On 15 June, Algiers hosted a National Conference of Civil Society with the aim of producing a roadmap on how to shape the countryʹs – hopefully – democratic future. Yet at a time when civil society is just beginning to re-awaken, some wonder whether it will really be able to influence the possible transition that is looming. By Nourredine BessadiRead more
Consolidating its major party status in recent European elections, the AfD succeeded in part through the use of the arts in its campaigning. Critics fear that it is part of an ongoing push for "cultural hegemony". By Stuart BraunRead more
Once mocked as the "commander of the gossips" because he spread crazy ideas about the West in TV talk shows, Hossein Salami is now the new head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. The appointment of this – at least verbally – radical man took place shortly after Trump declared the corps a terrorist organisation. By Ali SadrzadehRead more
In 2011, the Tunisian people overthrew their authoritarian regime after decades of oppression. The fact that women were at the forefront of this movement was soon noticed by the international community, challenging the widespread preconception of a region devoid of womenʹs activism. By Aya ChebbiRead more
On 15 June, Algiers hosted a National Conference of Civil Society with the aim of producing a roadmap on how to shape the countryʹs – hopefully – democratic future. Yet at a time when civil society is just beginning to re-awaken, some wonder whether it will really be able to influence the possible transition that is looming. By Nourredine BessadiMore
Forty years after the revolution that ousted the Shah, Iran’s unique political-religious system and government appears strong enough to withstand U.S. pressure and to ride out the country's current economic difficulties. So how should the U.S. minimise the risks to the region posed by the regime? By Richard N. HaassMore
Once mocked as the "commander of the gossips" because he spread crazy ideas about the West in TV talk shows, Hossein Salami is now the new head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. The appointment of this – at least verbally – radical man took place shortly after Trump declared the corps a terrorist organisation. By Ali SadrzadehMore
With the "Sommet des deux Rives de la Mediterranee" ("Summit of the Two Shores of the Mediterranean"), French President Emmanuel Macron wants to breathe new life into multilateral co-operation in the Mediterranean region, which has made little progress since 2008. Isabel Schafer has the detailsMore
In 2011, the Tunisian people overthrew their authoritarian regime after decades of oppression. The fact that women were at the forefront of this movement was soon noticed by the international community, challenging the widespread preconception of a region devoid of womenʹs activism. By Aya ChebbiMore
Anyone mentioning Cologneʹs Keupstrasse and radicalisation in the same breath cannot simply brush the matter of NSU terrorism under the carpet. Commentary by Sonja HegasyMore
The Internet has made it possible for some to declare and even to promote their atheism by criticising Islam and other religions. Ismail Azzam spoke to some young Moroccans who have left their Muslim faith behindMore
"I'm from here. Stop asking!" is the title of a recently published book in German by journalist Ferda Ataman. It contains quite a lot of appeals, summarises the latest debates on migration – and ignores the problems faced by an open society. By Canan TopcuMore
Consolidating its major party status in recent European elections, the AfD succeeded in part through the use of the arts in its campaigning. Critics fear that it is part of an ongoing push for "cultural hegemony". By Stuart BraunMore
After a seven year break, Rabih Abou-Khalil, a pioneer in Oriental jazz, has released a new album entitled "The Flood and the Fate of the Fish". Stefan Franzen met the musician on the Cote d'AzurMore
Rania Mamounʹs 10-story collection – "Thirteen Months of Sunrise" – explores the connections and walls between people and communities. Marcia Lynx Qualey had a three-way discussion with Mamoun, the bookʹs Sudanese author, and its translator, Elisabeth Jaquette, who has rendered the book into vibrant, compelling EnglishMore
Currently a worldwide blockbuster, the latest Aladdin movie hoped to do a better job of the story than the 1992 animated Disney film, which features a number of racist stereotypes when viewed through todayʹs lens. Is this likely in view of the Aladdin storyʹs dubious origins? Stefan Weidner provides some backgroundMore
For the past four years, the parish of Saint Merry in Paris has organised a "Nuit Sacree" over the Pentecost weekend during which Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus pray and sing to God. The goal is to create and foster dialogue between the communities. By Jan Schmidt-Whitley
Re-educating the Uighurs in Xinjiang
The BBC gains rare access to the vast system of highly secure facilities thought to be holding more than a million Muslims in China’s western region of Xinjiang.More
Tim Sebastian's interview with Lolwah Al-Khater
As Qatar marks two years under blockade, Tim Sebastian interviews foreign ministry spokesperson Lolwah Al-Khater, who rejects the allegations of Arab neighbours that Doha is supporting terrorism.More
How to be a Muslim woman: "Patriarchy – now that’s a British value"
In the first episode of her podcast for BBC Radio 4, Sayeeda Warsi speaks to spoken word poet Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan about Islam, patriarchy and why she wasn't sure about taking part.More
Qantara dossier: Arabic literature
Our dossier features the latest news from the Arabic literature scene and profiles of famous authors from the Maghreb to the MashriqMore
"Perspectives" online magazine
" Perspectives" is the new multimedia online magazine of the Goethe Institutes in the region of North Africa and the Middle East. In cooperation with Qantara.de, monothematic dossiers are published quarterly in Arabic, German, English and French.More
Dalia Mogahed's TED Talk: "A Muslim in America"
When you look at Muslim scholar Dalia Mogahed, what do you see: a woman of faith? A scholar, a mom, a sister? Or an oppressed, brainwashed, potential terrorist? In this personal, powerful talk, Mogahed asks us to fight negative perceptions of her faith in the media and choose empathy over prejudice.More
Asma Afsaruddin: Contemporary Muslims and the challenge of modernity
Contrary to popular belief, Muslims are firmly a part of the modern world and are grappling with the challenges of modernity in myriad ways. Many of them are navigating modernity’s sometimes uncharted waters with creativity and imagination, re-engaging with their tradition and revisiting their history.More
Harvard Law School's "Words of Justice" include Koran Sura
Included in Harvard Law School's Words of Justice exhibition, Verse 135 of Sura Al Nisa adorns the entrance hall: “O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both".More
The German Islam Scholar Lamya Kaddor
Why I as a Muslim Woman Don't Wear a Headscarf
Jordan and the influx of refugees
The true Samaritans
Muslims in Liberal Democracies
Why the West Fears Islam
The decline of Islamic scientific thought
Don't blame it on al-Ghazali
The Media and ''The Innocence of Muslims''
Against the Islamisation of Muslims
Junaid Jamshed
"I Was a Sinner for Years"