Society

Karl-Josef Kuschel's "Goethe and the Koran"

Islam for the 21st century? Look no further than Goethe

No other Western poet was arguably so well-versed in the Koran or so fascinated by Islam as Germany's national hero, Goethe. In a new publication that examines all Goethe's writings relating to Islam, theologian Karl-Josef Kuschel shows that the poet's message is still highly relevant today. Stefan Weidner read the book
By Stefan Weidner
Arabic inscription on Coimbra Cathedral

"Greatness will remain"

The façade of a twelfth-century cathedral is an unlikely place to find a message in Arabic script carved in stone, but so it is in the Portuguese city of Coimbra. Marta Vidal explores the background to the cathedral and examines how an 800-year Arabic inscription endured on the walls of a Roman Catholic house of worship
By Marta Vidal
COVID-19 in the Middle East

Playing down pandemic death tolls

A new global database shows a significant gap in reported COVID-related deaths, suggesting the actual worldwide death toll is short by at least 1 million. That's due in part to false figures from autocratic regimes. Jennifer Holleis has the details
By Jennifer Holleis
Afghan women challenge the Taliban

For freedom, equality and the right to play sport

Despite their promises of "moderate" rule, the Taliban have announced the end of mixed classes in universities and a ban on sports for Afghan women. Many are taking the streets to denounce the worrying measures, only to be met with violent repression. Cyrielle Cabot reports
"Neo-Taliban" in Afghanistan?

Democracy Taliban-style

In league with the village mullahs: the Taliban have taken Afghanistan by storm. The rebels' victory is the result of a social revolution in Afghanistan, writes Joseph Croitoru in his analysis
By Joseph Croitoru
Shia minority in a Sunni state

Afghanistan's repressed Hazaras face a hostile Taliban

Following the Taliban's power grab, members of the Hazara minority fear they will be targeted. Those who can, escape. Others have joined the armed opposition. But for many, there is no way out. Report by Naomi Conrad, Birgitta Schuelke-Gill and Samad Sharif
By Naomi Conrad & Birgitta Schuelke-Gill & Samad Sharif
Migration policy

Europe's migrants are part of the solution

Migrants are often maligned as being responsible for Europe's problems. Yet their integration is in Europe's interest. Michael Thaidigsmann believes that a long-term vision is overdue
By Michael Thaidigsmann
Raw materials attract China

Why Afghanistan should be filthy rich

To date, the Taliban have profited from the opium and heroin trade. Now the militant group effectively rules a country with valuable resources that China needs to grow its economy. Background by Nik Martin
By Nik Martin
"Their lives are in danger"

Afghanistan’s female athletes sound alarm after Taliban takeover

The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has raised grave concerns for the country’s female athletes. Now that Sharia law will be enforced, they worry about losing the freedoms they have gained over the past two decades and in some cases fear for their lives. Romain Houeix reports
Afghanistan in the hand of the Islamists

Taliban rule the second time round – what to expect?

In the wake of the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, it makes sense to take a closer look at their ideology. Can they contribute to a peaceful order? German Afghanistan expert Thomas Ruttig recently outlined his view in an essay for a U.S. Military Academy West Point publication. By Rishikesh Thapa
By Rishikesh Thapa
Turkey

Anti-Syrian sentiment boils over in Ankara riots

There are approximately 4 million refugees in Turkey, and they are increasingly the objects of hostility - as recent riots in Ankara have shown. Experts warn that the situation is likely to escalate in future
By Daniel Derya Bellut
Interview with German anthropologist Dieter Haller

Tangier/Gibraltar: a tale of one city

In his new book, "Tangier/Gibraltar- A Tale of one city: An Ethnography", Dieter Haller looks at how shared experiences and practices have created a unique relationship and a sense of neighbourhood across the Straits of Gibraltar – a cultural area he calls "TanGib". Although "TanGib" has never been an administrative entity, the two cities and the surrounding regions have at times been inextricably linked. Fouzia Hayouh spoke to Prof Heller about his book and what the future could hold for the region
By Fouzia Hayouh