Society

World Cup 2022 and Qatari reforms

So much hot air

In a world where human rights are increasingly being put on the backburner, fears are growing among rights and trade union activists that Qatari promises of labour reform and greater liberalism are just that – mere promises. By James M. Dorsey
By James M. Dorsey
Iranian scholars in exile

The Shia shakedown

Religious scholars in exile are challenging the basic tenets of Shia Islam. Their professional authority is indisputable. And they are in close contact with Shia teaching activities in their homeland via the Internet. One of the heretical questions they are asking: is the Koran the word of God or a dream told by the Prophet? By Ali Sadrzadeh
By Ali Sadrzadeh
Climate conference in Marrakesh

A golden opportunity?

With this year's UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Marrakesh, more media attention is being paid to environmental activists and green issues in Morocco than ever before. But will this have a lasting impact on the collective awareness of environmental issues, environmental protection and climate change policy in this north African country? Martina Sabra reports
By Martina Sabra
Turkey′s repression of Kurdish media

No holds barred

The working conditions for Kurdish journalists in Turkey have always been difficult. But since the failed coup attempt in July this year, their work is being hindered in an alarming manner. By Sonja Galler in Diyarbakir
By Sonja Galler
Islam and violence

There is a difference

When asked what they associate with Islam, too many Germans think of violence. The accusation that Muslims have a particular affinity with violence that is motivated by their religion is not as new as some people think, in fact it is an echo of ancient Western cliches. By Bulent Ucar
By Bülent Ucar
Climate change consequences for the Islamic world

Of infernal proportions

The countries attending the Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh are ready to commit themselves to the fight against global warming. Even if greenhouse gas emissions do begin to decrease, however, the climate change already underway will have devastating consequences for the host country and for the rest of the Arab-Islamic world. By Stefan Buchen
By Stefan Buchen
Muslims in the USA

Anything but lethargic

The American Muslim Hind Makki works to promote interfaith dialogue in her neighbourhood Bridgeview, known as the "Little Palestine" of Chicago. She observes that in recent times, the Islamic minority's interest in politics has risen sharply – thanks to Trump. By Canan Topcu
By Canan Topçu
Islamophobia in the USA

Standing up for Muslim rights

Hate crime against Muslims in the US is at its highest level in 15 years. The #MuslimsHaveRights campaign assembles academics, activists and artists who refuse to accept anti-Muslim bigotry. By Phoebe Braithwaite
By Phoebe Braithwaite
Disabled refugee children in Jordan

The lesser-known victims of war

Syrian refugee children with disabilities and war injuries are especially in need of help. The Al Hussein Society in Jordan offers them more than just therapeutic support; it also promotes the participation of people with disabilities in society. A report from Amman by Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Marital traditions in the Islamic world

Marriage first, love later?

The number of arranged marriages in the Middle East and North Africa is decreasing. Matrimony between cousins is still widespread, but matches of this kind now account for at most a quarter of all weddings. A growing number of young people find their partners without mediation; marriage for love is their ideal. By Martina Sabra
By Martina Sabra
Education in the Arab world

The emancipation gap

Those seeking to foster openness in the Arab world should focus not on the impact of Islam, but on the education to which the region′s residents are exposed. Essay by Ishac Diwan
By Ishac Diwan
Azerbaijan′s enlightenment

A nation at odds with itself

As the first Muslim country to grant women the vote in 1919, Azerbaijan is rightly proud of its enlightened heritage. Yet increasingly, tensions are arising between an evolving 21st century ″anything goes″ interpretation of religious tolerance and the secular legacy of its literary founding fathers. An essay by Nermin Kamal
By Nermin Kamal