Society

Emancipation in the MENA region

The patriarchy is crumbling

With regard to gender justice, things look bleak in the Arab world. Laws typically discriminate against women, while national legislation all too often does not comply with the international agreements governments have signed. By Mona Naggar
By Mona Naggar
The hidden treasures of Sufism

In the footsteps of Rumi

Rumi's poems, though generally stripped of their Islamic symbolism, are hugely popular around the world. Yet Islamic mysticism is still very much at the heart of these verses. Marian Brehmer has spent more than ten years exploring the form Sufism assumes today. By Lisa Neal
By Lisa Neal
Palestine, Jordan and Syria

The woman preserving handwoven history

Women in the Levant have long used needlework to depict the region’s history, its landscapes, customs and traditions. Intricately embroidered panels, varying in style, colour and pattern reflect the different cultural, religious and family affiliations. One woman, Widad Kawar, has made it her quest to ensure this heritage is not forgotten. Marta Vidal reports from Amman, Jordan
By Marta Vidal
Djinns, migration and racism

"You don't have to be Huseyin or Emine to understand"

Columnist and editor Fatma Aydemir is one of the most scintillating voices in new German literature. In her latest novel, "Djinns", she tells a migrant family story from six different perspectives. Interview by Schayan Riaz
By Schayan Riaz
Gobekli Tepe

The Turkish hilltop where civilisation began

On a sun-blasted hillside in southeast Turkey, the world's oldest known religious sanctuary is slowly giving up its secrets. Gobekli Tepe, which means "Potbelly Hill" in Turkish, is arguably the most important archaeological site on Earth
Syrian civil war

Bashar al Assad's killing machine exposed

A leaked video shows scenes of a grisly Damascus massacre by Assad forces. Six minutes of horror from the war in Syria that were never intended to be made public. By Luisa von Richthofen and Khaled Salameh
By Luisa von Richthofen, Khaled Salameh
Southeast Asia

Indonesia fights violence against women with new law

Indonesia has finally passed a bill, ten years in the making, stipulating tougher penalties for sexual violence. Yet activists maintain the country's conservative culture stifles awareness and prevents victims from speaking up. By Arti Ekawati and Betty Herlina
By Arti Ekawati, Betty Herlina
Ukraine war and the Middle East

Will the wheat crisis bring more food independence?

Middle Eastern countries are boosting their food independence to counter the coming wheat shortfall. But despite some encouraging initiatives, existing challenges make food sovereignty almost impossible – for now. Jennifer Holleis reports
By Jennifer Holleis
Turkey's Syrian problem

Refugees – a hot topic in Turkish politics

With tensions rising dangerously amid a burgeoning economic crisis, the Turkish government’s refugee policy – ad hoc, miscalculated and unclear – is making Syrians an easy target for the opposition. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
By Ayşe Karabat
The killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh

The face of a generation

Dalia Hatuqa is an experienced journalist who has reported on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from Ramallah, Washington DC and Amman. A writer for Time Magazine, Foreign Affairs, the Washington Post, CNN, and others, she first met Shireen Abu Akleh ten years ago in Washington. Most recently, they were colleagues at Al-Jazeera. Interview by Rene Wildangel
By René Wildangel
Lebanon's chronic medicine shortage

Zero state support, much Lebanese solidarity

As the Lebanese economy has collapsed, so has the country's health system. Many medicines have become scarce or unaffordable. Confronted with a failing state, the Lebanese are helping each other. Zeinab Othman reports from Beirut
By Zeinab Othman
Repression in Sisi's Egypt

Egyptian media workers – systematically intimidated

Since President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi seized power in Egypt in 2013, he has ruled the country with an iron fist. Civil society, opposition and free press struggle to survive. Tens of thousands of political prisoners, including at least 24 media professionals, are behind bars. Sofian Philip Naceur reports
By Sofian Philip Naceur