Society

One month after the Beirut port explosion

"We sweep trauma under the carpet and carry on"

You can see the port of Beirut from Mounir al-Khodr's roof terrace. His family's home, belongings and memories were damaged in the explosion. Julia Neumann reports from Beirut on what life has been like for him and his family since the catastrophic events of 4 August
By Julia Neumann
Women in Egypt

The long and bumpy road to gender equality

Alexandra Kinias was denied a job as a site engineer in an oil company because of her gender. The rejection letter clearly stated that the company would rather offer its jobs to male engineers. Women in Egypt have come a long way since then, she says
By Alexandra Kinias
Protecting children from anti-Muslim racism

Stand up to the hate

Anti-Muslim racism is a macrosocial problem; protecting children is a macrosocial duty. Melanie Christina Mohr puts the issue in context
By Melanie Christina Mohr
Charlie Hebdo trial in Paris

Will justice bring relief?

It's been over five years since the attacks on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and the Jewish supermarket Hypercacher in Paris. The long-awaited trial might bring relatives and friends some sense of normality. Lisa Louis reports from Paris
By Lisa Louis
Non-fiction: Dina Nayeri’s "The Ungrateful Refugee"

Refugees don’t have to be grateful; they have no debt to repay

Refugees are expected to show gratitude and humility towards the country that has taken them in. In her new book, "The Ungrateful Refugee", Dina Nayeri sets out why this is a wholly misguided assumption. By Gerrit Wustmann
By Gerrit Wustmann
Syrian refugees in Germany five years on

Samer Serawan's Damascus Aroma – a taste of integration

Five years ago, Samer Serawan spent many long, cold nights in a muddy courtyard in Berlin, one of many Syrians who queued up to live in Germany. Now he has a successful restaurant that promotes integration. Ben Knight reports
By Ben Knight
Rationality in Islamic theology

Muslims – believers caught between reason and revelation

How readers approach the Koran and Islam's prophetic tradition determines their understanding of these sources. Textual interpretation depends on your perspective: rational and liberal – or dogmatic. A new collection of essays on rationality in Islamic theology focuses on the sheer scope to be found in early Islam. By Musa Bagrac
By Musa Bagrac
Where are the Islamic chaplains?

No pastoral care for Muslims in Germany's armed forces

Lieutenant Nariman Hammounti-Reinke risked her life for Germany in Afghanistan. But when it comes to her religion she feels left out by the Bundeswehr, despite the growing number of Muslim troops in the country's army. By Christoph Strack
By Christoph Strack
The iniquity of the kafala system

Lebanon's migrant workers – exploited, then abandoned

Foreign employees in Lebanon have been working for months without pay. Many have been cast out into the streets by their employers, and others are in forced labour. Their embassies have refused to help them. Most of them want only one thing, to finally go home. By Sandra Wolf
By Sandra Wolf
Sauti – Africa young feminist blog

Giving a voice to young African women during coronavirus

The end of July saw the launch of the African Union’s "Sauti" digital publication, the first young feminist platform in Africa, which this year showcases stories by female youth on their initiatives and their challenges in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Alessandra Bajec reports
By Alessandra Bajec
Interview with political scientist Tobias Zumbraegel

How are Middle East countries coping with climate change?

Climate change, water scarcity and declining oil revenues: the Middle East and North Africa face huge environmental challenges. Political scientist Tobias Zumbraegel has published a study on how the region is dealing with these pressing issues. Interview by Christopher Resch
By Christopher Resch
Aftermath of the Beirut explosion

"Revolution is born out of suffering"

Following the explosion in the port of Beirut, the Lebanese are united in their anger with the politicians. Volunteers are sweeping up broken glass and removing rubble and stones from houses. While the political scene is trying to sort itself out, it is the Lebanese people who are rebuilding the country. Julia Neumann reports from Beirut
By Julia Neumann