Jihad
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Abderrahmane Sissako's film "Timbuktu"
In the beginning there was violence
Abderrahmane Sissako's film "Timbuktu" portrays the nightmarish horror of Islamist rampages and at the same time invokes gentleness as a source of resistance. The compelling story is captured in masterful imagery by the cameraman Sofiane El Fani. By Hans-Jörg Rother
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Global strategies for combating Islamic State
The intellectual battle against IS
The global financial crisis taught the world how profoundly interdependent our economies have become. In today's crisis of extremism, we must recognise that we are just as interdependent for our security, as is clear in the current struggle to defeat IS (also known as ISIS), writes Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
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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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Video: Guido Steinberg on global jihadism
Islamist terror: a global threat? Guido Steinberg, a Middle East Analyst at the German Institute for International & Security Affairs, discusses this question in an interview with Deutsche Welle.
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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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Turkey, IS and the Kurds
Powder keg on the Turkish-Syrian border
More than 200,000 people from Kobani have fled the IS onslaught and sought refuge in Turkey. But as the days pass, anger and frustration at what they see as Turkish inactivity is growing. More and more Kurds, from both Syria and Turkey, are now considering taking up arms not only against IS but also against Turkey should Kobani fall. By Kiran Nazish in Mursitpinar, Turkey
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Interview with Navid Kermani
"One should take the religious façade seriously"
The writer Navid Kermani spent a week in mid September travelling through Iraq, visiting a number of different parts of the country. In this interview with Kersten Knipp, he speaks of his impressions of the country and some factors that have led to the rise of IS in Iraq
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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
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Germans and Ottomans in the First World War
A partnership of privilege
When the First World War began 100 years ago, German advisers in the Ottoman Empire were a common sight. The Ottomans hoped their alliance with the military power Germany would help them reverse their waning military fortunes. In the end, however, they lost their entire empire as a result of the conflict. By Jakob Krais