Society

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 Krämer
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
DW documentary: Algeria – Between hope and resignation

Why Hirak supporters are still piling on the pressure

Since February 2019, millions of Algerians have been demonstrating against the government. They first took to the streets to demand more democracy and protest the renewed candidacy of former authoritarian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
COVID-19 and the double mutation

At the heart of India's coronavirus firestorm

India hits record numbers of COVID-19 infections worldwide for the sixth day running, as health systems buckle under the pressure, and shortages of medical oxygen and hospital beds lead to more deaths. In the worst-ever outbreak, the country has been logging over 300,000 cases since 22 April, surpassing the previous highest one-day spike of around 300,300 cases in the USA in January 2021
COVID-19 in the Middle East

Arab countries face high coronavirus vaccine hesitancy

The rollout of coronavirus vaccines in the Middle East and North Africa is already taking place on a massive scale, with the United Arab Emirates leading the way. Nevertheless, many people are in no rush to get the COVID-19 jab. Cathrin Schaer poses the all-important question: why?
By Cathrin Schaer
The image of Muslim women

“We refuse to be hijab-wearing princesses”

Among Muslims, the image of women as "cossetted hijab-wearing princesses" is frequently invoked. But Muslim women have long wanted to be more. In her essay, Karoline Roscher-Lagzouli explores how they can find a new approach to their Muslim femininity, beyond patriarchal ideals and the hackneyed Western debate on headscarves
By Karoline Roscher-Lagzouli
The fate of Europe's unwanted Afghans

"Deportee Central" – a seedy hotel in downtown Kabul

Even in times of war and pandemic, refugees are still being deported to Afghanistan. Several deportation flights have taken place in recent weeks alone. Since those affected often have nothing to go back to, many of them end up in a seedy hotel in downtown Kabul. Emran Feroz reports from the Afghan capital
By Emran Feroz