Society

Recruitment strategies used by Islamic State

A mutation of religion

The crude promises of salvation and ideological constructs propagated by IS, and the apocalyptic fantasies it is spreading via films and magazines on the Internet make the terrorist militia attractive to radical forces not only in the Arab world but in Europe too. By Michael Kiefer
By Michael Kiefer
The Palestinian village of Susiya

Archaeology of a dispossession

Susiya is a small Palestinian village in the West Bank. In 1986, when the remains of a synagogue were found in the village, the site was declared a national park and the land confiscated. Residents were relocated to nearby agricultural lands. Last March, the Israeli government sought permission from the High Court of Justice to demolish the village and relocate its residents again, claiming the land for further archaeological work. Ylenia Gostoli visited the village to find out more
By Ylenia Gostoli
The headscarf in the colonial period

Remove your veils!

As far back as over 100 years ago, people were already arguing that the headscarf was a symbol of male oppression and therefore incompatible with Western civilisation and its system of values. In the French colonies, authorities actually followed through on these ideas, forcing women to take off their veils. Historical insights from Susanne Kaiser
By Susanne Kaiser
Interview with Fereshta Ludin

"The decision for or against the headscarf is wholly a matter for the woman herself"

Fereshta Ludin is probably one of the most famous teachers in Germany. Her battle to be allowed to wear the headscarf in the classroom began in 2003 – initially without success. But she is optimistic following the latest ruling from the judges at Germany's Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe. She spoke to Emran Feroz
By Emran Feroz
The headscarf ruling from Germany's Constitutional Court

Heated debate on all sides

The headscarf ruling handed down by the Karlsruhe judges on 13 March met with divided reactions. While some are calling it a landmark decision, others see it not as a solution but as a potential source of further problems. Canan Topcu outlines the various positions
By Canan Topçu
Interview with the political scientist Farid Hafez

"An expression of institutional Islamophobia"

The most recent amendment to the Islam Law in Austria is also making waves in Germany. While some politicians at the conservative end of the spectrum would like to introduce a "German version" of the law, critics believe adopting it would be the wrong way to go. One of these critics is the Austrian political theorist Farid Hafez. Emran Feroz asked him about his objections to the new law
By Emran Feroz
Women's magazine "Zhin" in Iraqi Kurdistan

Challenging traditions

A number of female journalists in Iraqi Kurdistan are shaking up a male-dominated domain with a magazine that aims to highlight the problems and abuse many women still face. They are reporting on women's success stories and addressing controversial issues such as female genital mutilation. Melissa Tabeek visited the editorial team in Sulaymaniyah
By Melissa Tabeek
Interview with Ronja von Wurmb-Seibel

"My life in Afghanistan is more normal than people assume"

Ronja von Wurmb-Seibel is a German journalist and author of "Ausgerechnet Kabul" (Kabul, of all places). Her book is an account of her time in Afghanistan and provides an insider's perspective on the country, going beyond the subjects of burqa, Taliban and the role of the German Army in the country. Roma Rajpal Weiss spoke to her about the war-torn country and the situation for women in Afghanistan
By Roma Rajpal Weiss
Interview with Martha Nussbaum

Overcoming narcissistic fears

Martha Nussbaum is one of the best-known American philosophers of our time. Her book: The New Religious Intolerance. Overcoming the Politics of Fear in an Anxious Age was recently published in German. Ceyda Nurtsch spoke to her
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Young Islam Conference

Headscarves not an issue for young people

Germany's Young Islam Conference has existed for five years, holding its national congress in Berlin recently. Participants say they are working towards a diverse and tolerant Germany. By Bettina Marx
By Bettina Marx
Sufis in Afghanistan

The forgotten mystics of the Hindu Kush

Sufism has shaped Afghan society and politics for much of the country's history. Today, very few are aware of this legacy. Might the Sufis now provide an important contribution to the stability of the country? By Marian Brehmer
By Marian Brehmer
The Taybeh Vinfest, West Bank

Turning water into wine

Taybeh, the last Christian village in the West Bank, is well-known for its brewery and annual Oktoberfest. Late last year, the family that owns the brewery launched a winery. The first Taybeh wine festival (the Taybeh Vinfest) was held at the end of February. The Khoury family has always claimed that developing the local economy is their way of putting up peaceful resistance and encouraging Palestinians to stay in – or return to – their native home instead of going abroad in search of better opportunities. By Ylenia Gostoli
By Ylenia Gostoli