Search

"If Germany can be reunified, so can Kashmir"

Calls for a free Kashmir are becoming louder on both sides of the divided region. Can the German reunification model be applied to the India- and Pakistan-ruled Kashmirs? And what can Kashmiris learn from it? By Shamil Shams

The Moria Film School – "...and here we are"

German actress Katja Riemann has made a short yet impressive documentary about a special project in Moria. In her directorial debut, she shows how young refugees learn the basics of filmmaking. The film, part of the Human Rights Film Festival Berlin programme, can be streamed until 3 October. Rene Wildangel reports for Qantara.de

"The people aren't ready" – can Arabs do democracy?

"The people aren’t ready for democracy" has been the constitutional basis for Arab tyranny, its favourite slogan and its sacred narrative for more than a century. Yet, asks Khaled Hroub, what chance does democracy have, unless it is repeatedly put to the test by the people at all levels of society?

Where are the democratic dividends for Tunisians?

Tunisia has launched a successful transition to democracy, but difficult economic and social times lie ahead. According to political scientist Said AlDailami, Europe should focus more on joint interests in its co-operation with the North African state. Interview conducted by Claudia Mende

Climate change and Tunisia's water management challenge

Since independence in 1956, Tunisia has gone to great lengths to mobilise its water resources. Its drinking-water supply rate and the number of households connected to sanitation are the highest in North Africa. But has Tunisia done enough to fend off the challenges posed by climate change? By Raoudha Gafrej

Algerian woman spearheads fight for sustainable fishing

Among the greatest threats to Algeria’s 1,622 km long coastline are irresponsible fishing practices and a complacency about marine pollution, especially plastic waste. The HOME environmental association in Tipaza is trying to change that. By Nourredine Bessadi

Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu faces election decision day

Morocco's police state makes a comeback

Morocco's rule of law, human rights and freedom of the press are under attack. According to political scientist Mohamed Taifouri, although the 2011 constitution includes a large number of freedoms, the state repression that was thought to have been overcome is making a comeback

"Don’t talk about integration, just do it"

The child of Iraqi refugees, Saman Haddad arrived in Germany twenty-five years ago at the age of thirteen. Now a well-known cultural figure in Bonn, Haddad doesn't wait for others to take the initiative. Nor does he let others' reactions put him off. Profile by Philipp Jedicke

Western Sahara activist Aminatou Haidar wins Right Livelihood Award

Over 30 years of peaceful campaigning for the independence of her homeland Western Sahara have earned Aminatou Haidar the byname “Sahrawi Gandhi”. Her dignity and resolve make her one of the most respected leaders among the Sahrawis.