Most recent articles by Joseph Croitoru
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The politicisation of Islam scholarship in EuropeMuslims under scrutiny
Muslims are facing intense scrutiny by academic researchers. A wide variety of disciplines are involved. But are contexts and outcomes being reflected upon with a sufficiently critical eye? By Joseph Croitoru
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The personality cult of Egypt's former presidentNasser is everywhere
Hagiography on the Nile: the cult of Gamal Abdel Nasser continues to spread, in part because it serves the purposes of Egypt's incumbent president. By Joseph Croitoru
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Book review: Omur Iklim Demirʹs "Buch der entbehrlichen Gedanken"Artfully enigmatic
The Turkish writer Omur Iklim Demir walks a fine line between realism and surrealism. And the stories in his "Buch der entbehrlichen Gedanken" (The book of superfluous thoughts) succeed in creating such a whirl of time and space that the reader is continually confounded. By Joseph Croitoru
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Higher education under AssadStudents leave Syria to prove their mettle
The impact of the war on under-funded Syrian universities has been manifold. Yet German education authorities remain unperturbed by the current proliferation of forged Syrian certificates. By Joseph Croitoru
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Palestinian journalists in the Middle East conflictIn the crosshairs
In the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, members of the press are being targeted by both sides. Palestinian journalists are coming under increasing pressure – even from the Palestinian Authority. By Joseph Croitoru
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Turkish exiles′ news portal "Ahval"Hardly politically neutral
Dissident Turkish journalists have taken refuge with foreign information platforms. The latest of these, in Arabic, has some rather dubious supporters however. By Joseph Croitoru
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Moscow's cultural policy in the Middle EastArab ambassadors for Russian interests
The Kremlin is seeking to spread its influence abroad through its foreign cultural work. The plan is working brilliantly in the Middle East, says Joseph Croitoru
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Islamic State′s destruction of MosulRazed to the ground
Islamic State recently blew up Mosul′s landmark Al-Nuri mosque. The extent of the damage is only likely to be fully revealed when the jihadists are finally driven out of the city. By Joseph Croitoru
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Saudi Arabia′s entertainment offensiveNot to be taken lightly
Saudi Arabia seems to be having a change of heart with regard to modern culture and entertainment. Pop concerts, shows and festivals are a new departure for the conservative kingdom on the Gulf, something that is also having an inevitable impact on the country′s strict policy of gender segregation. By Joseph Croitoru
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Iranian-Saudi relationsFor better, for worse
The West often reduces the strained relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia to the sectarian Sunni-Shia conflict, but the reality is far more complex. By Joseph Croitoru
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Donald Trump the author"Strengthen American Muscle"
Donald Trump has long been known in America as a book author and cautionary voice. He has already set down his plans for the Middle East in writing – and they give cause for concern. By Joseph Croitoru
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Middle East conflictEmpty rhetoric
The West likes to repeat its criticism of Israel's settlement policy but does nothing to put a stop to it. That's why the two-state solution is just empty rhetoric, writes Joseph Croitoru