Society

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
Integration in Germany

Better Than Its Reputation

The German media likes to portray people with a migration background as school failures, petty criminals, welfare recipients or Islamists. A new report gives integration in Germany a surprisingly good report card. By Holger Moos
Sufism in Jordan

A Prism of Spirituality

In Jordan, Sufism is currently gaining ground, even attracting a wave of foreign seekers, both converts and those of Muslim heritage. Michael Gunn encountered various interpretations of what Sufism is or can be
Forced and Arranged Marriages

Between Elucidation and Scandalising Distortion

Filiz Sütcü has carried out academic research into the subject of forced and arranged marriages. She criticises the media's sensational treatment of the issue and explains that public debate is usually more about cultural and religious defamation
Afghan Refugees in Tajikistan

Transit to Peace

Although Tajikistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, it is the country of choice for many Afghan refugees. Many hope that it will be their first stop on the way to Europe or the USA. By Edda Schlager
The Tunisian Islamic Scholar and Activist Tahar Haddad

A Rebel Loyal to the Koran

At the beginning of the 20th century, Tahar Haddad advocated a modern interpretation of the Koran. Only after his death did his work find resonance in Tunisian society. Martina Sabra reports
Bloggers in the Arab World

Playing with Fire

In the Arab world, as elsewhere, the Internet opens up new freedoms and opportunities for democracy. However, it also gives rise to opposition from the authorities. Anyone active on the Internet lives dangerously. By Amira al-Ahl
The Babri Mosque Controversy in India

Sacred Ground for Muslims and Hindus

For centuries, Hindus have claimed the Babri Mosque as the birthplace of their god Ram. Now a court has ruled that the site can be used by both Hindus and Muslims. By Qurratulain Zaman
Islamic Cultural Centre in Warsaw

Building Religious "Bridges" in Poland

An Islamic cultural centre is being built in Warsaw, next to the city's new mosque. Its construction initially sparked protests, but now some are hoping it could be a sign of integration for Muslims. By Rafal Kiepuszewski