Dictatorship

Tunisia under Kais Saied

Civil society in survival mode

Since his re-election last year, Tunisian President Kais Saied has consolidated his authoritarian rule, silencing dissent and attacking marginalised groups. The EU must support Tunisian civil society rather than reinforcing Saied's populist narrative.
Public space in Syria

Where Damascus goes to breathe

Before the war, Mount Qasioun was a refuge for the people of Damascus, a rare space for freedom and intimacy. After Assad's fall, it was briefly reclaimed as a public space, but now large-scale private developments threaten to take it over.
On the Death of Pope Shenouda III

A Pragmatist Who Was Not Afraid to Take a Stand

Pope Shenouda III, the head of the Christian Coptic Church, passed away last weekend. Throughout his time as Coptic spiritual leader, he faced a variety of challenges from all sides: Islamisation, dictatorship and even revolution. His successor has yet to be named. Karim El-Gawhary reports from Cairo