Most recent articles by Lena Bopp
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War in the Middle EastPalestinian writer Sayed Kashua: "I am scared too"
Sayed Kashua talks about the Palestinians' fear of speaking out about the war, the precarious situation of Arab Israelis and the limits of writing
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Lebanon: Film-makers face death threats'Hardabasht' pulls no punches
A film released by two Lebanese comedians dared to poke fun at almost anything. The result? Death threats
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Life in IraqNo politics, no religion, no sex
Hella Mewis refuses to give in. The head of a cultural centre in Baghdad has already been kidnapped once, but Baghdad is her home, and she’s staying. Lena Bopp finds out why
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Artefacts destroyed by IS in IraqA gigantic jigsaw puzzle
It will be 2026 before Mosul's Cultural Museum reopens. Lena Bopp found out how restorers are going about repairing the damage inflicted by Islamic State
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Freedom of speech in LebanonJail? Don't make me laugh!
In June 2022, Lebanese comedian Shaden Fakih was court-martialled for allegedly humiliating the security forces. She talked to Lena Bopp about coming out on live television, sexism on the comedy scene and the changes in her country
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Lebanese writer Alawiya SobhI'm not afraid for myself
In her latest novel, Lebanese writer Alawiya Sobhwrites about the failure of the Arab Spring and how religious bigotry and patriarchal structures are impacting people's health. Interview by Lena Bopp
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Cartoonists in the Arab worldChildren of the revolution
How are comic book artists in the Arab world responding to the political situation in the region? Lena Bopp talks to illustrators Lina Ghaibeh and George Khoudry about young artists' collectives and feminist superheroes
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Sex educationThe Arab Spring's greatest success?
People in Arab countries have been talking more openly about sex and sexuality for some time now, especially on social media. And for the first time ever, they have the vocabulary to discuss these topics. By Lena Bopp
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Marwan Rechmaoui exhibition in BeirutBut the trees kept voting for the axe
The work of artist Marwan Rechmaoui is both minimalist and complex and embodies the faultlines of his home city. Some of his latest pieces are now on show at a leading Beirut gallery – its first exhibition since the explosion that rocked the city last summer. By Lena Bopp
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Lebanese cartoonist Bernard Hage"I’m afraid you have Hezbollah"
Lebanese cartoonist Bernard Hage has made a name for himself in a very short space of time, both at home and abroad. Now he sees no future for himself in Lebanon, and is about to make the move to Berlin. By Lena Bopp
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Beirut publisher Nadine ToumaDar Onboz' cases full of exquisite Arabic picture books
If she just played with the image of the victim, it would make things a lot easier for her, but that’s not what she’s going for: the Lebanese children’s book publisher Nadine Touma and her colourful portfolio. Lena Bopp paid her a visit.
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Lebanese author Elias Khoury in interviewBeirut's ruling class – "The stupidest mafia there is"
Fifty percent of Lebanese already live below the poverty line – and there is no end in sight. In interview with Lena Bopp, writer Elias Khoury talks about the crisis and about the state of culture in his home country