Most recent articles by Joseph Croitoru
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The AKP's version of Turkish historyContrasting interpretations of Gallipoli
Joseph Croitoru reports on how leaders in Ankara are putting an Islamist spin on centenary commemorations of the Gallipoli Campaign and how they seem to hope that these events will detract attention from another centenary occurring this week: that of the Armenian genocide
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The Nazi glorification of AtaturkAnkara's shining star
The historian Stefan Ihrig's new book reveals the fascination that Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, held for Hitler and the National Socialists. Ihrig's book has caused a stir in the Turkish press. By Joseph Croitoru
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Secular versus religious in the Israel Defense ForcesInto battle with the Bible
The Israeli military rabbinate has never had clearly defined competencies. Recently, there has been a growing number of protests against its increasing attempts to "sacralise" the army. By Joseph Croitoru
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Independent media in SyriaFlourishing despite the violence
The vibrant alternative media landscape that has developed in the rebel-controlled areas of Syria in recent years is a thorn in the side of both the Assad regime and the radical Islamists. By Joseph Croitoru
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Protest and culture in PalestineMake art, not war
A recent study by the Arab Studies expert David Kreuer indicates that young Palestinians do not view engaging in armed struggle as the first option when it comes to putting up resistance to Israel. By Joseph Croitoru
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Persecution of the Yazidis in IraqDon't abandon us!
In Iraq, not only are the Yazidi people being persecuted by IS, their sacred sites are also being destroyed by the jihadists. The Yazidis are now responding by forming troops of fighters to protect these sites. By Joseph Croitoru
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The Israeli–Palestinian conflict in GazaPropaganda war
The escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas has been accompanied on both sides by massive propaganda drives. According to Joseph Croitoru, each side is attempting to speak directly to the opposing side through its propaganda
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ISIS' cultural vandalismA trail of destruction
Cultural barbarism prevails in the territories declared a "caliphate" by the radical Islamic group ISIS. The sad irony of this is that its members are even destroying monuments to the companions of Muhammad, whom they themselves supposedly revere. Joseph Croitoru reports
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Syria's opposition writersFighting oppression and censorship
Syrian writers in exile have founded a new association. Their aim is to continue their country's rich literary tradition and to use the pen to fight for political and cultural change and freedom of speech in Syria. By Joseph Croitoru
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Dispute over planned archaeological museum in JerusalemStrife at the foot of the Temple Mount
In East Jerusalem, a planned archaeological museum, which has already been approved by the building authorities, is causing controversy. The seven-story building is to be constructed on the outskirts of the Palestinian district of Silwan and only 20 metres away from the south wall of Jerusalem's Old City. By Joseph Croitoru
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Boualem Sansal's essay on IslamisationFighting Islamists with conspiracy theories
Bitter disappointment at the outcome of the Arab Spring oozes from every page of "Allahs Narren. Wie der Islamismus die Welt erobert" (Allah's Fools. How Islamism is Conquering the World) by the Algerian writer and winner of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade Boualem Sansal. Joseph Croitoru read the polemic work
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UNRWA photo exhibition: "The Long Journey"The long journey into uncertainty
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) recently opened a photo and video exhibition on the history of Palestinian refugees since 1948 in East Jerusalem. By Joseph Croitoru