Most recent articles by Daniel Bax
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Germany’s stance on the Middle East conflictWhat does 'never again' actually mean?
History puts Germany on Israel's side. For the same reason, Germany must defend international and human rights. This is now a dilemma. A value-driven foreign policy would do well to remember the universalist understanding of 'never again'
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A German view on Israel and PalestineWhat 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
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Eklektik BerlinIstan meets Anatolian folkDJ Ipek's space-time continuum in sound
Eklektik BerlinIstan's DJ Ipek – Ipek Ipekcioglu – is famous far beyond her home city of Berlin. Now the music producer has released her first album as part of the musical project "Karmaturji". Daniel Bax had a listen
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The headscarf controversyEnd 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
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United KingdomDiversity – 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
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Joseph Croitoru's "Al-Aqsa oder Tempelberg"Zeroing in on the Middle East conflict
In his latest book – "Al Aqsa oder Tempelberg " – historian Joseph Croitoru traces the struggle for Jerusalem's most holy sites, warning that a storm is brewing in the Temple Mount conflict. Daniel Bax read the book for Qantara.de
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Burka bans in EuropeWhy the burka is so important for right-wing populists
On 7 March, Switzerland became the latest European country to vote in favour of a so-called "burka" ban. It was yet another feather in the cap of the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party (SVP) on an issue that remains a perennial favourite with the Right across Europe. Essay by Daniel Bax
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Islamisation, a racist conspiracy theoryThe hatred of Hanau and its enablers
The Hanau terror attack showed just how dangerous racist conspiracy theories can be. And yet it is a threat that continues to be underestimated. Commentary by Daniel Bax
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Shamstep, dabke and the Palestinian cause47Soul – a band without borders
While Palestinian political concerns are largely ignored these days, Palestinian band of the moment 47Soul is taking the Middle East's music scene by storm. By Daniel Bax
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Ruud Koopman's "Das verfallene Haus des Islam"Cherry-picking for a distorted image of Islam
Why are predominantly Muslim countries lagging behind when it comes to democracy and human rights? Dutch sociologist Ruud Koopmans uses a lot of figures to underpin his theory that it is all down to religion. According to Daniel Bax, however, his approach is rather too simplistic
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Non-fiction: Aladin El-Mafaalani's "Das Integrationsparadox"Demanding a seat at the table
Unlike their parents and grandparents, the children and grandchildren of those who emigrated to Germany one or more generations ago now want a say in how things are done. In his new book "Das Integrationsparadox" (The Integration Paradox), Aladin El-Mafaalani explains why this leads to conflict. Daniel Bax read the book
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Muslim theologian Farid EsackMore than just an "Israel critic"
Some German commentators have labelled the South African theologian Farid Esack an "anti-Semite". But this over-simplification of his views on Israel does little justice to the intellectual and activist, who champions human rights and a liberal reading of Islam, says Daniel Bax