Islamism | Political Islam
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Ankara School pioneer and reformist Islamic theologian
The resignation of Turkish Koran exegete Mustafa Ozturk
Professor of theology and Qantara interview partner Mustafa Ozturk has resigned from an Istanbul university after immense pressure from certain segments of the Islamic community, having advocated a version of Islam they deemed "blasphemous". Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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10 years of Arabellion
The buds of the Arab Spring
Ten years after the start of the Arabellion in North Africa and the Middle East, many view the movement as a failure. But rather than being over, it has now entered a more mature phase with new forms of protest. An assessment by Claudia Mende
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France's anti-separatism bill may increase discrimination
Muslims are not the problem, they are part of the solution
Critics of France's draft law to combat "radical Islamism" say the proposed measures are inefficient and will further stigmatise Muslims. They assert that involving Muslims in the process of addressing radicalisation is essential. Lisa Louis reports
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Emmanuel Macron's anti-separatism bill
Imam Muhammed Abu Zaid calls on French Muslims to engage
Prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Abu Zaid has urged Muslims in France to cooperate with the government. At the same time, he emphasised the need for the French authorities to foster dialogue with the country's Muslim community. By Jennifer Holleis
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Turkish ultranationalist, right-wing extremists
Germany's mission to muzzle the Grey Wolves
The German Office for the Protection of the Constitution classes them as "far right" and politicians want to ban them: the ultranationalist Grey Wolves movement. It originated in Turkey, where it is the secret power in the country and a political kingmaker. Marion Sendker reports from Istanbul
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Canada and the problem with Bill 21
Quebec's controversial secularism law takes the stand
In France and in Canada's Francophone province of Quebec issues of personal freedom have recently been thrown into sharp relief. In Quebec, legal proceedings have been initiated against Law 21, which prohibits public servants from wearing religious symbols in the workplace. Richard Marcus reports
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De-radicalising young people
Is there a way to stop jihadists in Europe?
What drives young men into the arms of Islamist extremists – and how can they be re-integrated into society? Five years after the deadly attacks in Paris, urgent questions remain. By Matthias von Hein
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Radicalisation debate
The exclusion of European Muslims nurtures Islamists
Austria's chancellor is seeking to criminalise "political Islam". The move would put non-violent, non-radical Muslims under blanket suspicion and is hardly helpful in the fight against Islamism. In her commentary, Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi says that Islamism is easier to counter if you work together with Muslims on equal terms
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Turkish views on Erdogan's feud with Macron
"Religion is the President's last resort"
Relations between Ankara and Paris have reached a new low, with presidential communications contributing to the escalation. To describe recent bilateral exchanges as undiplomatic would be the height of diplomacy. By Ronald Meinardus
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France, terrorism and identity politics
Emmanuel Macron's determination to pick the wrong battle
Emmanuel Macron appears to want to rekindle the old conflicts between Occident and Orient. He blusters on about a "crisis of Islam", as if oblivious to the more acute crises society is facing these days, says Stefan Buchen in his essay
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Terrorist attack on Nice church
French Muslims grieve following another Islamist outrage
Muslims in Nice condemn the attack on the Basilica of Notre Dame. At the same time, there is great frustration at the readiness of some to equate the perpetrator with the Muslim community in general, which mourns the attack as much as the rest of France. By Marina Strauß
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Treading the Turkish tightrope
The European Union risks empowering Erdogan at its peril
Fraught with disagreement, relations between the EU and Turkey under Erdogan have rarely been easy. Bearing in mind recent developments, the Union needs to present a clear and united front in its dealings with Ankara. By Marc Pierini