Society

Afghanistan and civil society

Ban on Afghan girls singing dropped after activist outrage

Afghanistan's government distanced itself from a recent plan to ban girls from singing in public after women's rights activists slammed education officials for promoting a "Taliban-like" policy. By Nasim Saber
By Nasim Saber
Burka bans in Europe

Why the burka is so important for right-wing populists

On 7 March, Switzerland became the latest European country to vote in favour of a so-called "burka" ban. It was yet another feather in the cap of the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party (SVP) on an issue that remains a perennial favourite with the Right across Europe. Essay by Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax
COVID-19 rages on

Muslims begin Ramadan 2021 under the shadow of coronavirus

Surging coronavirus cases in many parts of the world have overshadowed the start of this year's Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with festivities once again curtailed by contagion fears.
Turkish graduates in Europe

Turkey's best and brightest flee in brain drain

As Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues his crackdown on dissent, increasing numbers of Turkish graduates and young professionals are seeking new lives and better prospects abroad. Germany is their No.1 destination. By Sinem Ozdemir and Daniel Derya Bellut
By Sinem Özdemir, Daniel Derya Bellut
Syrian conflict

How climate change paved the way to war in Syria

Researchers agree that climate change alone cannot be blamed for the outbreak of war in Syria in 2011. However, neither can it be ignored as a reason this once blossoming country has become parched and war-torn. By Jennifer Holleis
By Jennifer Holleis
Mass expropriation in Syria

How Assad is preventing the return of refugees

The Syrian war has moved through many phases and included a number of changing actors. But one aspect has remained constant throughout: the Assad regime is using the conflict to rid the nation once and for all of what it considers to be undesirable demographic groups. By Stefan Buchen and Sulaiman Tadmory
By Stefan Buchen, Sulaiman Tadmory
Religious minorities in Iran

Baha'is repressed and persecuted by the state

It's no secret that the Baha'i community in Iran is persecuted. Now, a document has come to light that appears to show the extent to which the repression is state-sponsored. By Matthias von Hein
By Matthias von Hein
Germany's Faces of Democracy initiative

"Role models with a migration background more important than quotas"

Lamia Messari-Becker, 48, is professor of construction technology and structural physics at the University of Siegen. Until June 2020, the native Moroccan was a member of the German government's Expert Council on the Environment. Messari-Becker is a member of the Club of Rome International, which campaigns for a sustainable future for humanity. She spoke to Sven Lilienstrom about democracy, climate protection and sustainability
By Sven Lilienström
Obituary: Nawal El Saadawi, Egyptian women's rights activist

Defiant icon of the Arab women's movement

Nawal El-Saadawi has died in Cairo at the age of 89. The prominent doctor, activist and author became internationally known for her outcry against female genital mutilation and honour killings. In recent years, however, her defence of the Sisi regime also drew criticism. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Coronavirus in the Middle East

Rumours of vaccine tourism in Dubai unfounded – for now

Despite media reports to the contrary, travel agents say there's no such thing as vaccine tourism in Dubai right now. Currently only residents and nationals may access vaccinations there. But, they add, that could change. By Cathrin Schaer & Gasia Ohanes
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Turkey's femicide problem

"It was suicide!" – a state-sanctioned cover-up?

According to figures released by a leading Turkish rights organisation, 300 women were murdered in Turkey last year. The number of unreported cases is apparently much higher, however, since many unexplained deaths of women are classified as suicides. By Burcu Karacas
By Burcu Karakaş
Ten years of war in Syria

80 percent of Syrians impoverished; 60 % food insecure

Ten years since the start of the Syrian war, the situation for the population is desolate. Prices for basic foodstuffs have risen by 250 percent in the past year and are unaffordable for many people. Three out of 4 people in Syria rely on external assistance for basic needs, while some 12 million people have had to leave their homes. Report by Action Against Hunger