Society

Foreign Television Broadcasters in Arabic

Waving the Flag in Arab Living Rooms

A steadily increasing number of foreign television broadcasters are battling to win over public opinion in Arab countries. Media experts forecast an intensification of this competition, especially now that the private sector has also stepped into the arena. By Mona Sarkis
Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism

Mechanisms of Exclusion and Discrimination

According to Wolfgang Benz, head of the Center for Research on Anti-Semitism at Berlin's Free University, there are structural similarities in the stigmatisation of Muslims and Jews. An interview by Claudia Mende
The Photographer Judah Passow

An Eye for the Tragedy of the Conflict

The photographer Judah Passow, four times awarded with the World Press Award, abhors religious fervour and works towards social tolerance. Alexandra Senfft met with Passow in London and offers us a portrait of the man
Migration and Integration in Germany

The "Heroes" of Berlin-Neukölln

The "Heroes" project in Berlin is designed to help boys from Muslims families to break with traditional patriarchal behaviour patterns and stand up against honour being used as a means of suppression. Regina Friedrich reports
New Participants in the German Islam Conference

The Patronised Minority

There is something deeply paternalistic, even un-democratic, about the policy for choosing members of the German Islam Conference. The ministry deliberates behind closed doors. And the Muslims wait to see who will represent them. A commentary by Hilal Sezgin
Interview with the Senegalese Sociologist Amsata Sene

Last Stop Senegal

Many young Senegalese want to go to Europe to escape unemployment and poverty. They risk their lives to fulfil this goal. Of those that make it, most are deported back to Senegal. Naima El Moussaoui spoke to the Senegalese sociologist Amsata Sene about the causes and the consequences of irregular migration to Europe
New Grand Sheikh at Al-Azhar University

Fighting Extremism in A Suit and Tie

The new grand sheikh of al-Azhar University, Ahmed al-Tayyib, is considered open-minded and moderate. He rejects all forms of political Islam and would like to continue to lead the most renowned and respected seat of Sunni learning in the progressive tradition established by his predecessor. Alfred Hackensberger reports
Alliance of Christian and Muslim Creationists

Fossilised Thinking Proves God's Existence

Evangelical Christians and Muslim creationists – such as the Turkish anti-Darwinist Harun Yahia – have one thing in common: their fight against materialism and the secular state. Harald Brandt has the details
"No Integration?!"

Concepts for a Cosmopolitan Europe

The concept of integration has dominated the immigration debate in recent years. Specialists in the field of migration say it's time to stop issuing the unilateral demand that immigrants fit in with the host society, and are calling for a new approach. By Holger Moos
Domestic Violence against Women in the Gaza Strip

"A Woman Is Like a Carpet"

Since the war in January 2009, Domestic violence against women in the Gaza Strip has markedly increased. The strict rule by Hamas has only worsened the situation. Yet, with the assistance of NGO initiatives, afflicted women can once again experience hope. Ruth Kinet reports
Motalakat Radio in Egypt

The Voice of Divorced Women

Mahasin Saber wants her "Radio for divorced women" to put the spotlight on the serious deficits in the male-dominated Egyptian society, and to make people aware of the discrimination suffered by women. So far, she's succeeding. Nelly Youssef visited her in Cairo
Interview with Mariz Tadros

Contesting the Patriarchal Legal System

Mariz Tadros is an expert in development, gender and participation from Egypt. Martina Sabra talked to her about the importance of legal reform for Arab women and about the strategies of Arab women's organisations to overcome discrimination and gender-based violence in Arab countries