Society

Spotlight on bridge-builders: Lamya Kaddor

"I aim to strengthen young Muslims' sense of identity"

Lamya Kaddor is a frontwoman for liberal Islam in Germany. The Islamic studies teacher has received numerous awards for her dedication. But she also faces hostility from many sides. Ceyda Nurtsch introduces her for Qantara.de
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Festive coronavirus masks

Christmas opens new market for small Gaza sewing business

In the blockaded Gaza Strip, the Christmas season is giving a boost to a small women’s business that produces pandemic face masks decorated with holiday symbols
Emmanuel Macron's anti-separatism bill

Imam Muhammed Abu Zaid calls on French Muslims to engage

Prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Abu Zaid has urged Muslims in France to cooperate with the government. At the same time, he emphasised the need for the French authorities to foster dialogue with the country's Muslim community. By Jennifer Holleis
By Jennifer Holleis
Rabbi Elhanan Miller on interfaith dialogue

"People of the Book" brings Jews and Muslims together

Conceived by Israeli journalist and rabbi Elhanan Miller, "People of the Book" is a YouTube project designed to provide information on Judaism in Arabic. Disarming prejudice with humour, Miller's cartoons aim to promote mutual understanding between Jews and Arabs. Interview by Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Controversial transfers from Cox's Bazar

Bangladesh relocating Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char

Authorities in Bangladesh started sending a first group of more than 1,500 Rohingya refugees to the isolated island of Bhasan Char, despite calls by human rights groups for a halt to the process.
COVID-19 in the Occupied Territories

Coronavirus infection rates skyrocket in the Gaza Strip

Health experts in the Gaza Strip are sounding the alarm, fearing the pandemic could soon rage out of control. Hospitals there are wholly unprepared for the situation and doctors are pleading for international assistance. Kerstin Knipp has the details
By Kersten Knipp
ARTE documentary

German couple fights for girls' literacy in Afghanistan

Ofarin is an association working hard in Afghanistan to provide girls an education. Founded by German aid worker Paul Schwittek it has transformed the lives of a generation of Afghan girls, but now his project is coming to an end.
DW documentary on the Lebanon crisis

A land in freefall – between revolution and hope

The political and economic crisis in Lebanon started long before the devastating explosion on 4 August 2020. But since then, the country has been in freefall. Young people in particular are asking whether they have a future there at all.
Coronavirus in the Middle East

"Pandemic of poverty" for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon

Social and economic upheaval in Lebanon in 2020 has deepened and magnified the poverty of Palestinian refugees. The country's "forgotten" Palestinians are bereft of international support and almost totally dependent on UNRWA. Lifting the restrictions on their economic status would help. By Stephen McCloskey
By Stephen McCloskey
Afghanistan’s academics under fire

Must young Afghans be willing to die for an education?

The latest attack on Kabul University left staff and students feeling desperate and vulnerable. An international letter of solidarity aims to express support for the academic community, who continue to instruct and study under conditions of war, violence and insecurity. By Marian Brehmer
By Marian Brehmer
Spotlight on bridge-builders: Omid Nouripour

Taking a stand against the "overemphasis of difference"

Omid Nouripour fled Iran for Germany with his family at the age of 13. Today, he is foreign policy spokesman for Germany’s Green Party. He argues that societal differences should be seen as potential and vehicles for peace in foreign policymaking. Profile by Ceyda Nurtsch for Qantara.de
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Humanitarian aid in the Middle East

UN agency for Palestinian refugees faces imminent collapse

Financial woes had been part and parcel of UNRWA's work for years. In 2018, however, President Donald Trump dealt the organisation a deadly blow, deferring payment of U.S. yearly contributions of more than $300 million. Now the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees is facing insolvency. Financial aid for millions of refugees is at risk. By Kersten Knipp
By Kersten Knipp