The campaign against George Soros is fuelling a dangerous symbiosis between anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, argues political scientist Farid HafezRead more
When it suits the political agenda of those in power, the Kurds are seen as good patriots. The rest of the time, they are condemned as villainous traitors. It′s a situation that is repeated in Turkey, Syria and – argues Hoshang Ossi – within the Kurdistan Workers′ Party (PKK) itself
Feminists who want to ban headscarves for girls are betraying the cause – and playing into the hands of the right-wing populists. An essay by Meredith HaafRead more
Provided its leaders correctly reassess the changing regional and domestic dynamics and agree to allow all Iraqis, regardless of their sect and cultural orientation, to choose their own political and civil structure, the country can still overcome the horrors of the past 14 years. Essay by Alon Ben-MeirRead more
Provided its leaders correctly reassess the changing regional and domestic dynamics and agree to allow all Iraqis, regardless of their sect and cultural orientation, to choose their own political and civil structure, the country can still overcome the horrors of the past 14 years. Essay by Alon Ben-MeirMore
When it suits the political agenda of those in power, the Kurds are seen as good patriots. The rest of the time, they are condemned as villainous traitors. It′s a situation that is repeated in Turkey, Syria and – argues Hoshang Ossi – within the Kurdistan Workers′ Party (PKK) itself
The planned independence referendum for the Iraqi region of Kurdistan, argues Denise Natali, not only reflects ongoing tension with Baghdad, but also intra-Kurdish political rivalries that could trigger further conflictMore
It’s been weeks since President Donald Trump's administration promised to present a new stretegy on Afghanistan. Those in power simply have run out of ideas. An analysis by Sandra PetersmannMore
Kabul's Darul Aman Palace was originally built to house Afghanistan's parliament. After four decades of war, it had become an ever-present reminder of violence and destruction. Now a team of architects and engineers, many of them women, are rebuilding the ruins. By Sandra PetersmannMore
Feminists who want to ban headscarves for girls are betraying the cause – and playing into the hands of the right-wing populists. An essay by Meredith HaafMore
The idea that refugees are either victims or invaders is having a major impact on public debate within Germany. In interview with Sarah Kanning, social scientist Heidrun Friese provides insights into her latest researchMore
A wonderfully subversive and witty album, Ya Tosiba′s ″Love Party″ slyly pokes fun at authority and present day life in Azerbaijan. With electronics simulating traditional instruments from the region, it draws on the Sufi ′meyknana′ tradition for its lyrics. Review by Richard Marcus More
During President Rouhani′s first term in office, musicians began to gain greater freedom in Iran. Now, they′re hoping for further alleviations for their work after Rouhani′s re-election. To date, however, musical performances have been subject to much uncertainty and even traditional religious music is a thorn in the side of hardliners. By Nahid FallahiMore
Badriah Albeshr′s ″Hend and the Soldiers″ created a small uproar in Saudi Arabia when it was first published in Arabic in 2006. Much of Saudi women′s literature at the time was shrugged off as chick lit. Yet, shuttling between chatty romance, political commentary and a stylised literary work, ″Hend and the Soldiers″ struck a nerve. Marcia Lynx Qualey read the bookMore
Bayan Yani is a satirical magazine led by women in a country which is becoming increasingly hostile to them. For more than six years, cartoonists and writers in Turkey have combined their talents to make readers not only think, but also laugh in a feminist way. By Clement GirardotMore
On 15 August 1947, British India split into two nations – Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. The two countries continue to be hostile towards each other despite some efforts to improve bilateral ties. By Shamil Shams
BBC documentary: "Death in Service"
Beset by allegations of institutional cover-ups, abuse and murder, Egypt's Central Security Forces (CSF) are one of the government's main tools for maintaining order. Their ranks consist mainly of recruits from poor families. "The Central Security Forces are little above serfs. Forced labour," says Khaled Fahmy, a Harvard professor who experienced their force first hand in the 2011 revolution. When will the state come clean and reveal how these young men really died?More
Exploring Jewish life in Iran
Relations between Tel Aviv and Tehran are fundamentally fraught, yet Iran's Jewish community is the largest in the Middle East. What is it like for Jews living in a country where hardliners consistently demand the destruction of Israel?More
Online magazine "Mada Masr"
The Egyptian online magazine "Mada Masr" regards itself as a progressive independent medium. It was founded following the Arabellion and publishes news, comment, features and photo essays in English and Arabic.More
In memory of Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim, Sudanese activist and human rights campaigner
Kuwaiti actor, playwright and comedian Abdulhussain Abdulredha has died at the age of 78 after a...More
Alankrita Shrivastava's "Lipstick under my burkha"
Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, "Lipstick under my burkha" tells the story of four ordinary women who, oppressed by societal norms, have to steal, lie, cheat and hide in order to lead the lives that they rightfully deserve. The film premiered at the Tokyo and Mumbai Film Festivals, where it won the Spirit of Asia Prize and the Oxfam Award for Best Film on Gender EqualityMore
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"