Education
All topics-
Muslim Brotherhood texts
Once valued, now proscribed
In recent months, both Egypt and Saudi Arabia have begun withdrawing literature relating to the Muslim Brotherhood from the public domain. Tracts and treatises that once held pride of place on bookshelves – with some even enjoying official textbook status – are being confiscated and burned. By Joseph Croitoru
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Higher education in Tunisia
The vestiges of spring
The Arab Spring started in Tunisia, five years ago. Led by students, the people toppled their leader. How are Tunisia’s young people doing today? A tour of the universities in Tunis. By Arnfrid Schenk
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CrossCulture Programme celebrates ten years
Global ambassadors
For the past ten years, young professionals from Islamic countries and from Germany have been able to immerse themselves in a foreign culture for three months as part of a internship programme run by the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations (ifa). The programme has just celebrated its tenth anniversary. By Fabian Pianka
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How German textbooks present Islam and immigration
"Diversity is part of everyday life"
In conversation with Arnd Zickgraf, Viola B. Georgi from the University of Hildesheim explains why German textbooks are behind the times in their treatment of Islam and immigration
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Oman's succession problem
Neither heir nor spare
Unmarried and childless, Qaboos bin Said Al-Said, Sultan of Oman, is something of a rarity in the Arab world. His reign has already lasted for 45 years. Confusion still remains, however, over the identity of his successor. What is clear is that whoever it is will not have it easy. By Anne Allmeling
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Book review: ″The Underground Girls of Kabul″
Boys for a time
Segregation calls for creativity – in Afghanistan, some parents simply pass off their daughters as boys. Fascinated by the idea, Swedish journalist Jenny Nordberg decided to record the results of her research. Marian Brehmer read the book
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Cameron's counter-extremism strategy
Cause for concern or necessary evil?
Counter-terrorism and security legislation already in place, the British government recently published details of its controversial counter-extremism strategy. Vague enough to allow a wide range of interpretations, it was met with alarm by a number of interest groups. With the Paris attacks fresh in everyone’s minds, however, Cameron’s drive against Islamist ideology could well find increasing support among public and politicians alike. By Susannah Tarbush
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CrossCulture internships
A catalyst for societal change
The CrossCulture programme run by the Institut fur Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) offers young professionals from Islamic countries the opportunity to work as an intern in Germany. Participants gain an insight into German culture and the country's work environment. The goal of the programme is to promote intercultural exchange and further professional development. By Claudia Mende
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Corruption in Egypt
Model student becomes anti-corruption icon
One student’s fate is fuelling the public outcry against corruption within Egyptian society. Following the government's resignation on Saturday, hope is now pinned on the new premier-designate Sharif Ismail. By Elisabeth Lehmann in Cairo
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Interview with the Indonesian writer Feby Indirani
Indonesian literature "needs more exposure"
Indonesia is the guest of honour at the 2015 Frankfurt Book Fair. Feby Indirani was an accomplished TV journalist when she decided to leave her job to focus on writing. Monika Griebeler spoke to her about the challenges of being a writer in Indonesia, the potential of Indonesian literature and her own journey as a writer
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Interview with oboist Demetrios Karamintzas
"These children deserve the same opportunities as children anywhere else"
Demetrios Karamintzas studied music at the Julliard School of Music in New York and is a professional oboist. Having worked with Daniel Barenboim's Barenboim-Said Foundation and the Al Kamandjati Music Schools in Palestine, he recently volunteered to teach at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul. Ceyda Nurtsch talked to him about teaching music amid poverty and terror attacks
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Taha Hussein and the democratisation of education in Egypt
The sea of knowledge
The Egyptian author Taha Hussein warned as long ago as the 1930s that the future of Egypt depended on reforming its education system. His book "The Future of Culture in Egypt" is a plea for an enlightened, democratic and Mediterranean Egypt. By Andreas Pflitsch