The Arrest of Saudi Intellectual Turki al-Hamad
The Saudi writer and journalist Turki al-Hamad is one of the most distinguished and courageous intellectuals in his homeland. Religious authorities have already issued seven fatwas against him. For the past two-and-a-half weeks, the soon to be 60-year-old writer has been sitting in prison for sending highly controversial Twitter messages. By Fakhri Saleh More »
Interview with Muslim Scholar Ziauddin Sardar
Ziauddin Sardar is a leading British-Pakistani Muslim scholar and critic. In this interview with Susannah Tarbush, he talks about the magazine "Critical Muslim" he founded and which he sees as an "intellectual, cultural, philosophical and creative backup" for the revolutions of the Middle East More »
Learning German in Erbil
The opening of the first German language department in the Kurdish-speaking world is a landmark event in the cultural relations between Germany and Iraqi Kurdistan – and one which demonstrates the esteem in which Germany is held in this country. Albrecht Metzger reports More »
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 »
