Islamism | Political Islam
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Interview with Hani Shukrallah
"Egypt's Media Are Propaganda Machines"
In this interview with Andrea Backhaus, the renowned Egyptian journalist and political scientist Hani Shukrallah criticises the way the Egyptian military is using the media to its own political ends and the blatant opportunism of many of the country's journalists
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Preaching Ban for Islamists in Egypt
Controlling the Message
The interim government appointed by the Egyptian army is banishing Islamist preachers from mosques. But imams who are loyal to the regime are still allowed to combine religion and politics. By Markus Symank
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Islamism and Politics in Zanzibar
Religious Hatred in Paradise
For the some hundred thousand tourists that visit Zanzibar each year, the island is paradise on earth. Yet, beyond the calm of its tourist venues, religious tensions on the island have been increasing. The attacks on churches, hate tirades by preachers, and leaflets inciting violence are but mileposts of a growing religious radicalization. Danja Bergmann reports
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Commentary by Daoud Kuttab
An Arab "Third Way"
Throughout the post-colonial period, Arab countries have consistently failed to produce an efficient – let alone democratic – system of government. Now, after a half-century of competition between military or royal dictatorships and militant Islamist regimes, many Arabs are again seeking a "third way"
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Libya
A Sanctuary for Radicals and Militants
Libya has morphed into the Wild West of northern Africa just two years after the fall of the Gaddafi regime. In particular, the Libyan Desert has become a sanctuary for radical forces. Valerie Stocker reports from Tripoli
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Protests in Egypt
Civilians against Civilians
The spiral of violence In Egypt continues. Dozens of former President Morsi's supporters have died during protests. But those responsible for the deaths are not likely to face legal consequences for their actions. Markus Symank reports from Cairo
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Interview with Guido Steinberg
"Al-Shabab Attacks Could Destabilize the Entire Region"
An expert on militant Islamism Guido Steinberg says the attack on a Nairobi shopping mall by the Al-Shabab militia shows that the Somali-based conflict is spreading to neighbouring countries. Interview by Philipp Sandner
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Egypt's Transitional Government
A Setback for Human Rights
When Mohammed Morsi was ousted from office in early July, Egypt's transitional government promised that new, free elections would swiftly follow. Since then, it has excluded the Muslim Brotherhood from the political process and is systematically restricting civil rights under the pretext of combating terrorism. By Claudia Mende
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Christians in Egypt
Persecuted and Forgotten
Anti-Christian violence is on the rise in Egypt. Although 45 churches and buildings were burned to the ground just a month ago, the Egyptian state is doing little to protect the country's Christians. By Markus Symank
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Interview with Uri Avnery
"Pessimism Means Nothing to Me"
Israeli peace activist Uri Avnery is celebrating his 90th birthday. In this interview with Tania Krämer, he offers his perspective on the recent Middle East peace talks and the many questions arising from the Syrian conflict
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Egypt's Political Crisis
Diplomacy's Dilemma
In view of Egypt's severe crisis, western diplomats must focus on two things: human rights and economic prospects for the people. A commentary by Hans Dembowski
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Turkey and the Coup in Egypt
Isolation or "Precious Loneliness"?
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's criticism of the recent military coup and the brutal crackdown on protesters in Egypt has sparked an angry diplomatic row between Ankara and Cairo. Some feel Turkey risks isolating itself in the region. Erdogan aide Ibrahim Kalin, on the other hand, prefers to speak of "precious loneliness". Ayhan Simsek has the details