Right-wing populism
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Quebecʹs controversial Bill 21
Islamophobia festers in Canadaʹs Francophone heart
In June Canada's French-speaking province Quebec passed Bill 21, banning the wearing of religious symbols or garments by certain public servants in the workplace. Aside from the civil rights implications, the bill has also made visible minorities, specifically Muslims, the target of racist attacks. By Richard Marcus
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Modi and the revocation of Article 370
Kashmirʹs tormented quest for freedom
Since India scrapped its special status, tensions in Kashmir are rising once again. The conflict over the valley has defined the lives of Kashmiris for decades. Marian Brehmer reports from Kashmir
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Right-wing populism in Canada
Is Trudeau's multi-cultural idyll in danger?
On 16 June, Quebecʹs National Assembly passed Bill 21, a controversial law banning certain public servants from wearing religious symbols at work. Combined with tougher immigration laws introduced by the Francophone region, this would seem to indicate that part, if not all, of Canada is shifting inexorably to the right. By Richard Marcus
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Interview with Franco-Moroccan author Leila Slimani
"Treat right-wing extremists like children"
This year has seen the publication of both Leila Slimani’s debut novel "Adele" and her essay collection "Warum so viel Hass?" in German. The Franco-Moroccan author‘s work addresses big issues such as upbringing, class and race. In conversation with Schayan Riaz, she talks about her reception in different countries, never censoring herself, and the readers’ right to interpretation
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Nuit Sacree 2019 in Paris
"No-one has a monopoly on transcendence"
On Pentecost weekend – for the fourth year in a row – numerous musicians and religious leaders of various faiths came together in the Parisian parish of Saint Merry to send out a message of peace in the face of religious fundamentalism. Zahra Nedjabat reports
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Art and the AfD
Peddling high-brow Islamophobia
Consolidating its major party status in recent European elections, the AfD succeeded in part through the use of the arts in its campaigning. Critics fear that it is part of an ongoing push for "cultural hegemony". By Stuart Braun
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Myanmarʹs Aung San Suu Kyi in Hungary
With friends like Orban...
Myanmarʹs Aung San Suu Kyi and Hungaryʹs Viktor Orban have discussed their mutual fear of Muslims. In doing so, the Burmese leader has again showed she has lost the moral standing she once enjoyed, says Verena Holzl
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Interview with Indian novelist Arundhati Roy
"India is much more dangerous than it was ten years ago"
Celebrated Indian novelist Arundhati Roy, best known for works such as "The God of Small Things" and "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness", has also made a name for herself as an essayist and critic of the political situation in India. Dominik Muller spoke to her in New Delhi about changes in India over the last decade
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Modi, the BJP and social media
Indiaʹs WhatsApp elections
As Indiaʹs general election continues, there has been little progress in stopping "fake news", arresting its perpetrators, or limiting its spread. Thatʹs because the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is responsible for disseminating much of it. By Shashi Tharoor
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Germanyʹs Islam debate
The need to meet Islam critics head on
At a recent Berlin event, researchers talked about how to achieve a more nuanced discussion on Islam and Muslims. Were academics more proactive about presenting their empirical findings in the public arena, Rene Wildangel argues, they could play a major role in countering populist disinformation
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Post-Christchurch debate on religion and terrorism
Who is responsible for the violence?
The question of whether religious texts are interpreted in a tolerant or a hostile way is closely tied to the historical context in which the interpretation takes place. The responsibility for terrorism lies first and foremost with people and not with the religious texts themselves, says Assem Hefny, a lecturer at Al-Azhar University
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Germanyʹs integration debate
"Your homeland is our nightmare"
A recently published anthology – "Eure Heimat ist unser Albtraum" – edited by Fatma Aydemir and Hengameh Yaghoobifarah is both accusatory and motivational. Ceyda Nurtsch read the declaration and attended the launch