Maghreb
All countries-
The universal language of music
Music dossier: Tuning in to the unfamiliar
An independent, modern music scene has long since developed in the Islamic world and Europe. Breaking with convention, it is a far cry from belly dance and folklore cliches. In this dossier, we present some of its leading protagonists, genres and events
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Aziza Brahim's "Mawja"
The voice of Western Sahara
Aziza Brahim's childhood as a Sahrawi refugee in Algeria naturally shaped her music, but as her latest album, "Mawja" shows, while she has not forgotten where she comes from, she has long since tuned her ears to a world beyond the camp perimeters
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Political transition wishful thinking in Libya?
"Dangerous status quo" – UN Special Envoy resigns
After "stubborn resistance" by Libya's major political stakeholders, Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN special envoy for Libya, has resigned. Analysts say his replacement will need to disrupt the "dangerous" status quo
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Tunisian film "Four Daughters"
Painful family ties
Two of Tunisian single mother Olfa Hamrouni's four daughters joined IS in Libya. For more than nine years now, Hamrouni has been fighting to be reunited with her daughters. Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania has made a moving feature-length documentary on her story
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Contemporary Algerian music
A Franco-Arabic acoustic duet
Djazia Satour is one of the most eminent Algerian vocalists of our time. Her new stage project sees her performing her songs in a duo setting with pianist Pierre-Luc Jamain and bringing to life the sounds and tonal colour of her childhood home.
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Migration and the white majority
Racism can make you sick
If you've experienced racial discrimination, you'll know how it feels. Racism can cause high blood pressure, excess weight and mental health problems
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Family law in Morocco
A cultural battleground
Moroccan citizens are awaiting upcoming amendments to the family law, especially those that pertain to several controversial social issues
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Gender roles in the Arab world
'The idea of male dominance is in crisis'
Extensive research by the Algerian sociologist Fatma Oussedik has revealed that ideas about family and gender roles in the North African country are undergoing major changes
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The Middle East's cosmopolitan tradition
Back to a Levantine future?
As regional and global problems rise, the once mixed cities of the Eastern Mediterranean may offer ideas for how we can escape our distress
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Destination Morocco
A magnet for migrant women?
Morocco has slowly transformed from a transit country to a destination country for sub-Saharan African migrants – almost half of whom are women
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Cinema showcase in Morocco
Arab women filmmakers challenge Western preconceptions
Female filmmakers from across the Middle East are increasingly being recognised and celebrated. But the challenges they face are not always what you might expect
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10/11, not 9/11
New literary agency for a new approach
Specialising in bold, exciting, contemporary Arabic literature, 10/11 literary agents Sandra Hetzl and Katharine Halls talk to Marcia Lynx Qualey about their tastes and selection criteria, how they divide their work, and what they love (and don't) about literary agenting