Most recent articles by Claudia Mende
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The Gulf StatesA Hypermodern Centre of the Modern Global Economy
While in the traditional core countries of the Arab World people are rising up against stagnation, the Gulf is busy showcasing itself as the spearhead of modernisation. In his new book, Rainer Hermann writes that the Gulf States demonstrate what Arabs can accomplish when given the necessary freedom
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A Glowing Future in JordanThe Nuclear Plans of King Abdallah II Provoke Discontent
Even after Fukushima, new nuclear plants are being planned around the globe. Jordan wants to have its first nuclear power plant in operation by 2019. But the King's plans to enter the nuclear age have already provoked resistance from certain sections of the population. Claudia Mende reports from Amman
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Parallels between Anti-Semitism and 'Criticism of Islam'Treading a Thin Line
For Wolfgang Benz, the stigmatisation of Jews through anti-Semitism is most certainly comparable with the exclusion of Muslims as a manifestation of hostility towards and hatred of Islam. In his new book, the historian takes stock and highlights new dangers for western societies in their behaviour towards minorities. By Claudia Mende
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Radical Critics of Islam and IslamophobiaDenying the Individuality of Minority Members
At a recent conference in Germany looking at radical critics of Islam, there was consensus that it was about time that politicians and society looked more seriously at the growing defamation of Muslims. By Claudia Mende
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The Jordan River Peace Park ProjectPeace through Environmental Protection
The environmental organization Friends of the Earth Middle East is planning to set up a peace park on the banks of the River Jordan in the hope of fostering environmental protection and economic development in the region. Claudia Mende reports
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Protests in JordanCrumbling Taboos
At first glance, the political situation in Jordan would appear to be stable. Beneath the surface, however, the unrest in the Hashemite kingdom is growing. Although King Abdullah has reacted to the pressure from the streets by appointing a new prime minister, the country is still waiting for real reforms. By Claudia Mende
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Stefan Meining's Book on the History of the Islamist Scene in GermanyA Mosque in Munich
In his book Eine Moschee in Deutschland (A Mosque in Germany), Stefan Meining claims that the Islamist scene in Germany was systematically nurtured by the intelligence services. At the centre of the story is a mosque in Munich. But is there any truth behind the alleged connections to al-Qaeda and the terrorist attacks of 11 September? A review by Claudia Mende
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Syria: The Opposition and the ChurchA Slap in the Face for the Pro-Democracy Movement
While church leaders pledge their support for the Assad regime, Christians in Syria are backing the protest movement for democratic change. The endorsement of the regime's propaganda slogans by the representatives of the churches puts them in an increasingly precarious position, as Claudia Mende reports
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Islamic Children's BooksIntegration through Early Reading
Until now, there were no books for Muslim children in Germany, and this is why Ahmad Milad Karimi founded his own publishing house. In this interview with Claudia Mende, he explains how he aims to convey a tolerant image of Islam through his books
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Interview with Tariq Ramadan
''We Are Europeans''
Tariq Ramadan is considered by many one of Europe's most influential intellectuals. In this interview with Claudia Mende, the Swiss Muslim academic talks about his understanding of European citizenship, his concept of sharia, and the shortcomings of a literal interpretation of the Koran