Most recent articles by Andrea Backhaus
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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
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Syrian refugees in LebanonLiving in constant fear of deportation
About two million Syrian refugees have fled to Lebanon since the start of the war. However, since the Lebanese economy has nosedived, life for the refugees has become increasingly difficult. This year, Lebanese authorities have stepped up their deportations of Syrian refugees. By Andrea Backhaus in Bar Elias
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Exclusive: Egyptian activist Sanaa Seif"Egypt's regime must overcome its paranoia"
President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi is driven by the fear of a new uprising, says activist Sanaa Seif. In interview, she talks about the fight to release her brother Alaa Abdel Fattah – and why the West should exert more pressure. Andrea Backhaus met up with her in London
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Humanitarian crisis in Sudan"I'm trapped in the war"
Sudanese are desperately trying to leave their country. But many, like Mahir Elfiel, are trapped because their passports are stuck in one of the closed European embassies. Here he talks about his hopeless situation. Andrea Backhaus recorded his story
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Women migrant workers in Lebanon"Exploiting women is becoming the norm"
Due to the current crisis, the situation of female labour migrants in Lebanon is deteriorating dramatically, says feminist Ghina al Andary. In interview with Andrea Backhaus in Beirut, she talks about how the kafala system is driving more and more women into prostitution
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Portrait of the refugee helper Father Zerai"All these people want is a chance"
The feisty Catholic priest Mussie Zerai is a staunch advocate of the rights of refugees in Italy and has already saved countless lives. A candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, he is known as the "refugees' guardian angel". Many refugees simply call him "Father Moses". By Andrea Backhaus
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Yemeni refugees in CairoAn unwelcome exile
Food and water are in short supply not only in the conflict zones of Yemen, but also for many Yemenis stranded in Egypt since the conflict broke out in their country. As the Saudi-led alliance bombards Houthi positions in Yemen, it is considered too dangerous for the refugees to return home. By Andrea Backhaus in Cairo
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Arabs and Jews in IsraelYou can't tear us apart
Israeli society is divided. Most Israeli Arabs and Jews live in separate worlds. Most, but not all. Andrea Backhaus presents three inspiring examples of co-existence in Israel
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On the death of the Egyptian activist Ahmed Seif al-IslamAn indomitable fighter and visionary
Ahmed Seif al-Islam was one of Egypt's most important human rights activists. He died in late August at the age of 63 following a heart operation. An obituary by Andrea Backhaus in Cairo
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Interview with Hani Shukrallah"Egypt's Media Are Propaganda Machines"
In this interview with Andrea Backhaus, the renowned Egyptian journalist and political scientist Hani Shukrallah criticises the way the Egyptian military is using the media to its own political ends and the blatant opportunism of many of the country's journalists
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Political Crisis on the NileThe Blind Faith of Egyptian Women in the Military
Many Egyptian women felt oppressed by the Muslim Brotherhood. As a result, they vehemently support the military and do not question its methods. Andrea Backhaus reports from Cairo