Islamism | Political Islam
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Documentary: "The Green Prince"
A friendship that inspires hope
Green is the colour of Hamas. The documentary "The Green Prince" tells the story of a Palestinian who turned informer and worked for the Israeli secret service for years. Igal Avidan watched the film and spoke to its director, Nadav Schirman
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Peshawar school attack
The cynical logic of the Pakistan Taliban
The brutal attack on a military-run school in Peshawar killing well over 100 children and several adults proves once again that even conservative Islamic countries like Pakistan cannot escape the deadly threat of militant Islamism. By Florian Weigand
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Six lessons learned from Tunisia's recent elections
"Religion is God's, but democracy belongs to everyone!"
The most recent elections in Tunisia have made it clear that, in spite of numerous setbacks over the last three years, the Arab Spring continues to bear fruit. According to Egyptian journalist and professor Khalil al-Anani, the Tunisian experiment once again proves that Tunisia is a long way ahead of the other Arab countries undergoing transformation
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International conspiracy theories and xenophobia in Turkey
Turkey alone against the world
Turkey appears to be in the grip of a wave of xenophobia, according to the results of a recent survey by the US-based Pew Research Foundation. The findings come as the country has to cope with two conflicts on its borders and faces increasingly strained relations with key allies and neighbours. But as Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, the findings could be part of a far deeper historical fear of the West
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Book review: "Jihad Paradise" by Anna Kuschnarowa
Desires and temptations in a highly complex world
Anna Kuschnarowa's novel for young adults tells the story of two young lovers who drift apart because of the religious fanaticism of one of the protagonists. It highlights the complexities of life in modern Germany for young people and the attraction of Salafism for lonely, insecure young minds. By Siggi Seuß
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German jihadists
Turning their backs on the West
How is it possible to stop vulnerable young people attracted by the siren call of religious salvation from becoming radicalised and joining IS? Prevention is difficult — sometimes even impossible. By Naomi Conrad
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The Syrian conflict and the fight against IS
Time to treat allies like allies
In Syria, unilateral uncoordinated air strikes against IS (Islamic State) are turning people into victims instead of partners in the battle against terror. If they are to win over the Syrians, the international alliance must treat rebels and activists as allies, says Kristin Helberg
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The jihadi fighters of IS
"Jihadism has become a German phenomenon"
German jihadists are participating in Islamic State's war of terror. Security forces fear they could also pose a threat to the country. Guido Steinberg is an expert on Islam and Islamism. He has written a book about Germany's jihadi fighters. Bettina Marx spoke to him about the country's home-grown fighters
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The fight against IS
No alternative to civil and human rights in the Arab world
In the battle against Islamic State, the religious leaders of Islam have failed; the onus is now on secular forces to fight the jihadi terrorists. To this end, the West must support the beleaguered rebels and civil society's campaign for civil and human rights in the Arab world. A commentary by Markus Bickel
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Salafists in Germany
A simple world view and the promise of paradise
Salafists in Germany have been on a recruitment drive for quite some time: handing out flyers and free copies of the Koran in city centres. They are also targeting young people at schools, on the Internet and anywhere where young people meet. How can young people be protected? By Arnfrid Schenk
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Film review: "Desert Dancer"
Dancing around clichés
The film "Desert Dancer" tells the story of an Iranian dancer in a land where dancing is not permitted. Audiences are once again presented with a biased picture of a complex country. Marian Brehmer watched the film and questions the tendency of filmmakers to portray Iran in an exclusively negative light
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Islamic State (IS)
A totalitarian, expansive and hegemonic project
Are we underestimating the scope of Islamic State (IS) by referring to it as a "terrorist militia"? IS raises taxes, recruits soldiers, pays officials and is keeping oil wells in operation. According to Volker Perthes, it would be more accurate to call it a jihadist nation-building project