Society

″Peace responsibility of religions″ conference

Religion′s potential for peace

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel recently invited around a hundred representatives of religious communities in North and West Africa, the Middle East and Europe to attend a confrence in Berlin. In future the Foreign Office is aiming to co-operate more closely with religious communities. By Christoph Strack
By Christoph Strack
Afghan asylum seekers in Germany

Facing the cold shoulder

For dozens of Afghan asylum seekers in Germany, an interview with German officials is a decisive moment that shapes their future. Despite serious security concerns, many asylum applications by Afghans are rejected. By Zivile Raskauskaite
By Zivilé Raskauskaite
Women′s rights in the Arab world

No house room for criminals

Many Arab countries have laws that grant offenders immunity from prosecution if they marry the woman they have raped. While Jordan has taken the first steps to change this controversial legal situation, Lebanon looks likely to follow suit. By Dunja Ramadan
By Dunja Ramadan
Emancipation in Afghanistan

Breaking down cyber barriers

By teaching girls programming and computer literacy, two sisters in Afghanistan have triggered something of a digital revolution. Report by Jennifer Collins and Storay Karimi
By Jennifer Collins, Storay Karimi
Morocco′s Amazigh

The long road to recognition

Morocco′s Amazigh captured a historic achievement in 2011 when constitutional measures following the country′s February 20th protests officially recognised the Amazigh culture and language. But six years on, many Amazigh are dissatisfied with the reform process and continue to complain of discrimination. By Matthew Greene
By Matthew Greene
Austria′s president and the Islamophobia debate

The courage of one man

By criticising the fear of Islam that is rife in Austria, the country's new president, Alexander Van der Bellen, is sending out an important signal of opposition to both the racism that has become socially acceptable once again in Europe and the stigmatisation of Muslims. By Farid Hafez
By Farid Hafez
Interview with Imam Benjamin Idriz

Questioning tradition

Muslims are not only permitted to ask critical questions of their theology; it is actually necessary – the opinions of scholars distort the view of the Koran, says Benjamin Idriz, imam of the mosque in Penzberg, Upper Bavaria, in conversation with Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Pope Francis’ visit to Al-Azhar

Who holds sway over religious identity?

The Muslim world is in upheaval: who will have the authority to interpret the teachings of Islam in future? Cairo′s Al-Azhar University regards itself as fit for the job. But the times are changing and the master may yet become the student. Indeed the pope′s visit was literally something of a god-send. By Alexander Goerlach
By Alexander Görlach
Interview with Islam researcher Nina Kasehage

"Not all jihadists are the same"

Nina Kasehage has conducted 175 interviews with Salafists across Europe. This has given her a deep insight into their lifestyle and way of thinking. She finds it regrettable that the whole group gets tarred with the same extremist brush. Interview by Diana Hodali
By Diana Hodali
Islam in Greece

A mosque for Athens

Until now, Muslims living in the Greek capital have had to pray on private premises. The first official mosque is due to open in May – after decades of stalling tactics by the Orthodox Christian nation. Mey Dudin reports from Athens
By Mey Dudin
Copenhagen′s mosque led by women

When the muezzina calls

Friday prayers are regularly held in Europe′s first female-led mosque. In a further innovative step, a new Islamic academy for the training of female imams for Denmark is about to open its doors. Ulrike Hummel reports from Copenhagen
By Ulrike Hummel
Interview with the Lebanese journalist Hazem Saghieh

More lapdog than watchdog

Rather than acting as a counterweight to the ruling class, the press across the Arab world serves the interests of oligarchs, despots and governments, says Hazem Saghieh. In interview with Kai Schnier, the Lebanese author and journalist explains why he censors himself and why he believes that journalism from Rabat to Riyadh will never be a catalyst for political change
By Kai Schnier