Society

A different take on Salafism

The power of provocation

Salafism. It's madness! It's the evil of our time! It's the decline of the West! These first, intuitive reactions are understandable. But in a second step, we should try to achieve a deeper and more self-critical insight into what this movement is all about. By Aladin El-Mafaalani
By Aladin El-Mafaalani
Islamism in the Paris aftermath

The "Allah Generation": figment of the collective imagination

Many people fear that young refugees from Iraq or Syria are being recruited by Salafists in Western Europe. But the facts show that these fears are unfounded. By Michael Kiefer
By Michael Kiefer
Paris aftermath

Jihadists drive the wedge deeper

The latest attacks by IS are an attempt to exploit societal rifts at the heart of Europe. Without a concerted effort to address deep-seated and justified concerns relating to domestic social and economic policy, France′s retaliatory strikes are likely to achieve little. By James Dorsey
By James Dorsey
The Berlin Project "House of One"

Three religions under one roof

Berlin is set to host Germany's first ever house of worship to unite synagogue, church and mosque. With the "House of One" project, Jews, Christians and Muslims aim to send out a signal of tolerance from Berlin's historic centre. Jannis Hagmann on the ambitious and refreshingly pragmatic project
By Jannis Hagmann
Cameron's counter-extremism strategy

Cause for concern or necessary evil?

Counter-terrorism and security legislation already in place, the British government recently published details of its controversial counter-extremism strategy. Vague enough to allow a wide range of interpretations, it was met with alarm by a number of interest groups. With the Paris attacks fresh in everyone’s minds, however, Cameron’s drive against Islamist ideology could well find increasing support among public and politicians alike. By Susannah Tarbush
By Susannah Tarbush
Interview with Fritz Schulze

"Islam is deeply rooted in Indonesian democracy"

A lively debate is currently raging in Indonesia on how Islamic norms can be reconciled with democratic values. Liberals and fundamentalists, moderates and reactionaries are engaging in verbal skirmishes. Adelheid Feilcke asked Fred Schulze, an expert on Southeast Asia, what this debate means for the world's largest Islamic country
By Adelheid Feilcke
Refugees in Libya

An unlikely safe haven

Migrants and refugees from Africa and beyond find shelter in a former major smuggling route to Italy. Zuwara, once a muster point for those seeking to jump on a raft to Europe, is now proving a haven for those fleeing conflict and instability in other countries. By Karlos Zurutuza
By Karlos Zurutuza
Cultural policy in Saudi Arabia

Ushering in an era of change?

Under its new King Salman, Saudi Arabia seems to be striving for cultural convergence with the West. People there are happily tweeting, emailing and going to the theatre – and that includes women. Is a cultural turning point in the offing? By Joseph Croitoru
By Joseph Croitoru
Online education project for young Muslims

Google - the online authority?

These days young Muslims are increasingly seeking answers to their everyday faith queries online rather than in the mosque. The Berlin association ufuq.de recently launched a project called ″Was postest Du? Politische Bildung mit jungen Musliminnen und Muslimen online″, aimed at stimulating debate among the younger generation and suggesting alternative means of social interaction. A report by Götz Nordbruch
By Götz Nordbruch
The ″Azura″ restaurant in Jerusalem

Cooking between the extremes

In the midst of the ongoing Middle East conflict, there are many places where Jews and Palestinians have worked together peacefully for years. At the restaurant "Azura", for example. Daniella Cheslow reports from West Jerusalem
By Daniella Cheslow
Interview with Ingrid Mattson

″Muslim youngsters need genuine role models″

Muslim youngsters are often unsure as to the real nature of Islam. They need role models within their own communities who are prepared to stand up with self-confidence to extremist ideologies. Ingrid Mattson, a Canadian scholar in Islamic Studies and former president of the largest Muslim organisation in Northern America, spoke to Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
CrossCulture internships

A catalyst for societal change

The CrossCulture programme run by the Institut fur Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) offers young professionals from Islamic countries the opportunity to work as an intern in Germany. Participants gain an insight into German culture and the country's work environment. The goal of the programme is to promote intercultural exchange and further professional development. By Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende