A theocracy on the Nile?
The triumph of the Islamist parties in Egypt's elections has raised fears of a religious takeover of the state. Austin Mackell reports from Cairo
Politics & Conflict
Against the barbarians
Hannah Arendt’s humanism was not the opposite of religion but of self-absorption and totalitarianism, says Finn Bowring
Book review: The Dead Hand by David Hoffman
Michael Binyon revisits Cold War brinksmanship
Return of the moral minority
Fire-and-brimstone evangelists are usually associated with the US. But turn to the BBC at the weekend and you’ll see they’re enjoying a revival on these shores, says Francis Beckett
A time to sow
After a year of revolts in the Arab world, is the region reaping the rewards of freedom? Paul Sims talks to veteran Middle East watcher Fuad Nahdi
Burden of proof: should evidence determine policy?
A growing number of activists are calling for science to play a larger role in policy. But will it work? Richard Wilson asks the experts
In God They Trust
As the US enters primary season ahead of the 2012 elections, Abby Ohlheiser assesses the chances of the “God and Guns” Republicans hoping to challenge Obama in November
The revolution is coming
Can orgasms change the world? Sally Feldman revisits the politics of the climax
Censorship on the terraces
Legislation aimed at football chants will not tackle Scotland's sectarian violence, argues Padraig Reidy
The rise of the female suicide bomber
Al-Qaeda leaders are increasingly in favour of using women in terrorist attacks, reports Mia Bloom