Society

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
Islam in the Netherlands

Burka ban and face mask laws frustrate Dutch Muslims

One year after the burka ban in the Netherlands, Muslim women are reporting increased discrimination and violence. Adding to the frustration, face masks against coronavirus have become mandatory on Dutch public transport. By Ingrid Gercama and Sanne Derks
By Ingrid Gercama, Sanne Derks
Beirut in crisis

Can things get any worse for the people of Lebanon?

In Lebanon the economy is going downhill at an ever faster rate. The Lebanese are fighting the dramatic effects of the crisis with barter exchanges and joint projects. Apart from that, all they have left is black humour to endure the situation. Tom Allinson reports from Beirut
By Tom Allinson
Press freedom in Turkey

President Erdogan tightens the noose around social media

By massively regulating social media platforms, President Erdogan is trying to silence the remaining critical voices in Turkey, says Christian Mihr of the organisation Reporters Without Borders in his commentary
By Christian Mihr
Violence against women

Femicide on the rise in Turkey

The recent murder of Turkish student Pinar Gültekin by her ex-boyfriend has sparked outrage in Turkey. Women's rights activists are calling for the government to tackle the widespread problem of femicide in the country, but their calls are being met with silence from the government and in some cases even tear gas and rubber bullets by police. By Daniel Bellut
By Burcu Karakaş, Daniel Derya Bellut, Hilal Köylü
Private initiatives in Gaza

For a brighter future ... despite the blockade

As he sees the first of his successes making its way towards local markets, Azem Abu Daqqa feels very positive. The launch of an agricultural project in the south of the Gaza Strip, which challenges the reality of the Israeli blockade and the scarcity of job opportunities for the thousands of university graduates in this coastal area is promising. He isn't the only one to have seized the initiative. Fida Abu Elayyan, a pharmacist, is doing something very similar. A report from Gaza
Environmental protection in Egypt

Did you enjoy your plastic meal today?

Has it ever crossed your mind that you are eating plastic on a daily basis? That you are drinking it? Apart from the thousands of trending pictures and videos on social media of animals and fish tangled in plastic, or even filled with plastic, are you aware that 83 % of our tap water contains microplastics? By Manar Ramadan
By Manar Ramadan