Free speech and censorship
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Saudi Arabia
Women drive the Kingdom's thriving startup scene
A flourishing entrepreneurial scene is transforming the Saudi business world. Startups contribute to the nation's branding efforts and aim to tackle unemployment, as the Gulf state aims to move away from its dependence on oil
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“From the river to the sea”
How to interpret a slogan
The notion that the slogan is sweepingly anti-Semitic falls short of the mark. But extremist interpretations need to be condemned – on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides
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German-Turkish relations
Towards a modern policy on Turkey
Political and diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey are marked by dissent, but the numerous flashpoints in the Middle East are now bringing the two countries closer together. The German President's deft balancing act on his trip to Turkey points the way toward a pragmatic policy on Turkey
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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
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Desert X AlUla 2024
"The desert is demanding new ways of seeing"
Over the past three years, there has been a shift in perception around the Saudi Arabian art scene, and at this year's DesertX, artists benefitted from freer expression
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Forget the Abraham Accords
The Gaza war may radicalise the Gulf
Amidst the growing appeal of religious militancy among local populations, state-led efforts to suppress domestic dissent and maintain ties with Israel could ultimately backfire
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Bowing to Israeli pressure
No more German money for Palestinian human rights NGOs
Despite no signs of funding misuse, Germany has terminated a significant proportion of its co-operation with Palestinian civil society. A long-standing dispute between Israel and Germany was one reason for the move. A report from Ramallah and Tel Aviv
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Pakistan election aftermath
What next for Indo-Pakistan relations?
Islamabad's frail new ruling coalition will need the blessing of Pakistan's military before attempting to improve ties with New Delhi
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Turkey local elections and Internet censorship
Erdogan's grand plan
Ahead of the local elections in March 2024, Turkey is facing increased Internet censorship, with the government blocking web pages and VPN services. The move is part of Erdogan's strategy to regain control over major cities
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The Gaza war and Egyptian civil society
Deep rifts
The war in Gaza has opened up deep rifts between Arab human rights organisations and Western donor nations. And it's not just the credibility of Western governments that is at stake
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Best of Qantara.de 2023
The top ten most-read articles on Qantara.de
As 2023 draws to a close, the team at Qantara.de once again takes a look at the stories that really stood out over the past year. Here is a list of the ten articles published in 2023 that piqued your interest most over the past twelve months. Happy New Year to all our readers!
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U.S. universities and anti-Semitism
Spotlight on freedom of speech
Since the eruption of the Israel-Hamas war, New York's Columbia University has been gripped by divisions over the conflict and rancour over where free speech ends and hatred begins