Europe
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Pete Katz and "The Prophet: A Graphic Novel"
Romantic ideals for a new generation
Often disdained by intellectuals, Kahlil Gibran’s "The Prophet" has remained immensely popular for nearly a century since its publication in 1923. Now one of the most translated books in history has undergone another translation – into the visual sphere – by Pete Katz, who both adapted and illustrated the new volume. By Nahrain Al-Mousawi
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COVID-19 rages on
Muslims begin Ramadan 2021 under the shadow of coronavirus
Surging coronavirus cases in many parts of the world have overshadowed the start of this year's Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with festivities once again curtailed by contagion fears.
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New books on the Middle East
The clouds of war or the dawn of a new beginning?
German Middle East analyst Guido Steinberg and television journalist Ulrich Tilgner have both published new books on the conflicts in the Middle East. Their analyses and their forecasts for the region could not be more different. By René Wildangel
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Iran-China 25-year Cooperation Programme
The Islamic Republic's timely vaccine against U.S. pressure?
On 27 March, Iran and China signed a 25-year accord intended to foster "strategic co-operation". Despite ongoing uncertainty over the deal's actual scope, content and chances of realisation, the agreement has been hailed by Iranian officials as nothing less than a game-changer when it comes to securing the interests of the Islamic Republic. By Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni
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Turkish graduates in Europe
Turkey's best and brightest flee in brain drain
As Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues his crackdown on dissent, increasing numbers of Turkish graduates and young professionals are seeking new lives and better prospects abroad. Germany is their No.1 destination. By Sinem Ozdemir and Daniel Derya Bellut
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Muslims in Europe: Integrated or not?
The Muslim population in Western Europe has been growing since the 1960s. In most countries, Muslims now make up more than five percent of the total population. Despite social tensions, integration is making clear progress. By Aasim Saleem
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Political turbulence in Turkey
Turkey's President Erdogan under pressure
The economy in crisis, approval ratings at an all-time low, rising tension within government ranks: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is currently under massive pressure. Nevertheless, the USA and the EU seem to be coming to his rescue. By Marion Sendker in Istanbul
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Islamophobia and anti-Semitism
Cancel Culture restricts freedom of expression in France?
In Grenoble, France, two professors have been pilloried in a dispute over the use – or otherwise – of the term Islamophobia. Is freedom of speech in jeopardy? By Stefan Dege and Heike Mund
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Refoming Islam: Muslim and liberal
In our modern world, what constitutes contemporary Islam?
Liberal Islam: everything revolves around the Koran. In the search for a liberal interpretation, peculiar constructs occasionally emerge. By Alexander Flores
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Interview with Georgian historian Beka Kobakhidze
Europe risks being outmanoeuvred in the restive Caucasus
The balance of power on Europe's eastern borders is shifting. Georgian historian Beka Kobakhidze speaks from Tbilisi about rivalry and emerging alliances in the region, an impotent EU and disappointed pro-democracy activists. Interview by Elisa Rheinheimer-Chabbi
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MEP Dietmar Koester on Fortress Europe
"The EU allows human rights to be trampled underfoot"
EU parliamentarian Dietmar Koester criticises the Union's failure to speak up when faced with human rights abuses committed by its Middle Eastern allies, while pointing out that its own isolationist migration policies contravene fundamental European values. Interview by Ismail Azzam
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Jamal Khashoggi's murder and U.S. intelligence
Mohammed bin Salman – from darling to international pariah?
U.S. President Biden has announced he will be excluding Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from future talks between Washington and Saudi Arabia. Is this just lip service that will soon be subsumed by Saudi Arabia’s powerful bargaining position? Analysis for Qantara.de by Karim El-Gawhary