Abdelaziz Aouragh opened the world's first halal shop for sexual enhancement products. It is but one indication that many young Muslims are charting their own course in managing adherence to a faith whose sexual morals historically have been interpreted by arch conservatives. James M. Dorsey reports
While visiting Syria, two London-based women of Arab origin became fascinated by the risqué lingerie openly on display in the souqs and shops of Damascus and Aleppo. The book they now produced is one of the most unusual publications you are likely to see on the Arab world, says Susannah Tarbush
Due to the well-nigh total oppression of cultural life during 42 years of Gaddafi's dictatorship, Libyan literature has for decades been produced abroad. But with the uprising, everything has changed for them, too. Susannah Tarbush reports
Iran's artists made good use of the brief period of opening under the liberal President Khatami. However, the Islamic Republic's increasingly rigid cultural policy is now threatening to wipe out all they achieved at the time. By Alessandro Topa and Roshanak Zangeneh
An extensive collection of Islamic artwork is making its way around the globe. Its organizers hope that it will arouse an interest in Islamic culture and foster understanding between Muslims and the western world. Silke Bartlick reports