Society

Arson Attack on the Satirical Magazine ''Charlie Hebdo''

Heated Debate over Sharia Law

The attack on the French satirical magazine 'Charlie Hebdo' represents an attack on the freedom of expression – even if the special edition's chosen title – 'Charia Hebdo' – in reference to election results in Tunisia appears quite ill-judged.
By Bernhard Schmid
Islam 2.0

Hajj Pilgrimage Enters Digital Age

Performing a religious ritual like hajj and using a smartphone is no contrast. Modern Muslim pilgrims can stay connected via platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
By Ali Almakhlafi
The Media in Iraq

Fostering Democracy through Commercial Advertising

In order to be able to produce unbiased reporting, media outlets need to be independent. But in Iraq, most of the media outlets are funded interest groups who exert a massive influence on the way they report. Friederike Ott reports
The Speed Sisters of Ramallah

Emancipation in Racing Suits

Palestinian women on the West Bank are increasingly able to determine their own lives. The "Speed Sisters", a group of women racing drivers, are ample proof of this. They have created quite a sensation in the process. Andreas Baum reports from Ramallah
By Andreas Baum
Mathias Rohe on Islamic Theology in Germany

Triggering Global Debates

In Germany, Islamic theology is being introduced as a university course – a much debated issue in academic terms, but also politically. In this interview, Mathias Rohe, Germany's most renowned academic expert on Sharia law, talks about what this means for the development of Islam in Germany and, potentially, on a global level
By Lewis Gropp
Interview with Nilüfer Göle

Shifting Identities and the Stakes of Turkish Democracy

Turkey faces tough decisions at home and abroad, from how to handle heterogeneous identities as they become visible in the public sphere to the role it will play as a model for emerging Middle Eastern democracies. Juliana DeVries interviews the prominent Turkish sociologist Nilüfer Göle
By Juliana DeVries
German Intellectuals and Islam

Capitulation or Scaremongering?

When it comes to Islam, the German media appear to alternate between waves of criticism and waves of support. Society is deeply divided in its perception of this "immigrant religion", though mutual knowledge and understanding is gradually increasing, Gregor Taxacher says
By Gregor Taxacher
First Centre for Islamic Theology

Opening a New Chapter for Islam in Germany

The University of Tübingen is starting a course leading to a bachelor's degree to train imams and teachers of Islam. Until now, only a small proportion of those teaching Islam in Germany have had any training. Sabine Ripperger reports
By Sabine Ripperger
Nine Months After the Upheaval in the Arab World

Is the Revolution Devouring Its Children?

The Arab World is no longer what it used to be. Nor are the rebellions; in many places the initial revolutionary euphoria is giving way to concerns about the future. Stephanie Doetzer sketches a picture of the mood in recent months
By Stephanie Doetzer
Noorjahan Akbar on Women's Rights in Afghanistan

''Women Are Nobodies''

The West has spoke out for women's rights in Afghanistan. Now, it can't simply pull out of the country, says Noorjahan Akbar, the Afghan human rights activist and co-founder of the independent women's organization "Young Women for Change" in an interview with Martin Gerner
By Martin Gerner
Karim El-Gawhary's ''Diary of the Arab Revolution''

Portraits of the Common Man in the Time of Upheaval

The "Diary of the Arab Revolution" by the German-Egyptian writer and journalist Karim El-Gawhary is an impressive testimony to the "Arabellion." A review by Martina Sabra
By Martina Sabra
Naqshbandi Sufis in North America

Going Back to Divine Presence

Naqshbandi is one of the most important spiritual orders of Sufi Islam. In Michigan, believers from different ethnic and religious backgrounds practice their spiritual version of Islam. By Mary Fowles