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Culture in GermanyThe politics of neutrality
This year’s Berlinale highlighted the tensions between art and supposedly neutral institutions. But state-funded cultural bodies don't operate outside politics; they set the terms of debate. Greater transparency about how boundaries are drawn could strengthen trust.
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Iran WarWill the Gulf states stand together?
Hard hit by Iranian attacks, the business model of the Gulf states is under attack. Yet they are far from defenceless: with coordination—and unity—they could establish themselves as powerful agents of change.
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German legal expert Kai Ambos on Iran war"International law is not a suggestion"
The attack on Iran by the US and Israel violates the UN Charter, says Kai Ambos. He argues that European powers cannot preach a rules-based order while failing to denounce clear violations, and warns of a slide towards global lawlessness.
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Mukabela in Bosnia and HerzegovinaA distinctive and enduring Ramadan tradition
For Bosnian Muslims, mukabela, the daily communal recitation of the Qur'an, is an essential part of Ramadan. The tradition dates back to the Prophet Muhammad, was popularised under Ottoman rule and has survived dictatorship and war.
Politics
More about Politics-
Attacks on IranDid the Saudis want this war?
Saudi Arabia's calculations in the Iran war may be different from what many assume. Rockets and drones are flying towards Doha, Dubai and even Riyadh—yet the kingdom could still see opportunities in the conflict.
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US-Israeli attacksThe perils of a power vacuum in Iran
The US believes removing Tehran's rulers will neutralise the nuclear threat. Yet destroying the Iranian state would not eliminate the danger of proliferation; it would decentralise it, making it elusive and impossible to monitor.
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Ahmadiyya persecutionThe weaponisation of Pakistan's blasphemy laws
A high-profile blasphemy case has ignited tensions between Pakistan's courts and hardline religious groups. The fallout reveals how religion continues to be used for political leverage at the expense of the country's minorities.
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Kurds in SyriaUnity does not come by decree
The Kurdish-dominated autonomous government in northeastern Syria is now history, and the country's unity has largely been restored—at least on paper. But can a society brought together by military pressure become truly cohesive?
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Egypt after the Arab Spring"We all live in the shadow of the revolution"
Fifteen years after Egypt's revolution, what remains of its demands? Four Gen Z activists reflect on how 2011 shaped their political consciousness and how resistance is being redefined today.
Society
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Damascus book fairA new benchmark for freedom
Syria has held its first book fair since the fall of Assad. The landmark event sets a new standard against which the government and its cultural policy will be judged.
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Research on Jew-hatred in Germany"Antisemitism cannot be deported"
The concept of "imported antisemitism" is widespread in German politics but remains poorly researched. A new study provides nuance, context and data on antisemitism among both migrants and non-migrants. An interview with co-author Neta‑Paulina Wagner.
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Traumatic mutismGaza's silent children
Two years of war have left deep scars in Gaza. Some children have lost the ability to speak as a result of trauma. A team of psychologists is using new technology to help them find their voices again.
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Education in SyriaReturning pupils face language barrier
Eleven-year-old Ali spent six years in Germany. Now back in Syria, he is struggling with Arabic, his native language, as the new government appears overwhelmed by the task of reintegrating returning schoolchildren.
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Egyptian feminist Nawal El Saadawi"Intersectional long before the term was coined"
A seminal feminist text by Nawal El Saadawi has been translated into English and German for the first time, over five decades after it first appeared in Arabic. Publisher and translator Sophie Haesen explains why it should be essential reading worldwide.
Culture
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Author Taleb AlrefaiA window into the Kuwaiti soul
Does the German literary scene have a blind spot when it comes to Arabic literature? Abdulrahman Afif makes the case for the works of Kuwaiti writer Taleb Alrefai, whose socially critical literature deftly side-steps orientalist expectations.
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New Arab cinemaA reality that calls for the surreal
Arab filmmakers have long adopted a social realist view of everday life. A new wave is now emerging, says Amin Farzanefar, marked by fantasy, uncanny symbols and repressed memories.
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"The Fruit of Fire" by Haneen Al-SayeghFear and rebellion in the lives of Druze women
In her novel "The Fruit of Fire", a follow-up to the award winning "The Women's Charter", Haneen Al-Sayegh follows four generations of Druze women in rural Lebanon as they navigate religious authority, isolation, community and love.
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Palinale film festival BerlinA politically engaged alternative
As the Berlinale faces renewed criticism over its handling of Palestine, a parallel festival, Palinale, returns for a second year with an expanded programme of international films, exhibitions and talks. Schayan Riaz shares impressions from its opening night.
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Cairo's Ramadan lanternsMore than decoration
For lantern maker Mohamed Fawzi, the traditional Egyptian lantern, a familiar sight during Ramadan, is a key part of the country's cultural identity. But a flood of cheaper imports now threatens his craft.
750th anniversary of Rumi's death
750th anniversary of Rumi's death - Qantara.de
Most read articles
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Culture in Germany
The politics of neutrality
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Iran War
Will the Gulf states stand together?
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Attacks on Iran
Did the Saudis want this war?
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How the brain processes German and Arabic
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Sex tourism in Egypt
A bride for the summer
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Juergen Habermas awarded Kluge Prize for Philosophy
″Asylum is a human right″