisia

Women Try to Assert Independence

Women were a key force in the popular protests that toppled Tunisia's government last year and kicked off the Arab Spring. But now many Tunisian women worry that the new government may want to turn back the clock. Sarah Mersch reports from Tunis
By Sarah Mersch
Interview with Morocco's Minister Bassima Hakkaoui

''Some Politicians See Women as Intruders''

PJD politician Bassima Hakkaoui is the only woman to hold a ministerial post in Morocco's new, Islamist-dominated government. In conversation with Siham Ouchtou, the Minister for Solidarity, Women, Family and Social Development addresses the concerns of women's rights organizations over the government's gender equality policy
By Siham Ouchtou
Women's Rights in Morocco

Activists See Little Hope for Gender Policy Reforms

After the Islamist party PJD won elections in Morocco, the future of reforms to the country's family laws remains up in the air. Activists fear a conservative approach to equal rights could slow – or even reverse – progress
By Martina Sabra