Society

Islam in Germany

Learning from Ankara

Islam is just as compatible with democracy as any other religion. But if there is to be a modern Islam in Germany, support must be offered to liberal Muslims. A commentary Lale Akgün
Religion, Civilisation and Morality

God's Dubious Ethics

Those who speak for religious groups are convinced that a society without religious values experiences a decline in social morality. Robert Misik does not agree
Feminism beyond East and West

New Gender Talk and Practice in Global Islam

In her new book, Margot Badran takes a look at how Muslim women scholar-activists in various countries today envision Islam as a mandate for gender justice. Review by Yoginder Sikand
Lebanese Vineyards

Wine-Making Is an Art

Despite being one of the world's smallest wine producers, Lebanon has acquired a good reputation among international experts. In creating fine wines for the 21st century Lebanese vintners are building on a 4,000-year-old history. By Birgit Kaspar
Interview with Seyran Ates

The Multicultural Mistake

Seyran Ates is one of today's foremost pundits on the topic of integration in Germany. Now Seyran Ates has written a new book called "The Multicultural Mistake". Kathrin Erdmann spoke with Ates about the mistakes made by the left wing and what an alternative integration policy might look like
Interview with Charles Taylor

"We Think in Factions"

"The more one feels accepted, the less susceptible one is for extremism," Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor says. Edith Kresta and Daniel Bax spoke with him about multicultural society and integration politics in Europe and Canada
The Armenian Patriarch in Turkey

"I Would Like All Religions to Be Treated the Same"

According to the Armenian Patriarch in Turkey, Mesrob II, there is freedom of religion in Turkey. However, he is critical of inequality in the way the different religious communities are treated. Hülya Sancak spoke to him
Christians in Turkey

The Turks' Fear of the Missionary Menace

Despite Turkey's remarkable reforms in the wake of the country's rapprochement to Europe, Turks' fear of Christians is deep-rooted and goes back to WW I history. Susanne Güsten has this background report
Islam in Great Britain

Dispute over Planned "Mega-Mosque" in London

Muslims in London are preparing to build what will be the largest mosque in Europe. Although the Labour Party government has said it supports the project, there is also considerable public resistance to the plans. Tobias Armbrüster reports
Morocco and Europe

Creating a Culture of Emigration

While for the entire first half of the 20th century Morocco was a country of immigration, taking in relatively large streams of immigrants from certain European countries, it has now become a country of emigration. By Mohamed Khachani
Laleh Seddigh

Donning a Headscarf in the Cockpit

Laleh Seddigh is the star of Iranian car racing. The 30 year old driver had to fight hard to be accepted in the profession. Fatma Sagir met the young woman in Tehran
Muslims in Belgium

Only Integrated on the Surface

In 1974 Belgium recognized Islam as a state-supported religion. Today, the country is considered one of the most xenophobic in Western Europe. Daniela Schröder reports on the situation of Muslims living in Belgium