Turkey's foreign policy has been under the spotlight in recent months, with many Western commentators expressing concern about a perceived swing toward a more Middle Eastern orientation. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu speaks to Ayşe Karabat about his country's new regional role
In his 600-page legal opinion, the Pakistani Islamic scholar Tahir ul-Qadri castigates Muslim suicide bombers as unbelievers destined for hell. But is his fatwa really an effective way to move extremists to reform? Answers from Albrecht Metzger
Political scientist Vali Nasr is an advisor to US President Barack Obama and is viewed as one of the country's leading specialists on Iran. In his view, recent reform movements in the Islamic world are partially driven by a new middle class. Ramon Schack spoke to him
The Heinrich Böll Foundation hosted a symposium on "The Transformation of Palestine" in Berlin. At the gathering, experts re-appraised the history of the Palestinians since the foundation of the state of Israel in 1948. Bettina Marx reports
Since the war in January 2009, Domestic violence against women in the Gaza Strip has markedly increased. The strict rule by Hamas has only worsened the situation. Yet, with the assistance of NGO initiatives, afflicted women can once again experience hope. Ruth Kinet reports
Mahasin Saber wants her "Radio for divorced women" to put the spotlight on the serious deficits in the male-dominated Egyptian society, and to make people aware of the discrimination suffered by women. So far, she's succeeding. Nelly Youssef visited her in Cairo
The concept of integration has dominated the immigration debate in recent years. Specialists in the field of migration say it's time to stop issuing the unilateral demand that immigrants fit in with the host society, and are calling for a new approach. By Holger Moos
In an interview with Qantara.de the winner of this year's Arabic Booker Prize Abdo Khal talks about the significance of this major award for the Gulf region, as well as the division of Arab culture into a centre and a periphery. Loay Mudhoon spoke to him
Even Alaa Al Aswany's early works were shot with the brilliance for which he is now renowned. This collection of short stories centres on Hisham, soon to be a professor of surgery, who loses himself in cynicism and criticism of Egyptian culture. Angela Schader read the book
"Hoshruba" is a fantasy epic written in 19th century Muslim India. Now Muhammad Ali Farooqi has produced the first ever translation of "Hoshruba" into any language. In this interview with Lewis Gropp he talks about this unique epic, Urdu literature, and the colonially induced Urdu-Hindi divide
The At Home in Europe Project is examining the level and nature of integration of Muslims in 11 cities across Europe. A short video featuring Nazia Hussain, director of At Home in Europe, introduces the project's current work examining the level and nature of Muslim integration in cities across Europe...
The Peace Research Institute in the Middle East is a nonprofit NGO established by Palestinian and Israeli researchers in 1998. PRIME's purpose is to pursue mutual coexistence and peace-building through joint research and outreach activities. More...
For her work of advocating for women's legal rights and an end to execution by stoning, the Iranian lawyer and journalist Shadi Sadr was awarded the 2010 International Women of Courage Award. Click here for a recent interview with Shadi Sadr on Qantara.de...
Inside Islam: Dialogues and Debates is a new-media initiative that seeks to challenge misconceptions and stereotypical perceptions about Islam and Muslims worldwide. Click here for more...
Irshad Manji and Dalia Mogahed discuss issues surrounding contemporary Islam at the Aspen Institute, including the nature of the religion in relation to peace and conflict and the interpretation of the Koran. Click here for the video...
