Alexander Flores's ''Civilization or Barbarism?''
In his book, Alexander Flores confidently clears the decks of received wisdom on the Muslim faith. Flores limits his monograph to essential information and in doing so, avoids both apology and polemical discourse in equal measure. By Stefan Weidner More »
The Decline of Islamic Scientific Thought
Academics are correct in pinpointing the exact period in which Muslims began turning away from scientific innovation – the 11th century – but in Abu Hamid Al Ghazali they have identified the wrong person. By Hassan Hassan More »
Indonesia as a Model of Muslim Democracy
In the wake of Islamic resurgence and the growing democratic movements in North Africa and the Middle East, it is relevant to see Indonesia as a model of Muslim democracy. The country has shown a stable democratic government, civil liberties, and tremendous economic growth. By Luthfi Assyaukanie More »
Nature Spot Used by Israelis and Palestinians
Only a few minutes' drive from both Jerusalem and Ramallah lies Ein Prat (Wadi Qelt), a beautiful picnic site that is frequented by both Israelis and Palestinians. According to Ruth Eglash, this site of natural beauty has the potential to become an oasis for peace in a troubled region More »
The ''Community House'' in Jakarta
Around one fourth of Jakarta's 18 million residents live in slums - among them, 1.5 million children. A European project is helping them climb out of poverty through education. By Thomas Latschan More »
Indonesia's Muhammadiyah Movement
The Indonesian Muhammadiyah movement was founded one hundred years ago as a reformist socio-religious movement. But its initially moderate interpretation of Islam has been marginalised by hardliners over the past few years. By Bettina David More »
Orhan Pamuk on Europe
If religion delineates the borders of Europe, then we have taken a disastrous step backwards. In the current crisis, the continent must not be allowed to become a place ruled by fear. An essay by Orhan Pamuk More »
Reformist Theologians in Iran
Three years since the death of the Shiite dissident, Grand Ayatollah Montazeri, there is still no one in Iran who can assume his role as the spiritual authority of the reform movement. Many critical clerics have been silenced since the crushing of protests in 2009. Yet, there is increasing support for efforts to reform Islamic law in the country. By Urs Sartowicz More »
Business Innovation in Lebanon
Fifteen years of civil war. Another twenty-two years of bombs, Israeli aggression and domestic discord. Now the conflict in Syria threatens to ignite the neighbouring country's flames once again. Yet more and more young Lebanese are fighting for their country – in the business arena More »
Social media campaigns and law reform in Indonesia
Taking the example of the controversial case of Prita Mulyasari, Sydney-based lawyer Arjuna Dibley argues that while social media campaigns in Indonesia can generate widespread interest and debate about problems with the country's criminal law, they do not actually further the process of criminal law reform More »
