Society

Syrian conflict

How climate change paved the way to war in Syria

Researchers agree that climate change alone cannot be blamed for the outbreak of war in Syria in 2011. However, neither can it be ignored as a reason this once blossoming country has become parched and war-torn. By Jennifer Holleis
By Jennifer Holleis
Mass expropriation in Syria

How Assad is preventing the return of refugees

The Syrian war has moved through many phases and included a number of changing actors. But one aspect has remained constant throughout: the Assad regime is using the conflict to rid the nation once and for all of what it considers to be undesirable demographic groups. By Stefan Buchen and Sulaiman Tadmory
By Stefan Buchen, Sulaiman Tadmory
Religious minorities in Iran

Baha'is repressed and persecuted by the state

It's no secret that the Baha'i community in Iran is persecuted. Now, a document has come to light that appears to show the extent to which the repression is state-sponsored. By Matthias von Hein
By Matthias von Hein
Germany's Faces of Democracy initiative

"Role models with a migration background more important than quotas"

Lamia Messari-Becker, 48, is professor of construction technology and structural physics at the University of Siegen. Until June 2020, the native Moroccan was a member of the German government's Expert Council on the Environment. Messari-Becker is a member of the Club of Rome International, which campaigns for a sustainable future for humanity. She spoke to Sven Lilienstrom about democracy, climate protection and sustainability
By Sven Lilienström
Obituary: Nawal El Saadawi, Egyptian women's rights activist

Defiant icon of the Arab women's movement

Nawal El-Saadawi has died in Cairo at the age of 89. The prominent doctor, activist and author became internationally known for her outcry against female genital mutilation and honour killings. In recent years, however, her defence of the Sisi regime also drew criticism. By Karim El-Gawhary
By Karim El-Gawhary
Coronavirus in the Middle East

Rumours of vaccine tourism in Dubai unfounded – for now

Despite media reports to the contrary, travel agents say there's no such thing as vaccine tourism in Dubai right now. Currently only residents and nationals may access vaccinations there. But, they add, that could change. By Cathrin Schaer & Gasia Ohanes
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Turkey's femicide problem

"It was suicide!" – a state-sanctioned cover-up?

According to figures released by a leading Turkish rights organisation, 300 women were murdered in Turkey last year. The number of unreported cases is apparently much higher, however, since many unexplained deaths of women are classified as suicides. By Burcu Karacas
By Burcu Karakaş
Ten years of war in Syria

80 percent of Syrians impoverished; 60 % food insecure

Ten years since the start of the Syrian war, the situation for the population is desolate. Prices for basic foodstuffs have risen by 250 percent in the past year and are unaffordable for many people. Three out of 4 people in Syria rely on external assistance for basic needs, while some 12 million people have had to leave their homes. Report by Action Against Hunger
Muslim marriage, Muslim divorce – and the wider family

"Problems are often dealt with collectively"

Ayse Gerner is a Muslim woman and a marriage counsellor. It is a combination appreciated by her clients, most of whom are Muslim. Although Muslim couples face the same relationship challenges as everyone else, they also have to overcome very specific obstacles. By Said Rezek
By Said Rezek
International Women's Day

Fatma Aliye, pioneering women's rights under the Ottomans

The fight for women's rights around the world continues. Fatma Aliye, Turkey's first female novelist and a pioneer of women's rights in the Ottoman Empire, is a figure who deserves greater recognition. By Canan Topcu
By Canan Topçu
Femicide and coronavirus in the Maghreb

Algeria's ongoing war against women – #WeLostOneOfUs

The Algerian state's insufficient response to a recent spate of femicides has driven hundreds of women to defy coronavirus lockdown restrictions to take part in street protests, while also rekindling a debate about the death penalty. By Dalia Ghanem
By Dalia Ghanem
The Pope in Iraq – "We are all brothers"

Can Pope Francis save Iraq's Christians from extinction?

Iraq's Christian minority has dealt with decades of persecution – and many are sceptical about whether a four-day visit by Pope Francis will make a difference. By Cathrin Schaer and Gasia Ohanes
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