Society

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
Egypt′s all-female taxi service

Playing it safe

Almost every woman in Egypt has experienced sexual harassment in public. A businesswoman is making the most of this sorry statistic: "Pink Taxi" is a service by women for women. Elisabeth Lehmann reports from Cairo
By Elisabeth Lehmann
Navid Kermani on Christianity

The awe of a loving unbeliever

With his book "Ungläubiges Staunen" (literally "unbelieving awe", as yet unavailable in English), Navid Kermani delivers a fascinating reflection on Christian art and religion. The German-Iranian writer looks at Christianity with a curiosity and an earnestness that has become rare among Christians themselves. Ulrich von Schwerin read the book
By Ulrich von Schwerin
Navid Kermani′s Peace Prize acceptance speech

Freeing Islam from the clutches of the fanatics

For the first time, Germany′s most important cultural prize has gone to a child of Muslim immigrants, the German-Iranian writer and Islamic studies expert Navid Kermani, born in 1967. According to Stefan Weidner, his combative speech may well go down in history
By Stefan Weidner
Migration and human rights

Refugee versus migrant: what's in a name?

″All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights″: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights couldn′t be much clearer. Still the political response to the current flood of refugees is inevitably proving insufficient. Pia Oberoi, advisor on migration and human rights with the UNHCR, examines the issue
By Pia Oberoi