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Ralph Ghadban on Iran"The Islamic Republic is rooted in society"
Whether through appeasement or escalation, the West keeps making the same mistake with Iran, argues Islamic studies scholar Ralph Ghadban: it fails to recognise the regime's radical Shia ideological foundations.
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Israeli activist Yuli Novak"The system is based on violence"
In this interview, the head of Israeli NGO B’Tselem discusses the increasingly boundless violence in the region and argues that defending Palestinian rights is defending human rights worldwide. She urges Germany to lead in upholding international law.
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Jewish community in Syria"One day we’ll drive from Damascus to Jerusalem"
The fall of Assad has prompted the return of millions of Syrians, including a small Jewish minority. Under Henry Hamra, son of the country’s last chief rabbi, they are asking whether a lasting return is possible.
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Opposition figure Behrouz Farahani"The war has frozen Iran's protest movements"
The Iran war stems from two reactionary forces, the hegemonic ambitions of Iran’s Shia establishment and the Israeli vision of reshaping the Middle East, says Behrouz Farahani. A ceasefire is urgent, he argues, and real change must come from within.
Politics
More about Politics-
Iran WarWill the Gulf states stand together?
Hard hit by Iranian attacks, the business model of the Gulf states is under attack. Yet they are far from defenceless: with coordination—and unity—they could establish themselves as powerful agents of change.
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Attacks on IranDid the Saudis want this war?
Saudi Arabia's calculations in the Iran war may be different from what many assume. Rockets and drones are flying towards Doha, Dubai and even Riyadh—yet the kingdom could still see opportunities in the conflict.
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Indonesia and Nuclear EnergyJavanese Muslims Oppose Nukes
In Indonesia, non-governmental activists are challenging the government's plans to introduce nuclear energy. While the authorities speak of economically-attractive options, environmentalists worry about nuclear waste and the danger of accidents. By Edith Koesoemawiria
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Benazir Bhutto's Return
Pakistan Plays Waiting Game
On her return from exile Pakistan's former prime minister Benazir Bhutto sought to be celebrated as the great hope for democracy and prosperity. But can she fulfil expectations at home and abroad? This is by no means certain. Anette Meisters reports
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Journalists in Afghanistan
Reporting Between the Lines
Nowadays, Afghan journalists risk life and limb when it comes to reporting objectively on the deplorable state of affairs in their country. Not only the Taliban, but also the pro-Western government tends to see courageous journalists as enemies. Ratbil Shamel and Najibullah Zeyarmal report
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EU Sanctions against Uzbekistan
Watered down beyond Recognition
On October 15 the European Union once again relaxed the sanctions against Uzbekistan. The decision was based on short-sighted power politics and demonstrates a lack of principles, Marcus Bensmann argues
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Nationalism and the Judiciary in Turkey
Hrant Dink's Son Sentenced for "Denigrating Turkishness"
Arat Dink, the son of the Turkish Armenian journalist Hrant Dink who was assassinated in January of this year, has been given a one-year suspended sentence for reprinting an interview his father in which he spoke of the Armenian genocide. A commentary by Aydin Engin
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Press Freedom in Egypt
Defiant Boycott
Opposition leaders and publishers of independent newspapers in Egypt called for a one-day strike last week after a court in Cairo sentenced four newspaper publishers to one year in prison last month for slandering the president and the governing party. Jürgen Stryjak has the details
Society
More about Society-
Palestinians in EgyptTime to return to Gaza?
In Egypt, Palestinians displaced by war in Gaza face a painful dilemma: return to their families and a devastated homeland or remain in limbo without residency. Medical needs, financial hardship and border fears make the decision fraught.
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Culture in GermanyThe politics of neutrality
This year’s Berlinale highlighted the tensions between art and supposedly neutral institutions. But state-funded cultural bodies don't operate outside politics; they set the terms of debate. Greater transparency about how boundaries are drawn could strengthen trust.
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Unaccompanied Underaged Refugees
Where Is Home?
Every week a group of young people who could not be more different from one another meet in Berlin. But one thing they have in common: no secure residency status.
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Islam in Indonesia
Fatwas against Religious Liberalism
Eleven new religious decrees have sparked off animated debates among the Indonesian public over the past few weeks. Representatives of liberal Islamic organisations in particular have lodged appeals and are calling for a review. Bettina David reports
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CrossCulture Internships
Exchange with Professionals from Islamic Countries
The project "CrossCulture Internships" gives qualified professionals from the Islamic world and Germany the opportunity to work in another culture. Ariana Mirza asks trainees about personal motivations, goals, and their first experiences
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Muslims and Swimming Lessons
Separating the Boys from the Girls
Many Muslim parents work themselves into a sweat on account of their children's swimming lessons. They regard the swimming of boys together with girls, designated as part of the regular school sports program, as incompatible with Islam. Petra Tabeling reports
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Azouz Begag
From the Banlieue to a Place in the Cabinet
Azouz Begag was born in an immigrant shantytown on the outskirts of Lyon. He later became a novelist and social scientist. To his own surprise he was now appointed France's new Minister for the Promotion of Equal Opportunity. Bernard Schmid reports
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Commentary Aftab Malik
The State Muslims Are In
Britain's Muslims must reclaim their faith's true character from those who would use it for extreme political ends. To achieve this, Islam needn't be reformed but be taken back to its origins instead.
Culture
More about Culture-
Ramadan TV specialsSyrian drama after Assad
Television dramas are a Ramadan staple in Syria. This year, for the first time, viewers watched series written in a post-Assad era, some confronting past trauma, others offering satirical critique, sparking fierce debate over how the country's stories should be told.
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Syed Muhammad Naquib al-AttasA life rethinking the foundations of knowledge
Malaysian philosopher and polymath Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas has died aged 94. A lifelong critic of Western intellectual dominance, his work has shaped debates on modernity and education across the Muslim world.
750th anniversary of Rumi's death
750th anniversary of Rumi's death - Qantara.de
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