Society

German-Jordanian University

An Absolute Novelty in the Middle East

The German-Jordanian University, GJU, opened its doors in mid-October. The study programs are designed according to the model of German Universities of Applied Sciences. In this interview, Labib Khadra, GJU president, talks about the university's goals
Muslims in the Media

From Journalistic Objects to Journalistic Subjects

When Islam is covered in the German media, discussion frequently mixes together political, social, and religious issues. Debate on Islamic topics can only gain in sophistication the more that Muslims themselves become involved in producing media content. By Mona Naggar
Interfaith Dialogue in Nigeria

The Need for Reconciliation

Ever since the end of the military dictatorship in Nigeria in 1999 there have been repeated clashes between the country's Christians and Muslims. But now, as Gregg Benzow explains, a Christian pastor and a Muslim Imam have launched an effort to get the two sides talking
Interview with Lawrence Pintak

"We Must Be Capable of Dialogue"

What role does the media play in the relations between Europe and the Middle East, and how far can the virtual dialogue influence these relations? Bernhard Hillenkamp spoke with Lawrence Pintak, the Director of the Adham Center for Television Journalism at the American University of Cairo
Education in the Middle East

German Universities an Export Hit in the Arab World

While Germans continue to bemoan their educational system, German higher education is being successfully exported to the Arab world. Jabeen Bhatti reports
A German Brass Band in the Middle East

Touring the Orient with a Trumpet and a Notepad

When Udo Moll toured the Middle East with the Schäl Sick Brass Band, he met with Mohammed Mounir, he encountered a young and kind man called "Jihad", and an image of Khomeini resembling Sean Connery, all of which he noted down in his diary...
Nuruddin Farah

Voices from the Diaspora

The illiteracy rate in Somalia is around 75 percent. And yet the country has produced an author who has been mentioned for some time as a possible candidate for the Nobel Prize. Read Ilja Braun's review of Nuruddin Farah's latest novel "Links"
Caravan against AIDS

Christians and Muslims Join Forces to Fight Stigmas

For four weeks, the "Caravan of Religious Leaders against AIDS" made its way through several West-African countries in order to sensitize the residents to the situation of those infected with HIV. Erhard Brunn reports on AIDS prevention measures in Mali
Young Muslim Migrants in Berlin

Versatile Identity

The riots in France have triggered a debate on integration policy all over Europe. Berlin is considered to be a particular source of potential conflict in the case of Germany. Ariana Mirza talked to young Muslims and social workers
Sexuality and Sex Education in Iran

No Longer a Taboo

For some time now, sex education classes have been part of the national birth control programme in the Islamic Republic of Iran. They are seen as part of the effort to limit the country's population explosion. Roshanak Zangeneh visited a course for young adults in Teheran
Migrants in Libya

Gate-Money for the Desert State

An estimated two million migrants live in Libya, most of which want to move on to Europe. But after the rapprochement with Europe, the EU, in part, supports Gaddafi's refugee and deportation policy. By Charlotte Wiedemann
Muslim-Christian Conference in France

Who Is to Lead the Religious Dialogue?

At a conference in Paris representatives of Muslim and Christian groups in France and Germany discussed the challenges of inter-religious dialogue. The situation for Muslims in the two countries, however, varies widely. By Peter Philipp