Society

Christians in Aleppo

Rumblings beneath the Surface

Syria is not considered a bastion of democracy and human rights. However, under Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Christians are free to practise their religion. They are concerned about the rise of Islamism. By Claudia Mende
Palestinian Youth Manifesto

"We Want Peace!"

Frustrated with all sides in the Middle East conflict, eight young men and women from Gaza have given vent to their anger in the form of a manifesto posted on the Internet. By Tania Krämer
Interview with Rebecca Chiao

Breaking Women's Isolation with "Harassmap"

Sexual harassment has become a growing problem in Egypt. Since December 2010, the initiative 'Harassmap' has provided a tool that can be used by victims of harassment, the police, and NGOs. Nesrine Shibib spoke to women's rights activist Rebecca Chiao
Controversial TV Series "The Magnificent Century"

Cultural Battle in Turkey

Emotions are running high in Turkey due to a new television series that supposedly paints an embarrassing picture of the private life of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman I, thus tarnishing the image of the Ottoman Empire. By Jürgen Gottschlich
Interview with Simon Levi

"A Culture is Never Lost"

The Jewish Museum in Morocco is the only one of its kind in the Islamic world. Alfred Hackensberger to Simon Levi about the museum and the history of Jews in the North African country
Book Review: Benjamin Idriz's 'Grüß Gott, Herr Imam'

A Contemporary Interpretation of Islam

For the first time, an imam has joined the debate on the future of Islam in Europe. 'Grüß Gott, Herr Imam' (Hello, Mr Imam) is a remarkable book that shows how Islam and western democracy can be compatible. By Claudia Mende
Radio Bakhita in Sudan

A Radio Station for Peace

The people of South Sudan are voting on whether to secede. The euphoria over the prospect of independence masks the social conflicts in the region. Meanwhile, a Catholic radio station is trying to promote peace. By Thomas Kruchem
Language and Integration Mediators in Germany

Tackling Communication Problems Head-On

Misunderstandings frequently arise between migrants and staff in government agencies and in schools. Language and integration mediators are intended to provide a long-term solution to this problem. By Janna Degener
Bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan

A fateful tradition

In Kyrgyzstan, bride kidnapping is considered an old tradition. However, an increase in incidents in recent years shows that the current economic and political climate is primarily responsible for fostering the phenomenon. By Edda Schlager
Women in Saudi Arabia

Winds of Change in Riyadh

The position of women in Saudi society is a top priority for the king. Now his former education minister has written a book calling for equality between men and women. By Joseph Croitoru
Judicial Reform in Saudi Arabia

A Battle of the Fatwas

Court rulings by prominent Saudi sheikhs and judges show the problems King Abdullah faces in cracking down on fatwas and codifying the kingdom's largely unwritten Islamic laws. By James M. Dorsey
Christian-Islamic Dialogue under Scrutiny

Medicine for Mistrust

Since Germany's integration debate began focusing on religion, Christian-Islamic dialogue has been all the rage. The country's politicians have well and truly discovered inter-faith discussion. But inter-faith dialogue cannot achieve what politics has failed to deliver. By Claudia Mende