Islamophobia
All topics-
The Prophet Muhammad
Oxford study sheds light on Muhammad's "underage" wife Aisha
New scholarship suggests the story of Islam's prophet marrying a minor is baseless propaganda fabricated for political and sectarian motives
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Integration versus racism
I don't see myself as a victim
Canan Topcu came from Turkey to Germany as a child. In her essay, she describes how bothered she was by the racism she encountered in her country of origin when she travelled there recently. She describes her very personal take on identity, racism and exclusion
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Politics, Qatar and FIFA
Is criticism of Qatar's World Cup racist?
Locals in the Middle East have said European critics are showing bias and hypocrisy when they condemn Qatar. Observers agree that Qatar has had to deal with more criticism than usual for a World Cup host. Cathrin Schaer and Emad Hassan ask why
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Mourning Mevlude Genc
A universal mother figure
A survivor of a neo-Nazi hate crime, Mevlude Genc's boundless compassion served as an inspiration to an entire generation. Sertan Sanderson explores how her death is a loss for Germany and Turkey
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Hindu nationalism abroad
Fighting religious polarisation among India's diaspora
Indian Americans from diverse faith backgrounds have peacefully co-existed stateside for several decades. But events in the U.S. – and violent confrontations between some Hindus and Muslims last month in Leicester, England – have heightened concerns that stark political and religious polarisation in India is seeping into the diaspora
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Interfaith cooperation and integration
Germany’s first Christian-Muslim kindergarten
Despite early learning being linked to better chances in later life, Muslim parents in Germany are currently less likely to send their kids to kindergarten. A pioneering interfaith project in Gifhorn presents an appealing alternative, promoting integration in partnership with local church and state actors. Arndt-Walter Emmerich reports
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Italy's victorious right
Hide the swastikas!
Much has changed in the European post-fascist firmament since former SS officers, veterans of the collaborationist Vichy government and other dubious figures established the forerunners of today’s far-right parties. Women and young men, usually smartly turned out in tailor-made suits, now set the tone. Commentary by Ian Buruma
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Rahman Abbas' "Zindeeq"
Who's learning lessons from the Holocaust?
Set in a dystopian future, Rahman Abbas’ new novel “Zindeeq” draws on the Indian author’s worries about recent trends in his home country, where aggressive identity politics have been – and still are – gaining momentum. Almuth Degener read the book
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Elizabeth II and the Muslims
"To be there for our fellow human-beings"
When she ascended the throne, millions of Muslims still lived under British rule. Later, Elizabeth II appealed for tolerance in a multi-religious society. She was the first British queen to visit a mosque
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Indian democracy at 75
Narendra Modi’s damaging dominance
In office for more than eight years, Narendra Modi’s high popularity across India and formidable electoral clout make him nearly invincible. But, while his success in amassing political power is unquestionable, his ability to use it for the benefit of the vast majority of citizens remains very much in doubt. By Shashi Tharoor
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Rizwaan Sabir's "The Suspect"
Muslims post-9/11 subject to blanket targeting
"The Suspect" by criminology lecturer Rizwaan Sabir is the harrowing account of the author's own experiences at the hands of the UK's counterintelligence agencies. At the same time, the book is a carefully researched analysis of how the Muslim community was targeted by those supposedly working to protect society. Richard Marcus read the book
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The Holocaust, colonialism and mutual understanding
Time for a refresher in humanity
It is possible to write about the Holocaust and the crimes of colonial powers without downplaying anything. In her latest book, Charlotte Wiedemann focuses on the numerous blind spots in our culture of commemoration. By Rene Wildangel