Society

Interview with Prof Timothy Brennan

Why Edward Said still matters

Professor Timothy Brennan's "Places of Mind: A Life of Edward Said" is a detailed biography of one of the most important intellectuals of the twentieth century, taking us on a journey from Edward Said's childhood in the Middle East to his public and academic life in the United States. In this interview with Tugrul von Mende, Brennan describes the challenges of writing about the many different aspects of Edward Said's life
By Tugrul von Mende
Life coaching for Muslims

Enhanced success in this life and the next

Reuf Jasarevic is the founder of "Erfolgreich & Muslim" (Successful & Muslim), the first life coaching platform for German-speaking Muslims. The 37-year-old trainer supports followers of Islam in their efforts to harmonise the spiritual and practical aspects of their everyday lives. By Said Rezek
By Said Rezek
The legacy of Lebanon's Lokman Slim

"His work lives on in all of us"

German filmmaker Monika Borgmann, widow of slain Lebanese activist Lokman Slim, is continuing the work they began together in Lebanon. By Lea Bartels
By Lea Bartels
In profile: Hagit Ofran of Peace Now

The Zionist still holding a candle for peace and equality

Hagit Ofran documents settlement construction in the Palestinian territories and raises awareness of the issue in Israel in order to maintain the possibility of a two-state solution. She is also inspired by the legacy of her grandfather. By Judith Poppe
By Judith Poppe
Book review: Constantin Schreiber's "Die Kandidatin"

Playing on fears of an Islamist takeover

Having already published a number of non-fiction books on the subject, German news anchor and journalist Constantin Schreiber has now written a novel that warns what could happen if Islamists are allowed to march unimpeded through German society. Stefan Buchen read the book
By Stefan Buchen
Life in the Islamic Republic, then and now

The softening of Sharia in Iran – four harams turn halal

On the face of it, the Iran of 2021 still bears considerable resemblance to the Islamic theocracy that was established following the overthrow of the Shah in 1979. Yet, although the enforcement of Sharia law continues to this day, the definition of what is permitted and what is forbidden has shifted over the years. By Mehdi Abadi
By Mehdi Abadi
France24: Israel-Hamas conflict

Israeli Jews and Arabs in joint peace demonstrations

The eruption of violence in Gaza prompted demonstrations around the world last weekend. Across Israel, Jewish and Arab citizens have also been taking to the streets to call for an end to the inter-communal clashes that have erupted within the country's borders. By Tamar Shiloh Vidon
By Tamar Shiloh Vidon
Maghreb and the EU

Will medicinal cannabis become Morocco's no.1 export?

A law is currently being debated in Morocco that would legalise the cultivation and export of medicinal cannabis. For many small farmers, this would bring considerable advantages. But the bill is controversial. By Cathrin Schaer
By Cathrin Schaer
Unrest over Sheikh Jarrah

With Jerusalem on edge, Palestinian families face eviction

Renewed protests and violent clashes with Israeli security forces at the weekend have prompted the court hearing scheduled for 10 May to be postponed. Yet it remains unclear what the final outcome for four Palestinian families facing eviction by Jewish settler organisations in the east Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah will be. By Tania Kraemer
By Tania Kraemer
Social media in Turkey

Recep Tayyip Erdogan's monitoring of the digital realm

Having taken control of the traditional media, Turkish President Erdogan is now extending his reach to the social networks. A new law has been passed to rein in major digital players Twitter and Google. But the government's attempt to dominate public opinion is producing some bizarre outgrowths, reports Ronald Meinardus from Istanbul
By Ronald Meinardus
MoMA: Racism in U.S. urban planning

The role of architecture in America's systemic racism

Ghettos and gentrification: the latest MoMA exhibition in New York shows how urban planning promotes social division and takes a critical look at "racist" architecture. Sertan Sanderson reports
By Sertan Sanderson
The alchemy of fasting

Ramadan – a feast for spirit and soul

In Islamic mysticism, Ramadan is more than just a period of prescribed abstinence, signifying an opportunity for inner contemplation. Marian Brehmer explores the spiritual dimensions of the month of fasting against the background of Sufism
By Marian Brehmer