Society

Patriarchy and governance

Iraq's token females

Since 2003, Iraq has achieved little in the way of gender equality within the political establishment. Not one woman has held an important executive or leadership position and to date all three presidential administrations and their representatives have comprised men. By Manar Alzubaidi
By Manar Alzubaidi
Human rights in Egypt

Free Esraa Abdel-Fattah!

More than 4,300 people have been arrested in Egypt amid anti-government protests. One of them is Esraa Abdel-Fattah. Human rights groups and even a U.S. diplomat are calling for her release. By Sarah Salama
By Sarah Salama
Social unrest in Southeast Asia

Indonesian women demand their rights

In Indonesia, social resistance is mounting against a law banning sex before marriage and the government's weakening of the anti-corruption authorities. A report by Zora Rahman from Yogyakarta
By Zora Rahman
Charlotte Wiedemann: "Now is the time for utopias"

The end of white dominance

In her latest book – "Der lange Abschied von der weissen Dominanz" – recently published in German, journalist Charlotte Wiedemann describes the upheaval in our changing, multi-polar world with startling clarity. By Christopher Resch
By Christopher Resch
Islamism in Southeast Asia

Islamic State's latest breeding ground

A recent knife attack on the security minister of Indonesia is a reminder of the danger of Islamist extremism in Southeast Asia. Security measures alone are not enough to combat radicalisation, say experts. By Rodion Ebbighausen
By Rodion Ebbighausen
Right-wing extremism

Halle, Christchurch… a network of "lone wolves"

Ongoing investigations into the Halle attack have so far concluded that the right-wing extremist attacker acted alone. But "lone wolves" are anything but isolated. By Sandra Petersmann and Naomi Conrad
By Sandra Petersmann, Naomi Conrad
Father of post-colonial studies

Edward Said – exiled between cultures

When people think of Edward Said, the first thing that generally comes to mind is his criticism of Orientalism. As a result, the theme of exile – which played no less significant a role in Said's writing and life – is often overlooked. By Tarek Azizeh
By Tarek Azizeh
Held hostage by the Turkish authorities

Deniz Yucel, the "agent terrorist"

Former correspondent for Germany's "Die Welt" Deniz Yucel comes to terms with his imprisonment in Turkey in an intimate new book. Impressively and humorously, he talks about his struggle for dignity and self-assertion and provides an insight into the debates behind the scenes. Nevertheless, some questions remain unanswered. By Ulrich von Schwerin
By Ulrich von Schwerin
Women's liberation in the Gulf

Arab women – fighting for their rights for 60 years

Over the years, Arab women demanding change to the status quo have faced fierce resistance from legislators and decision-makers alike. This merely reflects the fear felt by men faced with losing control of the current gender imbalance. By Hana Bu Hejji
By Hana Bu Hejji
Islam and business

Diyanet – Turkey's religious authority that makes millions

Turkey's highest religious authority brings in huge profits, say experts. But as a historic brewery in Istanbul faces demolition, critics argue that such profiteering is not in line with Islam. By Aram Ekin Duran
By Aram Ekin Duran
Jewish-Muslim dialogue

Rabbis and imams together

In an innovative move for both religions, European Jews and Muslims have committed to standing up in solidarity more often. The aim is to combat the resurgence of right-wing extremists in Europe. By Christoph Strack
By Christoph Strack
Violence against journalists increasing

Press freedom under fire in Turkey

Journalist Levent Uysal recently survived a treacherous assassination attempt. Despite the fact that members of the press are increasingly at risk in Turkey, the government seems loath to protect them. Deger Akal has the details
By Deger Akal