Society

Rawalpindi's Murree brewery

Beer and whisky made in Pakistan

To many the name of Pakistan calls up images of Islamic extremism, religious intolerance, state corruption and the long years of terror. It’s probably safe to say that single malt whisky, half a dozen brands of beer and a 120-year-old brewing tradition are unlikely to be near the top of anyone’s word association list. By Philipp Breu
By Philipp Breu
Abrahamic Teams in the MENA

Interfaith dialogue – a painstaking process

The declared goal of the Abrahamic Teams is to improve how Jews, Christians and Muslims interact with and live alongside each other. The project, which originates in Germany, is now being implemented in Israel, Egypt and Morocco too. But, as Claudia Mende found out, interfaith dialogue does not progress quickly
By Claudia Mende
Interview with Iraqi expert Saad Salloum

Celebrating religious diversity in Iraq

Dedicated to preserving Iraq's diversity, which he considers the country's real capital, Saad Salloum has launched a new institute to combat hate speech and change the Islamic religious discourse. Interview by Gilgamesh Nabeel
By Gilgamesh Nabeel
Schools in Turkey

Erdogan's youth, religious but not educated?

The Turkish school system is in crisis: pupil performance is slipping. Critics blame the Erdogan government for the trend, which has recently founded hundreds of Imam Hatip religious schools. Information from Burcu Karakas and Daniel Derya Bellut
By Burcu Karakaş & Daniel Derya Bellut
Modi and the revocation of Article 370

Kashmirʹs tormented quest for freedom

Since India scrapped its special status, tensions in Kashmir are rising once again. The conflict over the valley has defined the lives of Kashmiris for decades. Marian Brehmer reports from Kashmir
By Marian Brehmer
Religions for Peace World Assembly

Women push for gender equality in Lindau

At this year's global religion summit on Lake Constance, female delegates from Africa, Asia and the Middle East made clear women must have a greater say. By Christoph Strack
By Christoph Strack
Interreligious dialogue

Like a UN General Assembly of religions

The Religions for Peace 10th World Assembly is the biggest meeting of religions taking place this year. Representatives of religious communities from 100 countries are currently meeting in the German town of Lindau at Lake Constance. The symbolism is huge. But the expectations are possibly even greater. By Christoph Strack
By Christoph Strack
Jews and Muslims in dialogue

"Jews are being used to create anti-Muslim feeling"

Through their "Dialogue Perspectives" programme, the Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich and Avicenna academic foundations promote discourse between Jewish and Muslim scholarship holders. In an interview with Ursula Russmann, Rachel de Boor and Hani Mohseni talk about new alliances between their communities – and why the majority of society wants to see devout Jews, but liberal Muslims
By Ursula Rüssmann
Migration in North Africa

Refugees in Libya face "catastrophic" conditions

Facing the risk of exploitation, violence and torture, aid groups warn Libya is not a safe country for refugees. They argue that is reason enough for the EU not to send asylum-seekers back to the country. By Jeannette Cwienk
By Jeannette Cwienk
Music and human rights in Saudi Arabia

To perform or not to perform?

International pop artists like K-pop group Super Junior are hugely popular in Saudi Arabia. But should international stars shun the Gulf monarchy because of its poor record on human rights? And if they do choose to perform there, are they indirectly supporting the country's repressive policies? By Nermin Ismail
By Nermin Ismail
India, Modi and the Muslim minority

"Not yet a Hindu Pakistan"

Many regard Modi's Hindu nationalist policies as an attack on India's pluralism. But does this mean that pluralism has really died a death? Marian Brehmer reports from the Muslim pilgrimage city of Ajmer
By Marian Brehmer
Islam in Germany

Countering the Islamisation hysteria

Cliches, prejudices and half-truths shape the public image of Islam today. Published in German, "Islam. Friend or foe? 38 theses against hysteria" penned by religious scholars Monika and Udo Tworuschka counters the increasingly hysterical debate with sound argument. Interview by Lucy James
By Lucy James