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One year after the Beirut port blast

Young activists fight for a new Lebanon

The young activists from the Minteshreen movement want to provide an alternative to the political corruption of the elites. For them, the state is more important than religion. By Sina Schweikle in Beirut
Jenin's Freedom Theatre celebrates 10 years

What′s next for ″cultural resistance″?

Last week, local and international artists and activists converged on the Jenin refugee camp for a week of workshops, talks and performances to mark the 10th anniversary of the Freedom Theatre. A report by Ylenia Gostoli
Interview with Nabil Al Raee of the Freedom Theatre

"We need more time to be more free"

Based in Jenin refugee camp, the Freedom Theatre is one of the few Palestinian cultural institutions that has succeeded in making a name for itself abroad, touring from India to the United States. Ylenia Gostoli caught up with Nabil Al Raee, who directed the Freedom Theatre's first production in 2006 and has been involved ever since. Al Raee, from Al Arroub refugee camp near Hebron, discusses the company's new production and how it fits into the theatre's rich and controversial history of "cultural resistance"
Life in the West Bank

The changing face of Ramallah

After the signing of the Oslo I Accord in 1993, Ramallah, the de-facto capital of the Palestinian Authority, became the biggest per-capita recipient of aid in the world. This, coupled with the influx of investment, turned the city into something of a boomtown. Ramallah's vibrant nightlife and work opportunities with international organisations have attracted many young people from the periphery of Palestine, but also criticism from those who ask how an occupied city can be so seemingly oblivious to what is happening just a few kilometres away or so willing to build over the city's heritage. By Ylenia Gostoli
Palestinians in Israel: Crossing Borders

Nearly 50,000 Palestinians officially work in Israel, while around 30,000 cross the border illegally every day from the West Bank to work. Israel does not make it easy for either group.
Film review: "Dancing Arabs" by Eran Riklis

Dancing at two weddings

In his film "Dancing Arabs", Israeli director Eran Riklis presents us with a subtly nuanced study of social exclusion and the snares of cultural assimilation. In contrast to his previous works, however, Riklis has this time steered clear of any folklorisation of his Palestinian subjects and delivered a work that is utterly devoid of pretentiousness. By Viola Shafik
Ali Soozandeh's film "Tehran Taboo"

Nothing but taboos

German-Iranian director Ali Soozandeh says that he made the film "Tehran Taboo" in order to "break the silence". In doing so, however, he has sketched a portrait of Iran that is almost unbearable, especially for the critical viewer with a knowledge of Iran, says Massoud Schirazi
Award-winning Iranian film director Asghar Farhadi

Watching the foundations crumble

How does human fragility express itself in a rigid social system? Oscar-winning filmmaker Asghar Farhadi′s "The Salesman" reveals the precariousness of urban middle-class life in the Islamic Republic. By Jasmin Astaki-Bardeh
Elections in Iran

Khamenei shuts down opposition ahead of upcoming ballot

In the run up to Iran’s presidential election, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sought to entrench his power. Alex Vatanka asks whether a sharp slump in voter turnout will reveal the extent of popular discontent
U.S. de-certifies Iran nuclear deal

Tread softly, President Trump

Notwithstanding the dreadful mistake of de-certification, Trump can keep the deal on life support if he does not immediately re-impose sanctions. This would give the other five powers the time needed to work collectively with Iran and reach a new agreement. Commentary by Alon Ben-Meir