Society

Regime change in Bangladesh

Forcing the "Iron Lady" into exile

It all began with student protests against a quota law: Eventually, military pressure forced Bangladesh's long-time prime minister into exile. Student-led agitations and political movements have a long history in Bangladesh, even before the birth of the nation in 1971.
By Anindita Ghoshal
Crisis Communication and the Middle East

Like and share

Especially in the Gaza war, serious reporting is difficult. Western media depend on people from the Gaza Strip to provide them with images and sound material. Among them are serious journalists, as well as Hamas members disguised as journalists.
By Sineb El Masrar
Animal welfare in Turkey

What fate for Turkey's stray dogs?

The Turkish government's draft bill seeking euthanasia for stray dogs en masse has raised concerns among animal rights activists and many in the country. But some say attacks by dogs are increasingly alarming and that such danger must be removed from the streets.
By Ayşe Karabat
Africans in Pakistan

Magical Karachi

Juergen Wasim Frembgen's new book, "Bambasa Street", is a fascinating account of the traditions of the African diaspora in Pakistan's largest metropolis
By Marian Brehmer
Ahmadis persecuted in Pakistan

Sacrificial animals – a political issue

In 1974, Ahmadi Muslims were declared a non-Muslim minority by the Pakistani parliament. Since then, it has become much harder for them to perform their religious duties
By Mohammad Luqman
German coverage of the Middle East

"Germany's reputation is suffering"

Media expert Kai Hafez talks to Qantara.de about German coverage of the Gaza war, traditional narratives and the link to Islamophobic attitudes within society
By Claudia Mende
Syrians in Lebanon

Not safe to stay, not safe to go home

Desperate Syrians are weighing up whether to stay in an increasingly hostile Lebanon or risk a precarious existence in areas held by the Syrian opposition. The return journey is deadly and conditions in Syria are tough
By Cathrin Schaer
Muslim month of pilgrimage

Hajj – a vision of interfaith solidarity

When Muslims turn to the Kaaba as a common centre point, they are reminded of their sacred bond with the entire human race and their special relationship with the other Abrahamic religions
By Zeyneb Sayılgan
Women's movements in Turkey

"We women have learned a lot from each other"

From the Kurdish women's movement to the labour movement and Muslim feminists: the German anthology "Women's Movements in Turkey" builds a bridge between activism and academia. A conversation with the editors Iclal Ayse Kucukkirca and Handan Caglayan
By Ceyda Nurtsch
Cinema in Iran

Unveiled women conquer the silver screen

More and more Iranian films are breaking taboos – the results are being met with amazement both in and outside Iran. "My Favourite Cake", which premiered at the Berlinale in February, is just the latest example
By Nasrin Bassiri
Germany, the Holocaust and colonialism

Controversy over 'culture of remembrance' reform

Germany's coalition government wants to expand its remembrance culture to include the country's colonial history. Initial proposals have been met with criticism, in particular from heads of Holocaust memorial sites
By Helen Whittle
One family's flight from Gaza

"We escaped hell"

Bombs, destruction, hunger: the situation of the people in the Gaza Strip is catastrophic. Those who can afford to flee to neighbouring Egypt. Mohamed Isbitah managed to do just that. He speaks to Qantara.de about his dramatic escape
By Andrea Backhaus