Destruction of Historic Sites
The civil war in Syria is not only causing human suffering, it is also endangering the nation's historic legacy. Most recently, extensive damage was inflicted on Aleppo's ancient bazaar. Björn Zimprich discusses the consequences of this destruction with Stefan Knost, who took part in historic excavations in Aleppo several years ago More »
Islam and Women's Rights in Tunisia
Tunisia was once the model for emancipation in the Arab world, but there's now increasing concern over an article in the new constitution which, according to women's and human rights activists, will undermine the equality of the sexes. By Sarah Mersch in Tunis More »
The Domiz Refugee Camp in North Iraq
Syrian refugees are flocking in ever-greater numbers to the neighbouring countries, fleeing from the violence at home. In the Domiz refugee camp in northern Iraqi, 700 new people arrive every day. But the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR and the Kurdish autonomy government are unable to provide for them. A report by Jan Kuhlmann More »
''Young, German, Taliban''
How does one explain the phenomenon of Salafism? And what causes young Islamists the world over to take up jihad? Wolf Schmidt offers some answers in his insightful book "Young, German, Taliban". Albrecht Metzger has read the book More »
The Media and ''The Innocence of Muslims''
Reports by Western media on the violent protests in the Muslim world against the film "The Innocence of Muslims" have delivered a one-sided and over-simplified picture of the Muslims and the complex reality in which they live. By Hoda Salah More »
Mohammed Caricatures in "Charlie Hebdo"
The publication of Mohammed caricatures in the French satirical newspaper "Charlie Hebdo" has created quite a stir. In recent times, the newspaper has deliberately and frequently attempted to pick fights with devout Muslims. Bernhard Schmid with a portrait of Charlie Hebdo from Paris More »
Interview with Pınar Selek
Turkish sociologist and human rights activist Pınar Selek discusses her role in the democracy movement, ongoing legal proceedings against her, and the shortcomings of Turkey's political system. An interview by Ceyda Nurtsch More »
Anti-Islam Film ''Innocence of Muslims''
What's at the heart of recent protests over the Innocence of Muslims video? While it's tempting to point to religion as a source of conflict, the real issues involved are more complex, says Leena El-Ali More »
The Israeli NGO ''Breaking the Silence''
The Israeli NGO "Breaking the Silence" shows the excesses of the Israeli army in the Palestinian territories. The activists are not pro-Palestine activists, but former Israeli army soldiers More »
Women in Kazakhstan
Although women have always played a central role in Kazakh society, they have only recently started to move more into traditionally male-dominated areas. Nevertheless, Kazakhstan is still a man's country. In some regions, the rise of Islam is even placing new restrictions on women. Marina Khegay reports More »
