Qantara Startseite Englisch - Dialogue with the Islamic world
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Feminism & Pop in Tunisia"The world doesn’t want loud women"
Tunisian singer Emel Mathlouthi, an icon of resistance during the 2011 Arab Spring protests, recently released an album exclusively produced by women. A conversation on metal, feminism and the beauty of the Arabic language.
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Democracy and secularism in Syria’s revolutionUnited, not homogenous
In 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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Claudia Mende's new bookA century of Arab feminism
For over a century, Arab women from Tunisia to Saudi Arabia have fought for their rights, against violence, and for autonomy over their lives and bodies. In her new book, Claudia Mende amplifies their voices.
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Trump and the Gulf StatesSkeptical optimism in the Gulf
Saudi Arabia and the Emirates hope to reap economic benefits from the Trump presidency. But the Gulf has learned that Washington cannot be relied upon. Meanwhile, the Saudis could push Trump to take a tougher stance towards Israel.
Politics
More about Politics-
Israel in new Merkel memoir "Freedom"Merkel's reason of state
When Angela Merkel used the word "Staatsräson" in a 2008 speech to the Israeli Knesset, she may not have expected the enduring intensity of the debate it would ignite. In the new memoir "Freedom", the former chancellor reveals her idealised view of Israel, and her reluctance to acknowledge Palestinian perspectives.
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Dawn of a new eraZero hour in Syria
After more than half a century in power, the Assad regime has fallen. The end of one of recent history's most brutal dictatorships has sparked both joy and deep uncertainty about the country's future. Who are Syria's most powerful factions? And are there any "good guys"?
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Turkey's stance on HamasPresident Erdogan and the shifting sands of geopolitics
Turkey initially pursued a balanced policy in an attempt to mediate between Hamas and Israel, but as Israel continues to pound Gaza, Erdogan has adopted a harsher stance. Tough choices now loom on the horizon for Ankara
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A history of HamasThe unpredictable enemy
The Islamist Hamas has been waging a "holy war" against Israel ever since the movement was founded in 1987. After assuming autocratic rule in the Gaza Strip in 2007, it began arming itself for military action. The brutal large-scale attack on the Israeli border territory was a way for Hamas to demonstrate its clout, writes Joseph Croitoru
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Hamas-Israel conflictWhat are the rules, according to international law?
Israel is retaliating after the Hamas terrorist attacks with massive bombings, a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and possibly a ground offensive. What is covered by international law – and what constitutes a war crime? By Matthias von Hein
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Israeli military offensive in GazaForces unleashed in the Middle East
A carte blanche for Netanyahu harbours risks. This applies especially to the military operation in Gaza. Western governments really ought to know this already. An interjection by Stefan Buchen
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Hamas-Israel conflictWhich nation could mediate over Gaza?
The United States, European Union, Russia and China want to help end Israel's conflict with Hamas. However, writes Cathrin Schaer, Middle Eastern states are the ones who will need to step up for humanitarian and diplomatic reasons
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After the Hamas terror attacks on IsraelThe suffering of Gaza's civilian population
Following the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, the Israeli offensive in Gaza is ongoing, causing high civilian casualties. Urgent humanitarian access is needed. There can be no return to the situation before the Hamas attacks. An analysis by Rene Wildangel
Society
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Post-Assad Syria"Let freedom of the press be enshrined as sacrosanct"
The collapse of the Assad regime must not only mark the end of an era steeped in fear and oppression, but it must also serve as the dawn of a new chapter in the country’s history. Syrian independent media outlets publish their demands to the new government.
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Podcast with Qantara author Emran Feroz"The question is: which human rights do the Taliban not violate?"
In August 2021, the USA and its allies withdrew from Afghanistan. Emran Feroz joins the "Deep Dive" podcast to shed light on the human rights situation in the country after three years of Taliban rule.
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Alcohol in Iran, Turkey and the USAAre all taboos justified?
Iran's ban on alcohol has led to a rise in methanol poisonings, revealing the deadly side of prohibition. The situation mirrors past failures in the U.S. and contrasts with more lenient policies in countries like Turkey. By Niloofar Gholami
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The refugee's struggle for identityHomeless with three homes
In "Heimatlos mit drei Heimaten" – literally, 'homeless with three homes' – the historian and political scientist Aref Hajjaj illustrates his personal experiences from a life led between Palestine, Switzerland and Germany. Volker Kaminski read the book
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War in SyriaYoung Syrians' deep sense of alienation
How has the war in Syria affected the attitudes and perspectives of Syrian teenagers growing up during this tough time? Now 25, Jenan Aljundi was 13 when things turned violent. In this personal essay she provides insight into the alienation felt by a young woman remaining in Syria, while friends and family emigrated
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Muslims in Europe and conflict resolutionMeet Germany's first Islamic affairs consultant
How can local authorities best understand the various Islamic groups in their communities? Or integrate young Muslims? Christoph Strack reports how Germany's first Islamic affairs consultant is resolving conflicts between mosque communities and municipalities
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Tehreek-e-Labaik PakistanWho are the Pakistani Islamists vowing 'death to blasphemers'?
An outlawed Islamist political party with the main objective of protecting Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws and punishing blasphemers has been linked to violence against Christians and the burning of several churches
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10 years after Egypt's Rabaa massacreStill waiting for justice
The massacre of protesters in Cairo under Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's watch was one of the worst in modern history – and one of the best documented. But 10 years on, no-one has been held accountable. By Cathrin Schaer
Culture
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FairuzSongs for a Lebanon that never existed
Lebanese singer Fairuz, now a 90-year-old icon, began her career 70 years ago with mould-breaking musical theatre. Setting artistic milestones alongside the Rahbani brothers, she soundtracked the history of Lebanon through an era marked by suffering and war.
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On fleeing to GermanyPoems that strike a blow for freedom
The new collection "Sei neben mir und sieh, was mir geschehen ist" (Be beside me and see what happened to me) features works by 29 poets who arrived in Germany as refugees. Their texts, written in German, Arabic, Kurdish, Persian, and Ukrainian, provide insights into their experiences.
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Masaa's Rabih Lahoud in interview"Arabic needs artistic support"
Three German jazz musicians and a German-Lebanese poet and singer: this is what gives Masaa its unique sound. In conversation with Stefan Franzen, vocalist Rabih Lahoud reflects on settling in Germany, his relationship with a changing Arabic language and music categorisations
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Berlinale's first Yemeni feature filmThe taboo of abortion
"Al Murhaqoon" ("The Burdened") is the first Yemeni feature film ever to be shown at the Berlinale. Ahmed Shawky spoke to director Amr Gamal about the difficulties of making a film in Yemen and the taboo of abortion
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Berlin Museum of Islamic Art"Islamic Art” goes digital
The Berlin Museum of Islamic Art’s new online portal is the first digital platform in the German-speaking world to present Islamic cultures in an innovative and entertaining way. By Ceyda Nurtsch
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Iraq's art and literature sceneCulture boom in Baghdad
Frustrated with their politicians, young Iraqis are turning their backs on politics and throwing themselves into cultural life. Birgit Svensson reports from Baghdad
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Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya's tributeAli Akbar Khan – sound of the soul
Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya's latest release pays tribute to late virtuoso of the sarod, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. With both men having been instrumental in bridging the gap between classical Indian and European music, it is fitting Bhattacharya should put together this album. Richard Marcus had a listen
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West Bank's last vinyl repairmanVinyl lover preserves musical heritage
From Jamal Hemmou's ramshackle workshop in Nablus's Old City in the occupied West Bank, classic Arabic songs blare into the surrounding cobbled streets. For how much longer remains to be seen – neither of his sons is interested in taking over the business
From the Syria archive: Assad's regime of terror
750th anniversary of Rumi's death
750th anniversary of Rumi's death - Qantara.de
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Let's talk about sex, Habibi!
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Die erste Frau, die in Riad Auto fuhr