Society

Heatwave in Egypt

"Not only the prices are going up, the temperatures are too"

People in Egypt are currently in the grip of a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. Even Egyptians, who are generally used to the heat, are finding it hard to cope. Karim El-Gawhary reports from Cairo
By Karim El-Gawhary
Migration from Libya

'I'm determined to try again'

There are around 700,000 foreigners living in Libya, many of them migrants who'd like to make their way to Europe. Some of those who were turned back want to try again. By Islam Alatrash
By Islam Alatrash
Soccer in Yemen

Yemen's young footballers give the country hope

Little football has been played in war-torn Yemen since 2014. Yet with the ceasefire holding and the Under-17s narrowly missing World Cup qualification, the beautiful game could help bring some joy and unity to a divided country. By John Duerden
By John Duerden
Archaeological site in the West Bank

Dispute about the site of biblical Samaria intensifies

In the Palestinian village of Sebastia in the West Bank, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers are becoming more frequent. A long-simmering conflict over archaeological treasures in the village threatens to escalate. Details from Joseph Croitoru
By Joseph Croitoru
Introducing Sufism

A longing deep within us

Islam thrives on diversity, something that is particularly apparent within its body of mystic practice, known as Sufism. In his new book, Marian Brehmer introduces us to the many forms of Islamic mysticism. By Lisa Neal
By Lisa Neal
Sisi's grand economic plan

Rediscovering sport in Egypt

With its 2030 Strategic Vision, President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's regime is turning the spotlight of government attention onto Egypt's sporting sector. The aim? To underpin the country's foreign and domestic political objectives using alternative sources of income.
By Nouran Sayed Ahmed
10 years of Egypt's Sisi regime

Why are Egyptian human rights abuses ignored?

Egyptian activists complain the international community often talks about Egypt's crisis-ridden economy, but says far less about its dire human rights situation. Cathrin Schaer asks, why is one seen as more important than the other?
By Cathrin Schaer
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Newcastle Utd

Saudi Arabia's sports binge

After years of relentless spending, Saudi Arabia is now a central player in the world's most lucrative sports. Critics say it is sportswashing, but is there an economic payoff that makes it all worth it? Arthur Sullivan reports
By Arthur Sullivan
The headscarf controversy

End of Germany's culture war?

Berlin is the last federal state in Germany to approve the wearing of headscarves by teachers. The fact that the courts have had to demand this time and again does not however reflect well on German politics. By Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax
Historical revisionism in India

Modi rewrites the history books

The Indian government under Narendra Modi has altered textbooks to remove references to Mahatma Gandhi's opposition to Hindu nationalism and other controversial issues. By Adil Bhat
By Adil Bhat
United Kingdom

Diversity – merely window-dressing?

"Diversity" is the order of the day; everyone is focused on diversity. But our popular understanding of diversity falls far short of the mark. By Daniel Bax
By Daniel Bax
Islamic feminism

Evolving gender rights

In her latest book – "Journeys Toward Gender Equality in Islam" – legal anthropologist and activist Ziba Mir-Hosseini talks to six leading Muslim reformists about gender, women's rights and the latter's evolution over time. Interview by Tugrul von Mende
By Tugrul von Mende