Media in the Arab World
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Social unrest in the Arab world
Guilty of gross negligence
The ongoing protests in North Africa reveal the extent of the failure of government there. Never before have corrupt elites been so alienated from the social realities of the ordinary people, says Loay Mudhoon
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Qatar′s political isolation
The latest scapegoat
Against a background of long-simmering conflicts regarding Iran and political Islam, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and their allies have abruptly severed relations with Qatar. Thanks to the USA′s new stance in the Gulf region, both nations now feel free to drastically step up pressure on Qatar. By Matthias Sailer
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Arab identity crisis
What is left of the Arabs?
Despite war and mass murder, the Arabs were never as numerous as they are today. But they were also never as unsure about who they are. Does an Arab identity survive? What about Arab culture? These are the questions being asked today. In view of the political and social downward spiral, all of this is now at stake, says Stefan Buchen in his essay
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Women in Moroccan cinema
Included in the Moroccan Film Festival now taking place at the Babylon Cinema in Berlin, these movies feature the stories of women or were directed by female filmmakers – and depict the many challenges women face in the country. By Elizabeth Grenier
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Algerian cartoonists at the cutting edge
Licensed to draw
In a country like Algeria, where press freedoms are restricted, cartoonists with their subtle criticism of the regime often have a far more subversive impact than mere words.
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Interview with the Lebanese journalist Hazem Saghieh
More lapdog than watchdog
Rather than acting as a counterweight to the ruling class, the press across the Arab world serves the interests of oligarchs, despots and governments, says Hazem Saghieh. In interview with Kai Schnier, the Lebanese author and journalist explains why he censors himself and why he believes that journalism from Rabat to Riyadh will never be a catalyst for political change
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Sara Taksler′s documentary ″Tickling Giants″
Running the satirical gauntlet
His cutting humour led to Bassem Youssef becoming a comedy star throughout the Arab world in the wake of the Arab Spring in Egypt. Yet, the spring of freedom was short-lived: by the end of 2013, his popular show was abruptly cancelled. An American documentary film portrays the legendary satirist. By Rene Wildangel
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Social media and the Arabellion
The myth of the Facebook revolution
Today, six years after the so-called Facebook revolutions of the Arab Spring, the hopes once placed in the social media have largely vanished. Authoritarian regimes in the region have long since succeeded in taking control of these channels and using them for their own ends. By Niklas Kossow and Ilyas Saliba
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Unrest in Morocco
Condemned to eke out a living
Symptomatic of the widespread poverty and oppression within Moroccan society, the tragic death of the fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri has touched a raw nerve among the population. Attempts to defuse the situation are ongoing. Matthew Greene reports from Rabat
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Arab reactions to the coup aftermath in Turkey
The problem with role models
Opinion in the Arab world is divided when it comes to the policies adopted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan following the coup attempt in Turkey. Islamists feel their position has been strengthened, while liberal and conservative Arabs look upon recent developments with concern. Analysis by Joseph Croitoru
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Germany′s first Arabic newspaper for refugees
Newcomers, not refugees
"Abwab" – the Arabic for doors - is the name of the first and so far the only Arabic newspaper for refugees in Germany. It aims to provide information and serve as a platform for discussing integration-related issues. Ceyda Nurtsch spoke to publisher Ramy al-Asheq
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Tunisia's TV spoof
Look who's coming to dinner!
This Ramadan, opinions are divided over a hidden camera television show being broadcast in Tunisia. The presumed protagonist: the former ruler Ben Ali. Does the programme trivialise the dictatorship, or is it an intelligent wake-up call? By Sarah Mersch in Tunis