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Inequality in MoroccoCeuta was a referendum
Shortly before the general election, the mass crossing into Ceuta has shaken Morocco's image as a stable and thriving nation. The fact that so many people embarked on the journey reveals the depth of discontent in the country.
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Public space in EgyptCairo is becoming unwalkable
Cairo's footpaths are disappearing, its public spaces are shrinking and its trees are being uprooted to make way for car-focused infrastructure and urban sprawl. For pedestrians, the city has become a hostile place.
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"Carmen" on the Egyptian stageRewritten to fit the patriarchal script
A stage production of "Carmen", adapted from Prosper Mérimée's French novella, has captured the attention of audiences and critics in Cairo. While the French novella portrayed Carmen as a free-spirited rebel, the Egyptian adaptation tells a different story.
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Al-Hafiz Tarjok's "Friday of Death"A survivor's account of the Melilla massacre
In "Friday of Death", Sudanese activist al-Hafiz Tarjok recounts his survival of the deadly 2022 events at the Melilla border between Morocco and Spain. His book sheds light on the tragedy faced by thousands of Sudanese risking their lives to cross the desert in search of safety in Europe.
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Europe and the Middle East conflict“Strict observance of international law”
Recently, Norway, followed by the EU countries Ireland and Spain, has recognized a Palestinian state. How should the European Union respond and establish a unified stance? Can Europe provide positive impetus and ideas for a post-war order? How could these be realized?
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Migrant destination EuropeEU gatekeeper Morocco leverages its own interests
Morocco is intensifying its gatekeeper role in EU migration, stopping 87,000 migrants in 2023. Key to the deal is European acceptance of Morocco's claim to disputed Western Sahara
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Jewish musicBreathing new life into Ladino
Noam "Nani" Vazana's most recent album "Ke Haber" (What's New) is a beautiful dive into the rich cultural history of Sephardic Jews and the Ladino language. But there's a twist to what she does with the language: instead of just singing old songs, she creates and writes new material. By Richard Marcus
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Arab-Andalucian musicMusical "Romances" between Muslims and Christians
On 19 August, the Accademia del Piacere ensemble from Seville will celebrate the marriage of Muslim and Christian musical culture in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries at the Cologne Philharmonic. Tunisian singer Ghalia Benali will join the musicians on stage as their special guest. By Stefan Franzen
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Morocco-Europe relationsUnauthorised brokers obstructing Schengen visas
Morocco's system for allocating Schengen visa application appointments has been hijacked by unauthorised brokers. Moroccans are finding travelling to Europe increasingly difficult, despite the lifting of pandemic-related travel restrictions in 2022. Ismail Azzam reports
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Humanitarian crisis in Sudan"I'm trapped in the war"
Sudanese are desperately trying to leave their country. But many, like Mahir Elfiel, are trapped because their passports are stuck in one of the closed European embassies. Here he talks about his hopeless situation. Andrea Backhaus recorded his story
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Italy and Algeria cooperate on energyAlgiers is banking on Europe's gas rush
Following the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to Algeria, both countries are seeking to expand their energy cooperation. This will, however, only further cement Algiers' dependence on the gas rush. By Sofian Philip Naceur
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Palestinian writer Asmaa al-Atawna"No stereotypical views of Arab women"
Asmaa al-Atawna's debut novel "Missing Picture" has been published in German translation (Keine Luft zum Atmen – Mein Weg in die Freiheit). In it, she describes life in Gaza from the perspective of a rebellious girl who is struggling to fit in at school and home. After fleeing to Europe, she also has to fight for her self-determination there too. Claudia Mende spoke to the author
