Middle East

Israeli plans for Gaza

A Palestinian exodus to Egypt?

Is the entire population of Gaza to be relocated to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt? This is what a strategy paper by the influential Israeli Misgav Institute envisages. In interview with Qantara.de, German-Israeli economist Shir Hever explains what the plan is all about
Cultural boycott of Germany?

The German anti-Semitism debate is increasingly off-key

These days, anyone opposing both anti-Semitism and racism faces a difficult choice, as numerous recent cases show. Where must we start in order to change this?
Israelis and Palestinians: "Standing Together"

"Help us move towards peace"

Since the war in Gaza, the grassroots movement "Standing Together" has become increasingly popular among Israelis and Palestinians. Founding member Itamar Avneri says they are calling for peace and independence for Israelis and Palestinians, absolute equality for all citizens – and true social, economic and environmental justice
Hezbollah and the Gaza war

Caught out by its own propaganda

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has a penchant for using strong words. His terrorist organisation has no interest, however, in the Israeli war escalating uncontrollably
Dialogue in Germany

An imam and a rabbi tour Berlin schools

Tensions are running high over the conflict in the Middle East. In German schools, as elsewhere, discussions are controversial and emotional. An imam and a rabbi are working together to promote dialogue and understanding in these turbulent times
Middle East conflict and Germany's culture of remembrance

In solidarity with the marginalised

What needs to happen for Jews to feel safe in Germany? We have to see immigrants as allies in the fight against anti-Semitism. With more foresight in the Middle East conflict, a more precise raison d'etat and an inclusive culture of Holocaust remembrance
Germany’s stance on the Middle East conflict

What 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'
Israel's war against Hamas

"The Middle East conflict must be resolved at the roots"

Leading Palestinian intellectual Sari Nusseibeh on the Hamas massacres, Israel's war in Gaza and the distant dream of equal coexistence
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
Aga Khan Master Musicians' "Nowruz"

Sunshine, peace and the smell of home

While intent is always important, it is no guarantee of artistic merit. "Nowruz", the Aga Khan Master Musicians' debut album, is an example of both in perfect synthesis. Richard Marcus had a listen
A German view on Israel and Palestine

What 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
Hamas terror attack aftermath

Understanding is crucial for change

Karim El-Gawhary has been reporting from the Middle East for more than 30 years. The wars he’s witnessed and reported on during this time have led him to the conclusion: security needs political solutions, not military ones