Society
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Interview with Shadi SadrCollecting Evidence for Crimes against Humanity
The Iranian women's rights activist and lawyer Shadi Sadr was imprisoned for over ten days during the protests following the recent Iranian presidential election. Ariana Mirza spoke to her about the current human rights situation and the reform movement in Iran
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Cultural Relations Crisis
What Went Wrong with the Dialogue between Cultures?
We have a common language for universal values, but we do not have a common language for cultural differences, writes Traugott Schoefthaler. We need to work on such language, he says in his essay, in order to provide instruments for coping with critical moments of confrontation
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Wilfried Murad Hofmann Honoured
"Islamic Personality of the Year"
Wilfried Murad Hofmann, a former German diplomat and a convert to Islam, has received one of the most important prizes in the Muslim world. He's been chosen as "Islamic Personality of the Year" in Dubai. A portrait by Ulrike Hummel
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The Image of Women in Islam
Ibn al-Jawzi's Mysoginist Writings
The religious scholar Ibn al-Jawzi's collection of the prophet's recalled comments on women in Islam, well known in conservative Islamic circles. Does the work confirm our image of Muslim misogyny or can we derive a different understanding of women from these sources? By Stefan Weidner
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Ritual Islamic Food Production
"The Halal Trend Is Unstoppable"
The ritual slaughter of animals for religious reasons is basically permitted in Germany, although management of the practice is complicated and controversial. But the enormous potential of and demand for 'halal' foodstuffs here in Germany is leading to an increase in production. Daniela Schröder has researched the issue
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Hans Christian Schmid's "Storm"
The Truth Is a Matter of Negotiation
The UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague has been occupied since 1993 with the war crimes committed during the Yugoslav Wars. Hans-Christian Schmid has now made a film showing how the West also places political decisions over individual's lives. André Tucic investigates
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Iraqi Gay Refugees
A Temporary Haven in Lebanon
A campaign of murder, intimidation and torture is driving many of Iraq's gay men to join the millions of their compatriots who have fled to other countries in the region. Those of them that make it to Lebanon, while still facing an uncertain future, have the benefit of a relatively tolerant society. Austin Mackell reports from Beirut
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Interview with Joumana Haddad
"Eroticism is the Pulse of Life"
With her erotic cultural magazine "Jasad" ("Body"), Lebanese poet and journalist Joumana Haddad deliberately breaks taboos in a society that likes to draw a veil over the human body – both literally and figuratively. Susanne Schanda spoke with the woman behind the magazine
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Iraq's National Museum Reopens
Only Photos on View of the Nimrud Treasures
The National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad reopened a few weeks ago – prematurely, say critics. Inadequate security systems jeopardise the legacy of Mesopotamia and Babylonia, reports Birgit Svensson from Baghdad
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Interview with Winfried Verburg
A Place of Learning for All Religions
The Diocese of Osnabrück is organising an inter-faith school project that is unique in Germany. In co-operation with the Jewish community and Muslim organisations, the diocese is planning to open a primary school for children of the three Abrahamic religions. Eren Güvercin discussed the project with Winfried Verburg, director of the Education Department of the Episcopal Vicariate Osnabrück
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Interview with Thomas Eich
An Islamic Debate on Bioethics within the Framework of Sharia
Bioethical issues are hotly discussed in Islamic countries. According to the Islam scholar Thomas Eich, the limits to medical intervention usually lie where it can result in harm to society or interference in God's creation. He spoke with Sarah Zada
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Max Baron of OppenheimAn Encyclopedic Travelogue Free from the Arrogance of the Time
As diplomat and explorer, Max Baron of Oppenheim's knowledge of the Orient was exceptional for the time. His interest in the Arab world was unique as well in that it was free from condescension. A portrait by Andreas Pflitsch
Most read articles
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Q&A
What is happening in Sudan?
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Ahmed Isamaldin
"Gold is directly connected to the violence in Sudan"
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Book review: Daniel Speck's "Piccola Sicilia"
Little Sicily in North Africa
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Turkish women's association Havle
"White secular women do not have a monopoly on feminism"
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Religious diversity in Tunisia
The Virgin Mary on the streets of Tunis
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Berlin-based rapper Siba
"Rage can be very constructive"