Islamism | Political Islam
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The headscarf controversy
End of Germany's culture war?
Berlin is the last federal state in Germany to approve the wearing of headscarves by teachers. The fact that the courts have had to demand this time and again does not however reflect well on German politics. By Daniel Bax
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Turks in Germany
President Erdogan's long arm strategy
The inauguration of Turkish President Erdogan was attended by many international heads of state. Also present were representatives of the Turkish diaspora. Turks abroad are especially important to Erdogan – particularly those living in Germany. By Elmas Topcu
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Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
"We're not looking for Western recognition"
The United Arab Emirates has made cultural dialogue its mission. At the 2023 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the country confidently presented itself as the custodian of Arab culture. Although the book fair is a place for authors and publishing companies to meet and talk, there were limits to what could be openly discussed. Claudia Mende reports from Abu Dhabi
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Pakistan's economic crisis
Sovereign debt overload
Pakistan's economy is in deep crisis and things are deteriorating fast. Many problems have domestic causes, but these are being compounded by global trends. By Sundus Saleemi
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Elections in Turkey
Turkish nationalists on the rise
Neither Erdogan's botched response to the February quakes nor the ailing economy seem to have hurt his popularity with supporters. The president is still capable of turning things around, says Erkan Arikan
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Resurgence of Pakistan's Taliban
Terror returns with the TTP
When the Taliban swept back to power in Afghanistan just under two years ago, analysts warned that their return would also mean a return of the threat posed to neighbouring Pakistan by offshoot Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). By Mohammad Luqman
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Election run-up in Turkey
Who are Erdogan's allies?
Parliamentary and presidential elections in Turkey are scheduled for 14 May, with the polls pointing to a close race. Elmas Topcu takes a look at the parties that support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's election alliance
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Freedom of speech in Pakistan
Islamabad's shift towards Islamism
By curtailing free speech and doubling down on blasphemy laws, Islamabad is endangering its relationship with Europe and the United States, argues Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
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The future of Islamic mysticism
Is Sufism under threat?
Sufis today are under attack from fundamentalists and modernists alike. At the same time, a new form of Sufism is emerging in the West. By Marian Brehmer
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Climate change impacts Somalia
What future without rain – or aid?
Somalia is still facing unprecedented drought and high inflation, ruining the livelihoods of many and causing widespread hunger. Dadaab refugee camp in eastern Kenya, where Somalis have found refuge over decades, is again facing a new influx. Erik Siegl reports
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Sufism in Egypt
Cairo's mystic revival
Egyptian Sufis have been on the defensive against the country's Islamists for decades. Meanwhile, interest in mysticism is growing among the young members of Cairo’s middle and upper classes. By Marian Brehmer
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Protests in Iran
The longing for a modern form of Islam
Forty-three years after Khomeini's revolution, the regime is facing its greatest internal challenge yet. State Islam in Iran is being rocked from beneath.