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Marrakech and CasablancaTwo cities shaping contemporary art in Morocco
Morocco's art scene is diverse and growing, spanning independent spaces, commercial galleries and international fairs. While Marrakech positions itself as a global hub, Casablanca's scene is closely tied to its history and political reality.
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LebanonShia families struggle for shelter in divided Beirut
More than one million Lebanese have been displaced by Israeli strikes. Destruction and occupation have made return impossible for many from the south, including Shia families, who are stranded in Beirut with limited shelter amid deepening sectarian mistrust.
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Saudi poetry todayBetween nomadic past and digital present
The new poetry anthology "Tracing the Ether" brings together 26 poets responding to a rapidly changing Saudi Arabia. It offers a rare glimpse of a literary scene whose breadth has yet to be fully reflected in English translation.
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Political scientist Scott Straus on Sudan"All the fundamentals of genocide are present"
Genocide scholar Scott Straus has spent decades studying the causes of mass violence. He examines the dynamics of violence in Darfur, arguing that international inaction on Sudan highlights a broader crisis in genocide prevention.
Politics
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Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-SudaniIraq's economic reform experiment
Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani is banking on hands-on reforms and new infrastructure projects to restore trust in the state. His approach has delivered short-term stability and popularity. But Iraq's oil dependence and economic weaknesses remain.
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Lebanese writer Hazem Saghieh"Hezbollah has never protected Lebanon from Israel"
Hazem Saghieh says that the renewed war between Israel and Hezbollah has revealed deep divisions within Lebanese society rather than fostering unity. He warns that Israel's intervention to disarm Hezbollah risks paving the way for a new occupation.
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TunisiaReligion's Political Role Expands
Many in Tunisia fear that religious radicals are gaining too much influence over the country's political discourse. The governing Ennahda party, however, has to find a way to appeal to both secularists and Islamists. Katharina Pfannkuch reports from Tunis
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The Internet in IranTouchpad of the Revolution
Media scholar Marcus Michaelsen's study about the role played by the Internet in the Iranian reform movement shows that blogging for regime change is a serious business. The resulting book is no Facebook thriller, but the story of blanket media suppression at national level. By Sarah Schaschek
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Iran's New President RouhaniHopes for Reorientation
Hassan Rouhani has now been sworn in as Iran's new President. The expectations for the moderate leader are high. But he is facing complex domestic and external challenges, as Shahram Ahadi reports
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Aftermath of Political Assassination in TunisGovernment Opponents Are Put to the Test
Following the assassination of Mohamed Brahmi, the streets of Tunisia are filled with protesters. The political opposition and civil society are facing their greatest challenge since the revolution. Katharina Pfannkuch reports from Tunis
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Libya's Tawergha People Barred from ReturnCollective Punishment
Ever since August 2011 armed groups from Misrata have been preventing about 35,000 Tawerghans from returning to their homes. They accuse Tawerghans of fighting with pro-Gaddafi forces during the 2011 conflict and committing war crimes in Misrata. A field report by Valerie Stocker
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Egypt in TurmoilAgainst the Tide of Hatred
In his commentary, popular Egyptian television presenter and comic Bassem Youssef castigates the growing intolerance and political narrow-mindedness in contemporary Egypt beyond the confines of the ideological camp
Society
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LebanonWhen war reached my Beirut home
In Lebanon, war is a test of social cohesion. Beirut-based author Manal Khader recounts how fear and uncertainty spread through her neighbourhood. Her building's WhatsApp group came to life—first with updates and practical questions, then the tone shifted.
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War and memoryGaza's lost photographs
Through years of war, many people in Gaza have lost their personal photo albums. Palestinian journalist Asmaa al-Ghoul reflects on her family's vanished images and what their absence means for personal and collective memory.
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Inter-Islamic Cultural WarThe Despondency of the Political Middle Ground
Despite their poor results in elections, the Salafi movements have succeeded in putting their stamp on the policies of the Islamic mainstream - and moderate Islamists continue to react towards the Salafis with a certain degree of despondency. Samir Farangiya reports on the phenomenon of the new inter-Islamic cultural war
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Palestinian TerritoriesFishermen from Gaza Risk Their Lives at Work
The fishermen from Gaza have a dangerous job. Israeli soldiers, often armed to the gills, obstruct their work. Last month, a 22-year-old fisherman was shot dead. Bettina Marx reports from Gaza City
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Women during the ''Arabellion''Neither Winners nor Losers
The women's movement in Egypt goes back a long way. But how has the situation of women changed in the 18 months since the start of the Arab Spring? The Egyptian-German political scientist and women's rights activist Hoda Salah takes stock
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Interview with Nader HashemiOn the Compatibility of Islam and Democracy
In this interview with Lewis Gropp, Nader Hashemi, a leading scholar on Islam and secularism, says that the two are far from being incompatible – and that the West has to accept its share of responsibility for the revival of anti-democratic forces in the Islamic world
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Destruction of Historic SitesSyria Is Losing Its History
The civil war in Syria is not only causing human suffering, it is also endangering the nation's historic legacy. Most recently, extensive damage was inflicted on Aleppo's ancient bazaar. Björn Zimprich discusses the consequences of this destruction with Stefan Knost, who took part in historic excavations in Aleppo several years ago
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The Domiz Refugee Camp in North IraqThe Agony of the Syrian Refugees
Syrian refugees are flocking in ever-greater numbers to the neighbouring countries, fleeing from the violence at home. In the Domiz refugee camp in northern Iraqi, 700 new people arrive every day. But the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR and the Kurdish autonomy government are unable to provide for them. A report by Jan Kuhlmann
Culture
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Club culture in GermanySounds of the "Stadtbild"
In Hamburg, Berlin and Cologne, "SWANA"-focused events are filling clubs. DJs and organisers are forging hybrid sounds drawn from South-West Asian and North African musical traditions, asserting identity in the face of exclusionary political rhetoric on migration.
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Language politicsCan English replace French in Algeria?
English is gaining ground in Algeria's education system, challenging the long-standing dominance of French, a remnant of colonial rule. But the shift is far from straightforward, testing the ability of schools and universities to adapt.
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The Iranian Rock Band "Kiosk"Musical Nomads
Iran's rock and pop musicians cannot hope to escape the censorship of their songs in the Islamic Republic – except, perhaps, by exercising self-censorship. Many bands have therefore turned their backs on the guardians of Islamic morals in their country and instead only play abroad. The rock group "Kiosk" is among them. Shanli Anwar introduces the band
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Asli Bayram
Turkish-Born Beauty Queen as Anne Frank
The days when actors of Turkish origin were considered exotic in Germany or relegated to supporting roles are long over. A prime example is the former Miss Germany, Asli Bayram, who in her role as Anne Frank deliberately breaks with the old stereotypes. Nimet Seker reports
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Interview with Neco Celik
"I Am an Integration Objector"
Gettopump, Urban Guerillas, Black Virgins: These are the names of some of the film and theatre projects of Neco Celik, a German director of Turkish descent. A German daily dubbed him the German Spike Lee – a reputation confirmed the New York Times. Nimet Seker met him in Berlin Kreuzberg
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Feridun Zaimoglu's "Black Virgins"
Islamo-Feminism Goes Radical
They are furious, shameless and radical: In his documentary theatre piece "Black Virgins," Feridun Zaimoglu has lent a voice to young Muslim women. Nimet Seker reports
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Interview with Hülya Kandemir
"God Is the Greatest Artist"
The German-born Hülya Kandemir was a successful singer and songwriter, collaborating with major stars. Then she found Islam and wrote her autobiography "Himmelstochter" ("Daughter of Heaven"). Now she is experiencing a comeback. Nimet Seker spoke with her about art and music in Islam
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Interview with Yasmina Khadra
"The Arab World is not just a Postcard with Dunes and Caravans"
Yasmina Khadra is the pseudonym of Mohammed Moulessehoul, a former major in the Algerian Army, now full time novelist. In this interview with Richard Marcus, the exiled writer talks about his writing and the differences between Western and Arab culture
750th anniversary of Rumi's death
750th anniversary of Rumi's death - Qantara.de
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