Saudi Arabia
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Tunisia's Carthage Film Festival
Decolonial cinema
The Carthage Film Festival in Tunis aims to counter the Global North's dominance in the world of film. Until Sunday, a diverse range of films from Africa and West Asia will be screened. But can the festival truly fulfil its own ambitions?
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Trump and the Gulf States
Skeptical optimism in the Gulf
Saudi Arabia and the Emirates hope to reap economic benefits from the Trump presidency. But the Gulf has learned that Washington cannot be relied upon. Meanwhile, the Saudis could push Trump to take a tougher stance towards Israel.
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Muslim month of pilgrimage
Hajj – a vision of interfaith solidarity
When Muslims turn to the Kaaba as a common centre point, they are reminded of their sacred bond with the entire human race and their special relationship with the other Abrahamic religions
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Israel, the USA and the Islamic Republic
Understanding Iran's "offensive-defensive" strategy
April 2024 not only saw Iran's unprecedented direct assault on Israel but also a violent crackdown on women in Iran refusing to wear the hijab. So what is behind Tehran's conflicting sense of hubris and insecurity?
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Biden's plan for a Middle East ceasefire
What Gaza exit strategy?
U.S. President Biden's plan to end the war in Gaza ignores important questions. As long as it is not clear who will control the Gaza Strip once the war is over, there will be no lasting solution. An analysis
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USA and Saudi Arabia
Nuclear deal likely to prompt a Middle East arms race?
One part of a predicted, closer U.S.-Saudi relationship is particularly controversial. Experts fear Saudi Arabia may use a civilian nuclear energy programme, supported by the U.S., to develop their own atomic bombs
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Migration
Why young Africans try their luck in Saudi Arabia
Every year, thousands of people die making the crossing from Senegal to Europe in rickety fishing boats. Many others from West Africa head for Saudi Arabia, where they end up as undocumented migrants – without papers, rights and prospects.
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Saudi Arabia
Women drive the Kingdom's thriving startup scene
A flourishing entrepreneurial scene is transforming the Saudi business world. Startups contribute to the nation's branding efforts and aim to tackle unemployment, as the Gulf state aims to move away from its dependence on oil
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Iran drone attacks
Why did some Arab countries help Israel?
Some analysts saw the fact that Arab nations helped Israel and the U.S. repel a major Iranian attack as cause for celebration. Countries like Jordan have, however, more complicated motivations for coming to Israel's aid
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Desert X AlUla 2024
"The desert is demanding new ways of seeing"
Over the past three years, there has been a shift in perception around the Saudi Arabian art scene, and at this year's DesertX, artists benefitted from freer expression
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Arabian Peninsula
Dawn of a new era in the Gulf
Political scientist Sebastian Sons describes in his new book how societies on the Arabian Peninsula are undergoing multiple changes simultaneously as they search for a new identity
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Contemporary Art Biennale in Riyadh
What comes after the rain
For the second time, a biennale for contemporary art is taking place in Riyadh. It stands for Saudi Arabia's new policy of opening up and focuses on the theme of nature and environment. A report from Riyadh