Most recent articles by Joseph Croitoru
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Nir Baram: ″In a land beyond the mountains″Danger in the olive groves
In 2014 and 2015, Israeli author Nir Baram travelled through the occupied territories of the West Bank. Recently published in German as "Im Land der Verzweifelung", his latest book is the chronicle of that journey and of what he saw and heard among the refugees, settlers, Jews, Palestinians and activists living there. By Joseph Croitoru
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Arab reactions to the coup aftermath in TurkeyThe problem with role models
Opinion in the Arab world is divided when it comes to the policies adopted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan following the coup attempt in Turkey. Islamists feel their position has been strengthened, while liberal and conservative Arabs look upon recent developments with concern. Analysis by Joseph Croitoru
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IS terrorism in EuropeGlorifying terminology
Those who kill in the name of the IS and do an especially thorough job of it earn the honorary title "Inghimasi". Efficiency is everything here. Joseph Croitoru provides insights into the murderous strategies of jihadist suicide bombers
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Freedom of expression in TurkeyAcademics on the run
Turkish universities are coming down hard on academics who signed an appeal for peace, providing the government with an ideal pretext to deal with its political opponents, writes Joseph Croitoru
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Feminists in TurkeyLooking to big sister
The extent to which the ruling AKP party will be able to reshape Turkey according to Islamist notions will depend in part on whether it is able to impose its conservative policies in the field of women's rights. By Joseph Croitoru
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Arab reactions to the reconquest of PalmyraA dirty double-cross
The reconquest of Palmyra is a bittersweet victory: with finger-pointing and insinuations, the warring factions are exploiting the site's destruction for propaganda purposes. By Joseph Croitoru
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Muslim Brotherhood textsOnce valued, now proscribed
In recent months, both Egypt and Saudi Arabia have begun withdrawing literature relating to the Muslim Brotherhood from the public domain. Tracts and treatises that once held pride of place on bookshelves – with some even enjoying official textbook status – are being confiscated and burned. By Joseph Croitoru
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IS and its mediaCalling all suicide bombers
The media is playing its part in today's horror as "Islamic State" showcases its terrorists in magazines, videos and on the Internet to recruit new members. Joseph Croitoru examines how IS strategy has developed and evolved
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Cultural policy in Saudi ArabiaUshering in an era of change?
Under its new King Salman, Saudi Arabia seems to be striving for cultural convergence with the West. People there are happily tweeting, emailing and going to the theatre – and that includes women. Is a cultural turning point in the offing? By Joseph Croitoru
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Archaeological artefacts and sites in SyriaWhen historical treasures become pawns in a civil war
The Druze region in southern Syria, home to numerous archaeological treasures, is still regarded as one of the strongholds of the Assad regime. But that may soon change. Will Suwaida become the next Palmyra? By Joseph Croitoru
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Culture policy in EgyptThe soothing power of culture
Egypt's new minister of culture sees mega-projects as a means to combat religious radicalism. There are even plans to rebuild the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria. By Joseph Croitoru
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Palmyra's ancient queenZenobia, secular Arab heroine
The city of Palmyra, which was recently seized by Islamic State (IS), was once ruled by Queen Zenobia, who became a source of inspiration for modern, secular Arabs and the Arab women's movement alike. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that articles in the Arab media are referring to Zenobia as a "prisoner of the jihadists". By Joseph Croitoru