Society

War in the Middle East

Where's the nuance?

The German debate on the war in Gaza markedly lacks differentiation and nuance. Once again, Germany is going its own way, bringing back painful memories
By Stefan Weidner
Christians in Iraq

The demons of Karakosh

Christians in Iraq are under massive pressure. With the burning of a Koran by Christian Iraqi Salwan Momika in Sweden, the nationwide ban on alcohol, as well as the tragic fire at a recent wedding reception, life isn't getting any easier for them
By Birgit Svensson
A German view on Israel and Palestine

What we need is undivided sympathy

Is Palestinian suffering worth less than that of others? German indifference to the fate of the Palestinians is frightening. A commentary by Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax
Egypt's broken justice system

"My approach was to joke about prison"

In 2016, Egyptian author Ahmed Naji was imprisoned for one year, his writing allegedly "harming public morals". His new book "Rotten Evidence" chronicles his journey to and through prison. Darkly humorous, it offers vivid insights into the cruel and mundane world of Egyptian prison. Interview by Hannah El-Hitami
By Hannah El-Hitami
Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi

Religious tolerance in UAE serves national interest

In March 2023, a synagogue was consecrated in Abu Dhabi – the first Jewish house of prayer to be built in the region for a hundred years. It is situated in an interfaith complex called Abrahamic Family House, which aims to present the Emirates as a tolerant, open country. Claudia Mende visited the centre
By Claudia Mende
Climate change

Pakistan faces a looming water crisis

Pakistan is facing a looming water crisis that threatens to exacerbate food insecurity. Political instability and economic fragility are complicating the situation further. The government is taking steps to address the problems, but much more needs to be done. By Abdur Rehman Cheema
By Abdur Rehman Cheema
750th anniversary of Rumi's death – Part 4

Islam's enormous variety

Based in Switzerland, retired electrical engineer Peter Huseyin Cunz has been a Mevlevi sheikh for 24 years. Marian Brehmer spoke to him about Rumi's teachings in a European context
By Marian Brehmer
Middle East misinformation

Tech firms struggle as Israel-Gaza falsehoods explode

From fake accounts impersonating journalists to war-themed video games fuelling false narratives, tech platforms are struggling to contain a tsunami of misinformation around Palestinian-Israeli hostilities after rolling back content moderation policies
Nobel peace prizewinner Narges Mohammadi

Change in Iran 'irreversible'

Rights campaigner and 2023 Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi said in a September 2023 interview that she retained hope for change in Iran, despite having no prospect of release from prison and enduring the pain of separation from her family
Syrian refugees in Lebanon

Living in constant fear of deportation

About two million Syrian refugees have fled to Lebanon since the start of the war. However, since the Lebanese economy has nosedived, life for the refugees has become increasingly difficult. This year, Lebanese authorities have stepped up their deportations of Syrian refugees. By Andrea Backhaus in Bar Elias
By Andrea Backhaus
Earthquake aftermath

Asbestos lurks in Turkey's earthquake zone

An exclusive DW investigation has revealed the health threat posed by asbestos in Turkey's Hatay province in the aftermath of the massive earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023. Health experts are deeply concerned for residents. By Serdar Vardar and Pelin Ünker
By Serdar Vardar and Pelin Ünker
750th anniversary of Rumi's death – Part 3

On Rumi's trail in Afghanistan

During Ramadan 2019, Marian Brehmer travelled to Rumi's birthplace, Balkh in northern Afghanistan, in search of the roots of the great Sufi master. His visit there left a lasting impression on him
By Marian Brehmer