Society

Azouz Begag

From the Banlieue to a Place in the Cabinet

Azouz Begag was born in an immigrant shantytown on the outskirts of Lyon. He later became a novelist and social scientist. To his own surprise he was now appointed France's new Minister for the Promotion of Equal Opportunity. Bernard Schmid reports
Commentary Aftab Malik

The State Muslims Are In

Britain's Muslims must reclaim their faith's true character from those who would use it for extreme political ends. To achieve this, Islam needn't be reformed but be taken back to its origins instead.
By Aftab Malik
Conference on Muslims in Western Societies

Inter-Faith Thinkers Debate Integration

Scientists, politicians and religious leaders met at a conference in Berlin to discuss the issues of Muslims living in western societies, stressing that better integration would be pivotal in curbing Islamic extremism. By Hardy Graupner
Partners for Peace

New Middle East Newspaper Promotes Peace

While the Middle East peace process has made little progress, Israelis, Palestinians, Egyptians and Jordanians have gotten together to try to advance the mutual dialogue by means of a new Internet newspaper - Partners for Peace. By Igal Avidan
Beurger King Muslim

In Clichy-sous-Bois it's "Bacon Halal" instead of "Le Big Mac"

Parisian Muslims can now enjoy halal meals in an atmosphere that mimics US fast-food joints after BKM, or Beurger King Muslim, opened its doors. Gertrud Sterzl reports
Ramadan in Europe

Muslims Long for Call to Prayer

During Ramadan, Muslims in Europe, too, change their daily routines. This is expressed in their renunciation of food, drink, smoking and sexual contact between sunrise and sunset. Muammar Atwi reports from Berlin
Analyis Sami Zubaida

"Islamic Cultural Life in Europe is Multi-Faceted"

With his opening speech on cultural and political orientations of Islam in Europe, Sami Zubaida initiated the international research project on Islamic Culture and Modern Society. Islam and Europe are culturally increasingly intertwined, Zubaida says
Commentary Zafer Senocak

A Disastrous Marriage with No Hope of Dissolution

The relationship between Germans and Turks in Germany is on the rocks. The public discourse on the matter is characterised by mutual prejudice and misunderstanding. A commentary by Zafer Senocak
Islamic Schools in Pakistan

Madrassas as Ideological Breeding Grounds?

President Musharraf faces a difficult challenge. Following the London bombings, Islamic schools in Pakistan are once again the focus of criticism, but the relation of the current regime and radical Islamists is ambivalent. By Imtiaz Gul
The Akbar Ganji Case

In the Iron Grip of Iran's Judiciary

The journalist Akbar Ganji, who has been in prison for over five years now, is one of the most important members of the opposition movement in Iran. He has been on hunger strike now for more than 50 days. Bahman Nirumand reports
Interview Cem Özdemir

"We Need New Answers"

The London bombings have rekindled a debate on radical Islam and Muslim immigrants in Europe. Cem Özdemir, German-Turkish member of the Green party and the European parliament, says that tightening security alone wouldn't work in the fight against terror
Interview Christopher Daase

"Militant Islamism Becomes Hip"

The attacks in London indicate a disturbing development. An Islamist youth scene is forming in Europe with its own subculture – an ideal milieu to recruit young suicide bombers. An interview with Christopher Daase, expert in war and conflict studies