Society

New Year′s Eve assaults on women

The Cologne outcry

The perpetrators involved in the attacks in Cologne, Dusseldorf and Hamburg must be brought to book, regardless of their origins. Those using the suffering of the New Year′s Eve victims to foment popular prejudice against individuals who have fled inhumane suffering, however, compromise their own humanity. An essay by Raphael Sartorius
By Raphael Sartorius
Sexual assaults at Cologne′s main station

#KoelnHbf – An attack on my freedom

The sex attacks at Cologne's main railway terminal are intolerable, regardless of where the perpetrators come from. An outcry is essential (#aufschrei). It is not acceptable that women in Germany become a target. Commentary by Sarah Judith Hofmann
By Sarah Judith Hofmann
Cologne: sexual assaults and the press code

Outrage reaches new heights

Reports on the sexual attacks on New Year's Eve in Cologne have intentionally emphasised the ethnic origins of the offenders. With what reason? A commentary by Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax
Human rights violations in Morocco

City of roses, city of torture

The case of the Belgian-Moroccan national Ali Aarrass shines a spotlight on persistent human rights violations and the existence of torture prisons in Morocco. While the monarchy remains silent, the public deliberately looks the other way. By Susanne Kaiser
By Susanne Kaiser
Atheism in Egypt

Breaking the taboo

Atheists claim to hold no religious beliefs whatsoever: though some find that hard to accept, freedom of speech dictates that everyone should be entitled to express their ideas and thoughts without intimidation. Challenging religious oppression and outdated social mores, many Egyptians risk their lives to uphold and protect freedom and tolerance. By Hakim Khatib
By Hakim Khatib
Women and Islam

On Muslim women and the Islamic dress code

The assumption that God demands submission can mislead women and turn conflicts of conscience into desperation. After all, it is women who are cheated out of their life before death by the social limitations associated with covering their heads and bodies. An essay by Emel Zeynelabidin
By Emel Zeynelabidin
Druze conscription

Youth reject ″sectarian″ recruitment to the Israeli army

Conscientious objection among the Druze community is gathering support, particularly among the young men who are expected to serve in the Israeli army. One organisation that seeks to support those fighting the call to join up is ″Urfod″ or ″Refuse: your people will protect you”. Ylenia Gostoli examines the issues confronting the religious minority
By Ylenia Gostoli
How German textbooks present Islam and immigration

"Diversity is part of everyday life"

In conversation with Arnd Zickgraf, Viola B. Georgi from the University of Hildesheim explains why German textbooks are behind the times in their treatment of Islam and immigration
By Arnd Zickgraf
Interview with Mouhanad Khorchide

"Religion seeks to touch people′s hearts"

The new book by Islamic Studies scholar Mouhanad Khorchide argues for a modern understanding of the Koran and considers the relationship between God and humanity. "The Koran aims to bring up mature human beings, who develop their own religious nature", says Khorchide. Interview by Canan Topcu
By Canan Topçu
A central Museum of Migration in Germany

Recording the history of modern migration

DOMiD, the Documentation Center and Museum of Migration in Germany, has been collecting stories and personal objects from migrants for the past 25 years. Now, the association feels that the time has come to open a central museum of migration in Germany. By Stefan Dege
By Stefan Dege
Violence against women

Young Arab men fight for women′s rights

Fifteen years after Security Council Resolution 1325 called on all parties to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, such violence remains widespread throughout the Arab world. The good news is that ever more young Arab men are joining women′s rights organisations. By Katja Dombrowski
By Katja Dombrowski
Judaism in Afghanistan

Kabul's one remaining Jew

Afghanistan's Jewish minority currently consists of one single Jewish man. But the nation on the Hindu Kush has a unique Jewish history that has been largely forgotten after years of conflict. By Emran Feroz
By Emran Feroz