Qantara Startseite Englisch - Dialogue with the Islamic world
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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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Comic book author Joe Sacco"Gaza was where the West went to die"
Trailblazing cartoonist and journalist Joe Sacco reflects on Western coverage of the war on Gaza, oral histories, and comics as a medium for critical journalism.
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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.
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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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.
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USA and Saudi ArabiaNuclear deal likely to prompt a Middle East arms race?
One part of a predicted, closer U.S.-Saudi relationship is particularly controversial. Experts fear Saudi Arabia may use a civilian nuclear energy programme, supported by the U.S., to develop their own atomic bombs
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Arrest warrants for Netanyahu and the Hamas leadership?U.S. imperialism and the "kangaroo court"
The request for arrest warrants against Israel's prime minister and defence minister as well as three Hamas leaders is undoubtedly a historic step. For the first time, the head of state of a U.S. ally could stand trial
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Islamists in IdlibSyrian protesters rise up against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
Opponents of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad seeking refuge in Idlib are now protesting against local Islamist hardliners Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The group is accused of becoming increasingly dictatorial
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War in the Middle EastWomen for peace
Israeli and Palestinian women have joined forces and are calling for a negotiated solution to the Middle East conflict. They say it is the only alternative to the murderous war
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Book review: Joseph Croitoru on HamasThe dark power of the "liberators"
How did Hamas come to rule over the Gaza Strip? And what developments led to 7 October? Historian Joseph Croitoru has the answers. His level-headed assessment of the facts lends this book a particular importance.
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International Criminal CourtWhat would an arrest warrant mean for Israeli PM Netanyahu?
The International Criminal Court could issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his defence minister and three Hamas leaders. If it does, what are the potential consequences?
Society
More about Society-
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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Children in GazaSchool just a distant memory
Children in the Gaza Strip have not been to school since the start of the war. Israel is systematically destroying the Palestinian education system, UN representatives warn
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Saudi ArabiaWomen drive the Kingdom's thriving startup scene
A flourishing entrepreneurial scene is transforming the Saudi business world. Startups contribute to the nation's branding efforts and aim to tackle unemployment, as the Gulf state aims to move away from its dependence on oil
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Reform IslamTranscending the secular-sacred divide
Sherman Jackson's "The Islamic Secular" makes a compelling case for an alternative understanding of 'secular', which is neither outside religion nor a rival to it
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Germany and the Gaza warJewish and Muslim communities search for solidarity
Six months of Israeli retaliation in Gaza for the October 7 Hamas terror attacks have put Jewish-Muslim relations in particular peril. Germany's hypersensitivity to anti-Semitism adds an extra layer of difficulty
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Middle East conflictLife in Palestine before the Nakba
"Against Erasure" documents the diversity of life in Palestine before the foundation of the state of Israel in 1948, building a solid foundation for sorely needed, well-grounded discourse on the Middle East
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Middle East debate in GermanyThe bell of Gaza
With its fossilised premise of "raison d'etat" Germany is damaging itself. It is time for change – for constructive partnership in a concerted effort to overcome the Israeli-Palestinian catastrophe
Culture
More about Culture-
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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Tunisia's Carthage Film FestivalDecolonial cinema
The Carthage Film Festival in Tunis aims to counter the Global North's dominance in the world of film. Until Sunday, a diverse range of films from Africa and West Asia will be screened. But can the festival truly fulfil its own ambitions?
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Music of the SahelJarama – echoes of the Sahara
It's a long way from Hungary to Morocco, both geographically and culturally. For expatriate Moroccan Said Tichiti, the distance finally caught up with him in 2018. Stuck musically and seeking inspiration he and two of his Chalaban band mates made the long trip to his former home. New release "Jarama" is the musical outcome
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Turkish literature in translationHakan Bicakci's disintegrating self
At the heart of Hakan Bicakci's novel "Schlaftrunken" – literally 'half-asleep' – lies an Istanbul torn apart by the gentrifying diggers and a protagonist plagued by sleeplessness and nightmares, watching his life slip through his fingers
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Palestinian pianist Faraj SuleimanFrom Palestine to the world stage
Pianist Faraj Suleiman has developed a style all his own, rich in ornamentation and with a powerful rock energy. At an unimaginably difficult time this Palestinian musician, who lives in Israel, has released a new album: "As Much As It Takes"
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Turkey"Red Buds" – a TV series divides the country
The Turkish media authority has imposed a two-week broadcasting ban and fine on the series "Red Buds", in which religious and liberal worlds collide. The series is apparently too close to the bone
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Sudanese literatureChildren to fill the entire earth
Stella Gaitano's debut novel "Edo's Souls", set between Sudan and South Sudan, stages an epic battle between the forces of Motherhood and Death
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Culture unites where politics divideBollywood – bringing India and Pakistan closer together
Indian movie stars, especially from Bollywood, have huge fan bases in Pakistan – despite the bitter political rivalry between the neighbouring nations. What's driving this popularity?
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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