Most recent articles by Khaled al-Khamissi
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Racism in Arab societiesIt all depends on your origins
Criticism of prevailing religious and social conventions is still taboo in Arab discourse. But that urgently needs to change, so that we no longer judge people by their origins in future, but rather based on what they have achieved, says Egyptian writer Khaled al-Khamissi in his essay
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Culture and innovation in the Arab worldWhere are the new Arab icons?
As the photo of Fairouz talking to French President Emmanuel Macron spread around the world, many asked if Arabs today had any contemporary stars of Fairouz's standing. In this essay for Qantara.de, Khaled Al-Khamissi answers this question and asks whether there is a place for up-and-coming stars in a world that is so hostile to creativity and originality
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Freedom of speech in the Middle EastArabs follow fake news, while the dream of progress dies
In the Arab world, freedom of opinion collides with a societal juggernaut that silences imagination with remarkable efficiency. Egyptian author and novelist Khaled al-Khamissi describes the mechanisms of repression in Arab society
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Black Lives Matter in EgyptThe controversy surrounding racism – are Arabs racist?
The Arab world suffers from a system in which people are intolerant of "the other". This racist environment contributes to the growth of hostility and antagonism towards anyone who differs from our sense of what is "normal" or "conventional". By Khaled al-Khamissi
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COVID-19 on the NileEgyptians create their own silver lining to coronavirus
Given the numerous civil society initiatives that have emerged during coronavirus, Egyptian writer and journalist Khaled al-Khamissi finds his faith in his fellow Egyptians restored – there is hope for the country after all
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COVID-19 on the NileHow coronavirus snuffed out my bookseller's life
Hassouna, the street vendor from whom our author always purchased his newspapers, has died in the pandemic, not yet 50 years old. He was a legend among Cairo's newsagents. By Khaled el-Khamissi
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COVID-19 on the NileWhere is the justice in corona-plagued Egypt?
An actor falls ill and receives preferential treatment; a well-known contract killer is pardoned: the corona pandemic draws back the veil on social inequality in Egypt. By Khaled el-Khamissi
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COVID-19 in EgyptSafely through corona crisis? Go on, take my used mask
Even now, during the coronavirus pandemic, risk awareness in Egypt is disturbingly low. What lies behind this phenomenon? By Khaled el-Khamissi
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COVID-19 on the NileOne Egyptian's dream of a brave, new, post-coronavirus world
For decades, Egypt's successive governments have neglected to provide adequate support for science and culture. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the coronavirus crisis were to lead to a change of heart and policy, asks Khaled al-Khamissi
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COVID-19 on the NileThe curse of coronavirus – Egypt, a nation gripped by fear
After a prolonged slump, tourist numbers in Hurghada had been expected to rise this year. Now there are quite literally no foreign visitors at all in the Red Sea resort. But all is not lost; a healthy baby born to a mother with coronavirus is giving people there some hope. By Khaled al-Khamissi