Islam and democracy
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     Democracy and secularism in Syria's revolution Democracy and secularism in Syria's revolutionUnited, not homogenousIn Syria, secularism is a fiercely contested topic. Assad supporters are using the term to discredit the revolution, while their opponents seek to redefine it. Yet this debate must not overshadow the revolution's central demand: democratic participation. 
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     Kuwait’s political future Kuwait’s political futureCan semi-democracy survive?Six months after Kuwait's new emir dissolved parliament, its members have yet to resume their work. Still, there are strong indications that the country’s unique parliamentary system will prevail. 
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     General elections in Jordan General elections in JordanPosters as far as the eye can seeJordanians are electing a new parliament, or at least they should be. Forecasts predict that two out of three eligible voters will stay at home, despite the king's encouragement and countless posters urging them to take part. Many remain sceptical about the new party system. 
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     Press in Pakistan Press in PakistanStudents switch off from media careersJournalism schools in Pakistan have been reporting low enrolment. Teachers say poor job prospects and industry issues are discouraging students from pursuing media careers 
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     Death sentence for Rapper Toomaj Death sentence for Rapper ToomajTehran's legitimacy crisisThe rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to death in Iran. His case shows how the regime is fighting to maintain its power, and against whom 
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     After the local elections in Turkey After the local elections in TurkeyAn end to AKP rule?Last week's local election results in Turkey are a setback for the ruling AKP party and President Erdogan – but do they also herald an end to the party's uncontested power? 
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     Iran elections Iran electionsWhy Tehran may announce a fake voter turnoutBanned from the streets, the protests in Iran continue. This week's elections will reflect just how much – or how little – popular support the Islamic Republic still enjoys 
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     Best of Qantara.de 2023 Best of Qantara.de 2023The top ten most-read articles on Qantara.deAs 2023 draws to a close, the team at Qantara.de once again takes a look at the stories that really stood out over the past year. Here is a list of the ten articles published in 2023 that piqued your interest most over the past twelve months. Happy New Year to all our readers! 
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     Sudan crisis Sudan crisisMass displacement and deathOver the past month, the conflict between two military groups in Sudan has reached what experts say is a grim turning point. The country's future is even more unclear 
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     Israel-Palestine conflict Israel-Palestine conflictMuslim sceptics, the West and democracyEvents unfolding in the Middle East will have long-term consequences for world politics. Analysing perceptions is crucial to predicting the fallout. So how does the global Muslim community perceive Western governments' support of Israel's siege and aerial bombardment of Gaza? 
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     Climate change Climate changePakistan faces a looming water crisisPakistan is facing a looming water crisis that threatens to exacerbate food insecurity. Political instability and economic fragility are complicating the situation further. The government is taking steps to address the problems, but much more needs to be done. By Abdur Rehman Cheema 
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     Ataturk's republic turns 100 Ataturk's republic turns 100Turkey's enduring identity crisisTo mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey, German journalist and Qantara.de contributor Cigdem Akyol has written a new history of what she calls "the divided republic". Marian Brehmer read the book