Most recent articles by Claudia Mende
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Portrait of the Egyptian Lawyer Gamal Eid''Revolutions aren't led by polite people''
Egypt still has a long way to go before it can be regarded as a state adhering to the rule of law. Gamal Eid from the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information accuses the Military Council of committing serious human rights abuses. Claudia Mende introduces the combative lawyer
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The Gulf StatesA Hypermodern Centre of the Modern Global Economy
While in the traditional core countries of the Arab World people are rising up against stagnation, the Gulf is busy showcasing itself as the spearhead of modernisation. In his new book, Rainer Hermann writes that the Gulf States demonstrate what Arabs can accomplish when given the necessary freedom
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A Glowing Future in JordanThe Nuclear Plans of King Abdallah II Provoke Discontent
Even after Fukushima, new nuclear plants are being planned around the globe. Jordan wants to have its first nuclear power plant in operation by 2019. But the King's plans to enter the nuclear age have already provoked resistance from certain sections of the population. Claudia Mende reports from Amman
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Parallels between Anti-Semitism and 'Criticism of Islam'Treading a Thin Line
For Wolfgang Benz, the stigmatisation of Jews through anti-Semitism is most certainly comparable with the exclusion of Muslims as a manifestation of hostility towards and hatred of Islam. In his new book, the historian takes stock and highlights new dangers for western societies in their behaviour towards minorities. By Claudia Mende
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Radical Critics of Islam and IslamophobiaDenying the Individuality of Minority Members
At a recent conference in Germany looking at radical critics of Islam, there was consensus that it was about time that politicians and society looked more seriously at the growing defamation of Muslims. By Claudia Mende
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The Jordan River Peace Park ProjectPeace through Environmental Protection
The environmental organization Friends of the Earth Middle East is planning to set up a peace park on the banks of the River Jordan in the hope of fostering environmental protection and economic development in the region. Claudia Mende reports
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Protests in JordanCrumbling Taboos
At first glance, the political situation in Jordan would appear to be stable. Beneath the surface, however, the unrest in the Hashemite kingdom is growing. Although King Abdullah has reacted to the pressure from the streets by appointing a new prime minister, the country is still waiting for real reforms. By Claudia Mende
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Meeting of Religious Scholars in GermanyOld Wounds, New Questions
Under the banner "Bound to live together", an international peace congress promoting dialogue and reconciliation was held in Munich with representatives from all major religions. Yet, issues such as the Middle East conflict, the Arab Spring, and the role of Islam in Europe pose new challenges for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. By Claudia Mende
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Syria: The Opposition and the ChurchA Slap in the Face for the Pro-Democracy Movement
While church leaders pledge their support for the Assad regime, Christians in Syria are backing the protest movement for democratic change. The endorsement of the regime's propaganda slogans by the representatives of the churches puts them in an increasingly precarious position, as Claudia Mende reports
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Islamic Children's BooksIntegration through Early Reading
Until now, there were no books for Muslim children in Germany, and this is why Ahmad Milad Karimi founded his own publishing house. In this interview with Claudia Mende, he explains how he aims to convey a tolerant image of Islam through his books
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Interview with Tariq Ramadan
''We Are Europeans''
Tariq Ramadan is considered by many one of Europe's most influential intellectuals. In this interview with Claudia Mende, the Swiss Muslim academic talks about his understanding of European citizenship, his concept of sharia, and the shortcomings of a literal interpretation of the Koran