Society
Topics
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Afghan Refugees in IranThe Lowest of the Low
Afghans in Iran constitute one of the largest refugee populations in the world. It was recently reported that thousands have been executed. Iran and Afghanistan are arguing about this. By Iason Athanasiadis
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Islam and the West
Plea for Competition between Values
Our dechristianized West is disturbed by the visibility of practising Muslims. Yet, whoever expects the secular state to treat different worldviews equally should not fear competition between value systems, writes Ludwig Ammann
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Ghada Abdel Aal and her Book "I Want to Get Married!"
From Anonymous Blogger to Bestselling Author
Initially it was just a blog! Ghada Abdel Aal started writing "I Want to Get Married!" anonymously on the internet. The overwhelming response drew the attention of an Egyptian publisher. And the blog became a book. Susanne Schanda met the writer in Zurich
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Minorities in South-Eastern Turkey
Hope Mixed with Resignation
While the Turkish government tries to improve the rights of the country's minorities, there are still conflicts of interest between the Turkish state and Armenians, Arameans and Kurds. By Harald Brandt
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Islamic Studies in Germany
Who Has the Final Say on Religious Authority?
In three Germany universities, centres for Islamic studies are to be set up in order to train imams and religion teachers. The content of the Islamic theology must be worked out in cooperation with the Muslim associations, says Avni Altiner
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The Moroccan Sociologist Fatema Mernissi
The Prophet and Freedom of the Individual
Moroccan sociologist and writer Fatema Mernissi will celebrate her 70th birthday in October. Martina Sabra went to Rabat and paid a visit to the "grande dame" of the Moroccan democracy movement and of dialogue between East and West
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Mesut Özil and Germany
A Football Hero in a National Identity Farce
As playmaker at Real Madrid, and key attack asset on the German national squad, Mesut Özil has matured into a true soccer superstar. And now the unassuming player finds himself at the centre of Germany's ongoing national identity debate. By Lewis Gropp
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Religion in Azerbaijan
Between Tolerance and Repression
The majority of Azerbaijan's population is Shiite - alongside dozens of religious minorities. Even though the country prides itself on its reputation for tolerance, the threat of repression is never far away for practising Muslims. By Klaus Heymach
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Synod of Bishops for the Middle East
Arab Christians for Church Reforms
A Vatican Synod of Bishops on the Middle East is currently taking place in Rome. It aims to draw international attention to the difficult situation of Christians in the region. By Mona Naggar
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Tidiane N'Diaye's "The Veiled Genocide"
Selective Theses on the Arab Slave Trade
Tidiane N'Diaye accuses Arabs of not acknowledging their responsibility for the slave trade. He demands an explanation, yet sheds very little new light on the situation himself. A review by Moritz Behrendt
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The Kashmir Conflict
A Clash of Nationalisms and Religions
Violence in Muslim-dominated Kashmir and anti-India protests has recently been flaring up again. The decades-old conflict is based on two factors: claims of nationalism and of religion, says Yoginder Sikand
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Interview with Mohamed El-Moctar
Wars over Symbols
The face veil stirs up many controversies – also within the Islamic world. For Mohamed El-Moctar, however, it's a practice that has nothing much to do with Islam. Stephanie Doetzer met him in Doha
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Sumud Flotilla
Tunisia at the forefront of global convoy to Gaza
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"Mrs. Atatürk – Latife Hanim"
Maligned but Not Forgotten
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Iraqi women filmmakers
The power of stories and moving images
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Femicide in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan activists sound alarm over femicide wave
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Middle Eastern and North African art in Europe
MENA Art Gallery – haven for Arab art
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Sufism in Morocco
A cure for extremism?