Most recent articles by Martina Sabra
-
Literature and Collective Trauma in AlgeriaMoving Beyond the Examination of History
Perception of Algerian literature is dominated by the complex thematic backdrop of violence and the processing of traumatic experience. What are the reasons for this? In a piece to mark the 50th anniversary of Algerian independence, Martina Sabra debates this issue
-
Interview with the Algerian Women's Rights Activist Nadia Ait Zai''We need to completely change the system of government''
The recent parliamentary election in Algerian has made little difference to the balance of political power. One thing, however, is new: there are now suddenly five times as many female members of parliament. Martina Sabra asked the Algerian lawyer and women's rights activist Nadia Ait Zai about what was behind this change, and about prospects for the future
-
The Tunisian Protest Singer Emel Mathlouthi''We Are Prepared to Return to the Streets''
The young Tunisian singer Emel Mathlouthi left her mark on the Tunisian revolution with her song "Kelmti Horra" (My Word Is Free). Martina Sabra met with the politically engaged artist in Cologne, Germany
-
Women's Rights in MoroccoActivists See Little Hope for Gender Policy Reforms
After the Islamist party PJD won elections in Morocco, the future of reforms to the country's family laws remains up in the air. Activists fear a conservative approach to equal rights could slow – or even reverse – progress
-
Women's Rights and the Arab SpringThe Female Face of the Revolution
One year on from the uprisings that toppled dictators Ben Ali and Mubarak, the revolution is still going on for many women activists in Egypt and Tunisia. Martina Sabra's essay takes a look at how strong their socio-political influence really is
-
The Moroccan Fusion Singer Oum''I Am a Muslim, But I Make Decisions about My Life''
The Moroccan fusion singer Oum El Ghaith Benessahraoui, aka Oum, makes intentional references to her African identity in her songs. Morocco, she says, is the gateway between Africa and Europe. Martina Sabra met Oum in Casablanca
-
Interview with Haitham al-Maleh''We Want the Syrian Regime to Be Further Isolated''
The Syrian human rights lawyer Haitham al-Maleh is calling on the international community to increase pressure on the Assad regime. Martina Sabra spoke to him about the West's sanctions policy, the Arab League's observer mission and the prospects for the Syrian uprising
-
Interview with Fouad Abdelmoumni''The Islamists Are Astonishingly Open''
Morocco's parliamentary elections on 25 November 2011 were won by the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD). So what are the challenges facing the new government? And what does the future hold for the "20 February" protest movement? Martina Sabra discussed these questions with the human rights activist Fouad Abdelmoumni
-
Karim El-Gawhary's ''Diary of the Arab Revolution''Portraits of the Common Man in the Time of Upheaval
The "Diary of the Arab Revolution" by the German-Egyptian writer and journalist Karim El-Gawhary is an impressive testimony to the "Arabellion." A review by Martina Sabra
-
The Soundtrack of the Arab SpringPop, Pathos, and Poetry
What kind of music characterized the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt in early 2011? How did musicians in these countries react to the political upheavals? A new album from the world music label "World Network" presents the music of the Arab Spring. Martina Sabra introduces the song collection
-
Intercultural Center in LibanonDar Assalam – The House of Peace
Ten years ago a unique intercultural center was founded in the Lebanese Shuf Mountain. Individual travelers and groups are invited there to learn about the postwar realities of Lebanon or to learn Arabic.