Middle East
All countries-
Cultural boycott of Germany?
The German anti-Semitism debate is increasingly off-key
These days, anyone opposing both anti-Semitism and racism faces a difficult choice, as numerous recent cases show. Where must we start in order to change this?
-
Fikra culture magazine
Showcasing Palestinian perspectives
Fikra culture magazine publishes literature and art by Palestinians from all over the world. The editors hope it will serve as a platform for the dispersed community to debate and dream – and defend itself against censorship from all sides
-
The Israel-Hamas war and immigration
The end of Germany’s Willkommenskultur
Hamas's attack on Israel, the resulting war, and a surge in anti-Semitism across the country have hardened German sentiment on immigration policy
-
War in Israel and Gaza
Germany's war discourse
The manner in which the escalation of violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip is being discussed is, in many ways, unsurprising
-
War in the Middle East
Palestinian writer Sayed Kashua: "I am scared too"
Sayed Kashua talks about the Palestinians' fear of speaking out about the war, the precarious situation of Arab Israelis and the limits of writing
-
Jewish-Islamic Research Centre
"Jews and Muslims need to talk together more"
The Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel's military response are putting further strain on relations between Jews and Muslims in Germany. Fahimah Ulfat and Asher Mattern from the Jewish-Islamic Research Centre in Tubingen explain how education and encounters can help change one-sided perspectives
-
Iranian music
Mitra Sumara's "Dream": Seventies retro
Recalling pre-Islamic revolution Iran, Mitra Sumara's second album offers a collection of jazz-infused retro Persian hits that will get everyone on the dance floor
-
Egypt's Muslim Brothers
"Who determines the future of the Brotherhood remains unclear"
Since the military coup in Egypt ten years ago, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's government has cracked down on the country's Muslim Brotherhood. Abdelrahman Ayash talks about the impact of this crisis, and how the organisation has evolved since 2013
-
War in the Middle East
International law – a handy excuse
In the shadow of war, the Israeli government is becoming increasingly radicalised. Is the German government aware of this trend and the risks it poses? There are no signs that it is. Germany doesn't even have a Middle East policy
-
Israeli plans for Gaza
A Palestinian exodus to Egypt?
Is the entire population of Gaza to be relocated to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt? This is what a strategy paper by the influential Israeli Misgav Institute envisages. In interview with Qantara.de, German-Israeli economist Shir Hever explains what the plan is all about
-
Turkey's "Noel Baba"
Questions and answers about St. Nicholas
The Feast of Saint Nicholas, observed on 6 December in Western Christian countries falls within the season of Advent. But who was this bringer of gifts?
-
Hezbollah and the Gaza war
Caught out by its own propaganda
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has a penchant for using strong words. His terrorist organisation has no interest, however, in the Israeli war escalating uncontrollably