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Unity government obscures old and new rifts
SWP Comment: The limits to Libya's unity
Although a unity government was formed in Libya in March 2021, tensions and possible crises between the political actors are already emerging. What problems does the country face? Wolfram Lacher examines the current situation in the North African country.
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The image of Muslim women
“We refuse to be hijab-wearing princesses”
Among Muslims, the image of women as "cossetted hijab-wearing princesses" is frequently invoked. But Muslim women have long wanted to be more. In her essay, Karoline Roscher-Lagzouli explores how they can find a new approach to their Muslim femininity, beyond patriarchal ideals and the hackneyed Western debate on headscarves
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The fate of Europe's unwanted Afghans
"Deportee Central" – a seedy hotel in downtown Kabul
Even in times of war and pandemic, refugees are still being deported to Afghanistan. Several deportation flights have taken place in recent weeks alone. Since those affected often have nothing to go back to, many of them end up in a seedy hotel in downtown Kabul. Emran Feroz reports from the Afghan capital
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Pete Katz and "The Prophet: A Graphic Novel"
Romantic ideals for a new generation
Often disdained by intellectuals, Kahlil Gibran’s "The Prophet" has remained immensely popular for nearly a century since its publication in 1923. Now one of the most translated books in history has undergone another translation – into the visual sphere – by Pete Katz, who both adapted and illustrated the new volume. By Nahrain Al-Mousawi
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COVID-19 rages on
Muslims begin Ramadan 2021 under the shadow of coronavirus
Surging coronavirus cases in many parts of the world have overshadowed the start of this year's Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with festivities once again curtailed by contagion fears.
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New books on the Middle East
The clouds of war or the dawn of a new beginning?
German Middle East analyst Guido Steinberg and television journalist Ulrich Tilgner have both published new books on the conflicts in the Middle East. Their analyses and their forecasts for the region could not be more different. By René Wildangel
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Iran-China 25-year Cooperation Programme
The Islamic Republic's timely vaccine against U.S. pressure?
On 27 March, Iran and China signed a 25-year accord intended to foster "strategic co-operation". Despite ongoing uncertainty over the deal's actual scope, content and chances of realisation, the agreement has been hailed by Iranian officials as nothing less than a game-changer when it comes to securing the interests of the Islamic Republic. By Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni
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Turkish graduates in Europe
Turkey's best and brightest flee in brain drain
As Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues his crackdown on dissent, increasing numbers of Turkish graduates and young professionals are seeking new lives and better prospects abroad. Germany is their No.1 destination. By Sinem Ozdemir and Daniel Derya Bellut
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Muslims in Europe: Integrated or not?
The Muslim population in Western Europe has been growing since the 1960s. In most countries, Muslims now make up more than five percent of the total population. Despite social tensions, integration is making clear progress. By Aasim Saleem
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Political turbulence in Turkey
Turkey's President Erdogan under pressure
The economy in crisis, approval ratings at an all-time low, rising tension within government ranks: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is currently under massive pressure. Nevertheless, the USA and the EU seem to be coming to his rescue. By Marion Sendker in Istanbul
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Islamophobia and anti-Semitism
Cancel Culture restricts freedom of expression in France?
In Grenoble, France, two professors have been pilloried in a dispute over the use – or otherwise – of the term Islamophobia. Is freedom of speech in jeopardy? By Stefan Dege and Heike Mund
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Refoming Islam: Muslim and liberal
In our modern world, what constitutes contemporary Islam?
Liberal Islam: everything revolves around the Koran. In the search for a liberal interpretation, peculiar constructs occasionally emerge. By Alexander Flores