Society

Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Newcastle Utd

Saudi Arabia's sports binge

After years of relentless spending, Saudi Arabia is now a central player in the world's most lucrative sports. Critics say it is sportswashing, but is there an economic payoff that makes it all worth it? Arthur Sullivan reports
By Arthur Sullivan
The headscarf controversy

End of Germany's culture war?

Berlin is the last federal state in Germany to approve the wearing of headscarves by teachers. The fact that the courts have had to demand this time and again does not however reflect well on German politics. By Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax
United Kingdom

Diversity – merely window-dressing?

"Diversity" is the order of the day; everyone is focused on diversity. But our popular understanding of diversity falls far short of the mark. By Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax
Historical revisionism in India

Modi rewrites the history books

The Indian government under Narendra Modi has altered textbooks to remove references to Mahatma Gandhi's opposition to Hindu nationalism and other controversial issues. By Adil Bhat
By Adil Bhat
Islamic feminism

Evolving gender rights

In her latest book – "Journeys Toward Gender Equality in Islam" – legal anthropologist and activist Ziba Mir-Hosseini talks to six leading Muslim reformists about gender, women's rights and the latter's evolution over time. Interview by Tugrul von Mende
By Tugrul von Mende
Turks in Germany

President Erdogan's long arm strategy

The inauguration of Turkish President Erdogan was attended by many international heads of state. Also present were representatives of the Turkish diaspora. Turks abroad are especially important to Erdogan – particularly those living in Germany. By Elmas Topcu
By Elmas Topcu
Empowering women

Transforming horizons in rural Morocco

Research conducted in Morocco reveals the positive community impact of sustainable agricultural initiatives when preceded by women's empowerment workshops, leading to participatory action, enhanced community well-being and decentralisation. By Yossef Ben-Meir
By Yossef Ben-Meir
Sudan: War on women

Abducted and raped

Sudanese women are paying a particularly high price for the war that has now lasted more than six weeks. Sexual violence – committed by all parties – has skyrocketed. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Human rights violations under Assad

Syrian state torture on trial

A new trilingual anthology showcases recent efforts to achieve justice for the victims of crimes committed in Syria. The book lends perspective to the trials held in Germany, offers historical and social contextualisation and outlines the limits of this judicial approach. By Rene Wildangel
By René Wildangel
750th anniversary of Rumi’s death – Part 2

A message of love, tolerance and peace

How is Rumi’s legacy preserved in the Mevlevi order today? An interview with Sufi Master Hayat Nur Artiran from Istanbul. By Marian Brehmer
By Marian Brehmer
Philosophy, Arab world trend

Erich Fromm's advice for troubled times

The writings of German-American philosopher Erich Fromm (1900-1980) are trending in the Arab world. Claudia Mende asked Hamid Lechhab, translator of Fromm's works into Arabic, what might be behind this
By Claudia Mende
Far-right terror in Germany

Solingen: 30 years after the arson attack

Five people were killed by far-right terrorists in Solingen in 1993 because they were from Turkey. Their relatives are still fighting to preserve their memory. By Peter Hille
By Peter Hille