Society
Topics
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Journalists in Gaza
A new generation bears witness
A new cohort of young Palestinian journalists has emerged in Gaza, reshaping the narrative and exposing the failures of Western media. This influence has come at a cost: 232 journalists have been killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023.
By Ramzy Baroud -
Afghans in Pakistan
Ruthless displacement
Pakistan's border with Afghanistan is the site of one of the largest mass displacements in modern times. Since 2023, more than a million Afghans—many of whom lived in Pakistan for decades—have been forced to return to a country where they face few prospects.
By Emran Feroz -
Displacement in Gaza
A whole life in one bag
The Israeli offensive in Gaza has displaced thousands of people multiple times. Many carry with them a single bag containing identity documents, a few personal belongings and traces of the lives they left behind.
By Doaa Shaheen -
Islam and language activism
The politics of Qur'an translation
Around the world, the Qur'an is being translated into marginalised languages, reflecting a global trend toward preserving cultural heritage. These translations often serve political goals, but can also save endangered languages from extinction.
By Johanna Pink -
Christians in Syria
Fear lingers in an ancient community
In the predominantly Christian town of Maaloula, residents hold differing views on al-Sharaa and the safety of their community in the new Syria. For many, memories of the 2013 Nusra Front attack remain—and mistrust runs deep.
By Florian Neuhof -
Christianity and Islam
The Muslim Jesus
Both Muslims and Christians revere Jesus, but they have different interpretations of his life, mission and role in salvation. At Easter, shared themes of resurrection and hope offer space for dialogue.
By Zeyneb Sayılgan -
Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms
A revolutionary aid network
Born from Sudan's 2018-19 revolution, the volunteer-led Emergency Response Rooms have become a lifeline to millions, coordinating aid where international efforts have failed. Their decentralised model offers a blueprint for grassroots humanitarian relief.
By Leena Shibeika -
Fostering in Gaza
Finding parenthood in the wake of destruction
Israel's war on Gaza has left thousands of children orphaned. Amid the devastation, couples unable to conceive are experiencing parenthood for the first time by fostering child survivors.
By Doaa Shaheen -
Syria's missing detainees
"We did not expect so few had survived"
The search for the missing is seen by many Syrians as crucial to rebuilding the nation. Mazin al-Balkhi of the International Commission on Missing Persons warns that the scale and arbitrary nature of the killings under Assad pose major challenges.
By Hannah El-Hitami -
Sectarian massacre on Syrian coast
"I am the sole survivor of my family"
Survivors of the violence unleashed in Syrian coastal cities in early March tell Qantara their stories. Warning: the testimonies contain details of the indiscriminate killings of Alawite civilians and may be disturbing.
By Mayar Mohanna -
Muslims in Germany
In search of a political voice
Trust in politics has plummeted among German Muslims, as seen in recent voter turnout. While some online preachers argue voting is haram, imams in Berlin are actively campaigning for political participation.
By Teseo La Marca -
Women in Syria
Crafting independence
In Syria, women are reclaiming their independence through creative initiatives, from traditional crafts to community workshops. Four stories of perseverance and hope.
By Mayar Mohanna
Most read articles
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Egyptian author Youssef Rakha
"The Cairo I've known is being eroded"
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Filmmaker Monika Borgmann
"Syria needs a culture of justice"
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Displacement in Gaza
A whole life in one bag
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Journalists in Gaza
A new generation bears witness
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Forensic expert in Syria
"Opening the graves is not a priority"
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Afghans in Pakistan
Ruthless displacement