Politics

Instant Islamic divorce in India

Triple talaq ban divides Muslims

Lawmakers have passed a bill to outlaw the centuries-old Muslim practice of instant divorce in India. While conservative Muslim sections slammed the move, liberal groups hailed it. Murali Krishnan reports from New Delhi
By Murali Krishnan
Assad & Baʹath party rule

About Syria, which is no more

Negotiations on the future of Syria are a far cry from the bitter reality: the Syria we all knew no longer exists after eight years of war, the slaughter of hundreds of thousands, the displacement of millions and the destruction of most of its cities. Writer and political analyst Faraj Alasha offers his analysis for Qantara
By Faraj Alasha
The Kemalist CHP and the Kurdish HDP

Decision time for Turkeyʹs opposition

Will the CHP take Imamogluʹs success in the re-run of the Istanbul mayoral elections, achieved through the support of the HDP, as an opportunity to finally abandon its rigid attitude towards the Kurds? By Gulistan Gurbey
By Gülistan Gürbey
Muslim minorities in Africa

Nigerian Shias defiant in support of Zakzaky

Nigerian security forces resorted to violence last week to end protests by supporters of imprisoned Shia cleric Ibrahim Zakzaky in Abuja. Tensions are high after at least eight people were killed in the clashes. Zaharaddeen Umar reports
By Zaharaddeen Umar
Civil war in Libya

U.S. undermining "any hope for a successful political process"

The warring factions in Libya's stalemated conflict don't seem to be interested in a diplomatic solution. The United States could use its clout to trigger discussions, but it appears to be doing the opposite. By Carla Bleiker
By Carla Bleiker
Algeria after the postponed elections

The closing window for change

For more than four months now, protesters in Algeria have been urging a clean-up of the country's politics and a new constitution. But how realistic is change given the military's iron grip on power? By Dalia Ghanem
By Dalia Ghanem
Third anniversary of the attempted coup in Turkey

"A gift from Allah" for Erdogan

Three years after the failed coup, it's not victory fanfares sounding for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but alarm bells. Can Dündar, former editor-in-chief of the Turkish newspaper "Cumhuriyet", on the day that changed everything
By Can Dündar
Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt

Politics casts a long shadow

This evening, Algeria will play Senegal in Cairo International Stadium in the final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Joseph Hammond takes a look at how the football championship has unfolded for Egypt and its relevance for the country, which was not originally slated to host the competition at all
By Joseph Hammond
Right-wing populism in Canada

Is Trudeau's multi-cultural idyll in danger?

On 16 June, Quebecʹs National Assembly passed Bill 21, a controversial law banning certain public servants from wearing religious symbols at work. Combined with tougher immigration laws introduced by the Francophone region, this would seem to indicate that part, if not all, of Canada is shifting inexorably to the right. By Richard Marcus
By Richard Marcus
Sudanese opposition and military council in agreement

Sudanʹs first steps towards democracy?

Following weeks of unrest, the governing military council and protest movement in Sudan have reached agreement over a transitional administration. But scepticism remains over whether the military will actually cede power
By Karim El-Gawhary
Rising tension in the Middle East

Where are the USA and Iran heading?

Now the nuclear agreement in its present form no longer applies to Iran either. On Sunday it began enriching uranium beyond the 3.67 percent mark, thus exceeding the limit set by the agreement. Meanwhile, the economy is in ruins, poverty is spreading and Iranian security forces have announced tough action against possible protests. By Ali Sadrzadeh
By Ali Sadrzadeh
Right-wing populism

Modi won – but did India?

In Indiaʹs recent elections, the ruling NDA secured 45% of the vote. The fractured oppositionʹs message of inclusivity and justice was no match for Modiʹs brand of jingoistic populism. But what are the implications for Indian society? By Aditi Roy Ghatak
By Aditi Roy Ghatak