Europe
All countries-
German culture scene unites against far-right
"The Many" against the AfD
Germany's right-wing AfD continues to gain ground in the polls. Many involved in the country's cultural scene fear the party will restrict artistic freedoms following the next election and have therefore launched their own campaign
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Reform Islam
Transcending 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 Netanyahu government
Death zone Gaza: Germany is complicit
For years, Germany has been Israel's second most important supplier of arms. As a result, German weapons have ended up being used in the Gaza war. As evidence piles up of serious legal violations by Israel, the question of whether the German government is complicit in this catastrophic situation must be asked
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EU-Egypt agreement
Dubious deal with Cairo
The EU's planned aid for Egypt will primarily serve to prop up authoritarian rule rather than contribute to the country's long-term stability. Additionally, the EU Commission's procedural approach is highly problematic
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Desert X AlUla 2024
"The desert is demanding new ways of seeing"
Over the past three years, there has been a shift in perception around the Saudi Arabian art scene, and at this year's DesertX, artists benefitted from freer expression
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Contemporary Algerian music
A Franco-Arabic acoustic duet
Djazia Satour is one of the most eminent Algerian vocalists of our time. Her new stage project sees her performing her songs in a duo setting with pianist Pierre-Luc Jamain and bringing to life the sounds and tonal colour of her childhood home.
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Israeli author Zeruya Shalev
"I am shocked and grieving, yet hopeful"
"Dancing, standing still" is the name of the first novel written by Israeli author Zeruya Shalev – now published for the first time in German as "Nicht ich". In it, a child is kidnapped and taken across the border. There is also talk of a tunnel. A conversation about disturbing topicality and the question of where all this is leading us
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Migration and the white majority
Racism can make you sick
If you've experienced racial discrimination, you'll know how it feels. Racism can cause high blood pressure, excess weight and mental health problems
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UNRWA and humanitarian aid
EU releases frozen funds for Palestinians
The EU Commission intends to transfer 82 million euros to the UN Palestinian relief organisation UNRWA. Payments had been suspended following Israel's accusation that UNRWA was involved in Hamas terrorism
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Marriage, religion and love in Egypt
The long road to modernising marriage
American historian Kenneth M. Cuno talks to Qantara.de about the decline of polygamy in Egypt, the emergence of love when choosing a marriage partner, and what role Muhammad Abduh and Qasim Amin played in promoting new ideas about marriage and the family
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Hamas and sexual violence
"No atrocity ever justifies another atrocity"
In early December, it was made public that Hamas fighters had systematically used sexual violence on 7 October. For international law expert Heidi Matthews, the offences undoubtedly require rigorous investigation. At the same time, however, the accusations are also being used as justification for Israel's disproportionate response in Gaza
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Milan's La Scala
Migrant boats make music at the opera
Stringed instruments made from migrant boats met with sustained applause as they debuted at Italy's prestigious La Scala opera house in tribute to those who perish attempting the Mediterranean crossing to Europe