Society

Europe, Germany and ″Abendland″ angst

In the name of Christendom

Appropriated by the National Socialists and revived by the German far right, the term ″Abendland″ is laden with negative associations. Yet, Alexander Goerlach argues, it′s not too late to reclaim it
By Alexander Görlach
On the death of philosopher and essayist Tzvetan Todorov

We are all barbarians

Tzvetan Todorov was not a typical French TV philosopher, bending the president's ear with ideas on the politics of the day. He definitely would not have called for "Libya to be bombed", as did Bernard-Henri Levy in 2011. Todorov kept a low profile. He passed away early this year. Stefan Buch explains why he was – and will remain – one of the voices of our time
By Stefan Buchen
Medica Afghanistan

Fighting sexual violence

In April 2002, the German women′s rights organisation medica mondiale began a new project in Afghanistan: Medica Afghanistan. It is the only organisation in the country that offers psychosocial and trauma-sensitive counselling to women who have survived violence. By Mechthild Buchholz
By Mechthild Buchholz
French Muslims against radicalisation

Fight the good fight

In Bordeaux, Muslims have gone on the offensive against radical Islam within their communities. Yet their efforts are not to everyone′s taste – religion in France remains a highly personal matter. Elizabeth Bryant reports from Bordeaux
By Elizabeth Bryant
Europe′s refugee deal with Turkey

The end of the road

Anything is better than waiting. Even deportation back to Turkey is no longer such a frightening prospect for refugees stranded on Lesbos. But now, Ankara says it is no longer willing to take back rejected asylum seekers. Ulrich von Schwerin reports from Lesbos
By Ulrich von Schwerin
Discrimination in schools

Better marks without a headscarf

All children are supposed to have equal educational opportunities – that sounds good in theory. In reality, however, many pupils of migrant origin experience discrimination. A number of initiatives in Berlin are committed to changing this. By Nicole Sagener
By Nicole Sagener
Sexuality in Iran

Facing a "sex putsch"

Sexuality is a taboo subject in Iran. But the country′s youthful society wants enlightenment and more sexual freedoms. What little support it receives from exile seems to be having a powerful effect. By Shahrzad Osterer and Farhad Payar
By Shahrzad Osterer, Farhad Payar
Sufis targeted in Pakistan

The dance goes on

The attack on the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in the Pakistani city of Sehwan struck the country's mystics at the heart of their religious practice. Like no other holy site in Pakistan, the shrine is a symbol of the religious pluralism that is deeply rooted in this nation. By Marian Brehmer
By Marian Brehmer
Tattoo trends from Beirut to Baghdad

In the spirit of rebellion

For some it's about following a trend; for others, tattoos are a symbol of their faith, but whatever the reason, the fashion for stylish tattoos is fuelling a growing subculture across the Arab world. By Mey Dudin
By Mey Dudin
Mona Siddiqui on Brexit, Muslims and the migrant issue

How do you welcome someone?

The recent influx of refugees into Europe, seen by some as threatening its secular and liberal identity, triggered a wave of right-wing populism. Mona Siddiqui, professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Edinburgh, is nevertheless convinced that the continent is still strong enough to pull back from the anti-Islamic rhetoric. An interview by Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Baghdad City of Peace Carnival

Grassroots, green shoots

An annual event shows what the Iraqi people want most of all: peace. Young people in Baghdad organise a major street carnival to set positive images against the daily news of violence and war. The event has also given rise to regular participation in civil society. By Eva-Maria Verfurth and Qayssar Alwardii
By Eva-Maria Verfürth, Qayssar Alwardii
Muslim theologian Farid Esack

More than just an "Israel critic"

Some German commentators have labelled the South African theologian Farid Esack an "anti-Semite". But this over-simplification of his views on Israel does little justice to the intellectual and activist, who champions human rights and a liberal reading of Islam, says Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax