Society

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
Parallels between Anti-Semitism and 'Criticism of Islam'

Treading a Thin Line

For Wolfgang Benz, the stigmatisation of Jews through anti-Semitism is most certainly comparable with the exclusion of Muslims as a manifestation of hostility towards and hatred of Islam. In his new book, the historian takes stock and highlights new dangers for western societies in their behaviour towards minorities. By Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Women's Rights and the Arab Spring

The Female Face of the Revolution

One year on from the uprisings that toppled dictators Ben Ali and Mubarak, the revolution is still going on for many women activists in Egypt and Tunisia. Martina Sabra's essay takes a look at how strong their socio-political influence really is
By Martina Sabra
Interview with Tarek Mitri

The Fruits of Pent-Up Fear

The Lebanese Christian politician and university lecturer Tarek Mitri is critical of the withdrawal of many Arab Christians from the societies in which they live. In this interview with Mona Naggar he calls for a revival of "Arab Renaissance" ideals
By Mona Naggar
Radical Critics of Islam and Islamophobia

Denying the Individuality of Minority Members

At a recent conference in Germany looking at radical critics of Islam, there was consensus that it was about time that politicians and society looked more seriously at the growing defamation of Muslims. By Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Soccer Ultras and National Protest in Egypt

Demands for Civilian Rule

The Port Said tragedy, in which 74 people died, has given new impetus to the protests against the military council. To capitalise on this, football ultras and youth groups need to combine their street tactics with engagement in traditional politics.
By James M. Dorsey
Fifth Integration Summit

Paternalism Instead of Equality

Chancellor Merkel has hosted five integration summits over the past six years. Daniel Bax feels that the time has now come for the German state to stop behaving towards migrants as a father does towards a child and to work instead on breaking down structures and prejudices that hamper the genuine equality and participation of immigrants
By Daniel Bax
Repression of Journalists in Turkey

Fighting Press Freedom with Anti-Terrorism Laws

The detention of Ragıp Zarakolu, a past winner of the International Freedom to Publish Award, shows how Turkish anti-terrorism laws are being misused to curtail freedom of expression. By Semiran Kaya
By Semiran Kaya
Iranian Journalists under Pressure

Arrest or Exile

In the run-up to the Iranian parliamentary elections, the regime in Tehran is showing signs of nervousness. More journalists are being arrested as the repression of civil society continues. Marcus Michaelsen reports
By Marcus Michaelsen