Society

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
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