Qantara Startseite Englisch - Dialogue with the Islamic world
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Child labour in EgyptNew regulations won't end poverty
Whether in supermarkets, workshops or factories, child labour is ubiquitous in Egypt. A new law aims to curb it, but labour laws alone will not solve the structural problems that drive children to work.
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Rebuilding KhartoumThe same old tale of power and exclusion
While Sudan's de facto government focuses on reviving the capital, its reconstruction policies follow a familiar pattern: channelling resources to the centre while neglecting the marginalised, war-torn periphery.
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Islah HassniyyehGaza's feminist legal pioneer
Islah Hassniyyeh was the first woman to open a law firm in Gaza. In September, she died under Israeli blockade in Gaza City. A portrait of a trailblazing lawyer and lifelong advocate for women's rights in Palestine.
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50 years of occupation in Western SaharaThe "pearl of the south" is still not free
Morocco celebrates Sahrawi heritage through state TV, tourism campaigns and festivals. But self-determination for Western Sahara remains a distant prospect, while the central government deepens its hold on the territory through major development projects.
Politics
More about Politics-
Morocco protests"Gen Z has surprised the political elites"
For two weeks, a group called Generation Z 212 led mass youth protests across Morocco, demanding reforms in healthcare and education. Researcher Mohamed Sammouni says the movement lays bare a crisis of political legitimacy.
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Israeli-Palestinian conflict"Jerusalem is the key to a political solution"
Peace through interdependence? According to Yudith Oppenheimer and Amy Cohen of Israeli NGO Ir Amim, a shared capital city could pave the way for an end to the violence.
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Interview with Ex-Guantanamo Detainee Sami al Hajj''The Guards Are Prisoners Too''
Exactly 10 years ago the first plane carrying detainees landed in Guantanamo Bay. Since then, 779 men have been detained without charge and without trial, with 171 of them still being held in Cuba. Sami al Hajj, a Sudanese journalist, was one of them. Stephanie Doetzer met him in Doha
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Acquittal of Opposition Leader Anwar IbrahimA Small Victory for Democracy in Malaysia
It was a trial with many scandalous facets: Anwar Ibrahim, one of Malaysia's most prominent politicians, had been charged with homosexuality – in the eyes of many, a politically motivated manoeuvre orchestrated by the government. The acquittal came as something of a surprise, and is a small victory for Malaysia's democracy movement, says Andy Budiman
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Morocco and the Arab SpringReform, Not Revolution
Mohammed VI, Morocco's king, responded fast to the protests of the Arab spring. After constitutional reform, he can no longer chose the head of government on his own. This change has enhanced his legitimacy. By Helmut Reifeld
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Searches of NGO Offices in EgyptBetween the Fronts
The searches of international and local non-governmental organisations in Egypt not only serve to repress civil society, but are also an attempt by the military council to restore its own credibility. By Matthias Sailer
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Twelve Months after the Start of the Arab SpringYear Two of the Rebellions
According to Middle East expert Volker Perthes, the phrase "Arab Spring" is misleading because the Arab World is only at the start of what will be a prolonged period of change. Perthes identifies four factors that will have a major influence on how things develop in the region
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The Arab League's Observer Mission in SyriaStaring into the Abyss
An effective way of exerting pressure, or nothing but a farce? Still in the early stages, or has it already failed? Many different questions are being raised overseas about the Arab League's observer mission to Syria, and the answers given by Syrians on the ground are equally varied. Hubertus Ecker has been finding out more in Damascus
Society
More about Society-
Syrian reconstruction"Debris isn't waste"
Concrete, brick, steel: Aref al-Swaidani wants to rebuild Syria from its ruins. In Weimar he’s conducting research on recycling building materials.
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"Nostra Aetate" at 60A landmark for Muslim-Christian understanding
Six decades on, the message of mutual respect between faiths, enshrined in the Catholic Church's "Nostra Aetate", feels as urgent as ever. It's a reminder that dialogue is not naïve, but necessary.
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The Centre for Arab and Mediterranean Music (CMAM)The Perfect Place for Musical Dialogue
The CMAM has become one of the most important facilities for European-Arab cultural exchange. The centre is a popular location for international concerts. By Martina Sabra
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Obituary: Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd
Pioneer of Progressive Interpretations of the Koran
Egyptian Koran expert Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd was one of the leading Islamic reformist thinkers of our time. Abu Zayd passed away at the age of 66. Loay Mudhoon looks back
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Thorsten Gerald Schneiders on Hostility towards Islam
"An Outlet for Suppressed Intolerance"
The public debate on integration of Muslims is dominated by a general disapproval of Islam. Conversely, many Muslims reflexively defend their religion. Nimet Seker spoke with political scientist and author Thorsten Gerald Schneiders
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The Arab-Israeli Internet Portal "OneMideast"
"Dialogue Is Possible"
Syria and Israel are still officially in a state of war. The "OneMideast" Internet portal hopes to finally bring Syrians and Israelis into contact with each other. By Birgit Kaspar
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Interview with the Poet SAID
"I Have Defended My Piety against the Islamic Republic"
Since 1965 the poet SAID has lived in exile in Germany, and has found a new home in the German language. In his new book of essays, SAID involves Orient and Occident in a discussion over their common cultural roots. Eren Güvercin spoke to him
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The Intercultural City of Neukölln
Image Change through Cultural Diversity
For a long time, Neukölln was regarded as a prime example of an urban district with problems. Yet this Berlin district is becoming increasingly trendy among students and artists. Targeted political measures are one reason for the change of image. Janna Degener reports
Culture
More about Culture-
"In the Land of the Forgotten" by Aliyeh AtaeiStories of war and the fight for freedom
With a keen sense for nuance, Aliyeh Ataei describes a life between Iran and Afghanistan, one marked by resistance, a search for identity and constant confrontation with social norms.
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AlgeriaA DIY cultural renaissance
A new independent, youth-led movement is reshaping Algerian culture. Four young artists reflect on their experiences and efforts to carve out space outside of official frameworks.
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Muslim Authors at the First South African Book Fair
Variety as a Community Reality
The "Celebrate Africa" book fair in Cape Town was the biggest of its kind ever to be held on African soil. Renowned Muslim writers like Imraan Coovadia und Rayda Jacobs were also invited to attend. Almuth Schellpeper reports
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Interview with Jafar Panahi
Offside Rules
Jafar Panahi, acclaimed director of Offside, a black comedy talks about a group of Iranian female football fans who are banned from watching a live world cup qualifying match.
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Interview with Siddiq Barmak
An Afghan View of Suffering
"Osama" is the first full-length film to emerge from Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime. It is an attempt to come to terms with the country's history – and it already won a Golden Globe Award. Amin Farzanefar spoke with the film's director, Siddiq Barmak
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Pramoedya Ananta Toer
Indonesian Author Leaves Blueprint for Pluralism
Pramoedya Ananta Toer, once considered Asia's most promising candidate for a Nobel Prize in literature, has recently died, aged 81, still unknown to many in his homeland. The great writer is now in danger of falling into oblivion, writes Lachlyn Soper
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Abdullah Abu Sayeed
Magsaysay Prize for Social Engagement
At the end of August seven people from Asia were awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Prize in Manila. Abdullah Abu Sayeed is one of the prize winners. Ronald Meinardus introduces him
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Jafar Panahi's "Offside"
Protected from the Profanities of the Bellowing Fans
The Iranian film "Offside" is about a group of girl soccer fans who smuggle themselves into Tehran's Azadi Stadium, despite the ban on women spectators. Ariana Mirza presents Offside and its director Jafar Panahi
750th anniversary of Rumi's death
750th anniversary of Rumi's death - Qantara.de
Most read articles
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Kinderarbeit in Ägypten
Armut lässt sich nicht verbieten
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Interview mit Andreas Jacobs
Ägypten im festen Griff der Generäle
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Marokkos Berberbewegung
Der lange Weg zur Anerkennung
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Prostitution in Tunesien
Das Verdeckte offenlegen
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Ehe und Liebe in Ägypten
Der lange Weg zu einem modernen Familienbild
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Interview mit dem Historiker David Motadel
Muslime als Lückenbüßer an der Ostfront