Society

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
Women's rights in Lebanon

Campaign exposes "victim-blaming" attitudes to rape

Most abusive and discriminatory acts against women and girls in Lebanon are the direct result of unequal treatment of men and women within the Lebanese law and the influence of a patriarchal society that thrives on the control and oppression of women. By Narod Haroutunian
By Narod Haroutunian
Helping the Middle Eastʹs war-wounded

The hospital for all wars

In a Jordanian clinic, doctors have been treating patients from across the Middle East for more than a decade. It's a place that has seen the suffering caused by five wars. Philipp Breu paid the hospital a visit
By Philipp Breu
The Islamic Republicʹs Jewish minority

Celebrating Sabbath in Iran

Iran is home to the largest Jewish community in the Muslim world. Jan Schneider visited the Jewish Musazadeh family in Tehran to share in their Sabbath celebrations
By Jan Schneider
Interfaith dialogue

World Assembly of Religions comes to Lindau

This August nine hundred representatives from 17 religions will attend a major conference in Lindau on Lake Constance. The goals: foster dialogue and promote peace initiatives. By Christoph Strack
By Christoph Strack
Iraq post-Islamic State

Baghdadʹs new era of freedom

With Islamic State out of the picture, the people of Iraq are breathing a sigh of relief. The recent re-opening of Baghdadʹs Green Zone to all traffic is just one indication that times are changing. Judit Neurink reports from Baghdad.
By Judit Neurink
Nuit Sacree 2019 in Paris

"No-one has a monopoly on transcendence"

On Pentecost weekend – for the fourth year in a row – numerous musicians and religious leaders of various faiths came together in the Parisian parish of Saint Merry to send out a message of peace in the face of religious fundamentalism. Zahra Nedjabat reports
By Zahra Nedjabat