In this essay, Lebanese journalist Karam Hilo asks whether it is possible to apply the Western concept of democracy – as is – to the countries of the Arab world. Or does the unique political culture of this corner of the globe call for a certain degree of adaptation?Read more
Following the recent reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, journalist and Al-Shabaka policy advisor Khalil Shaheen examines what now needs to happen to cement this historic step along the road towards genuine Palestinian self-determinationRead more
There are far more pressing issues for Syrians living in exile in Germany than the much-discussed topic of integration, writes Syrian author Tarek Azizeh. Getting organised and participating in public life is a top priorityRead more
″Suslov′s Daughter″ is the inward and outward journey of a Yemeni revolutionary in search of answers; a man struggling to find his equilibrium, while the Yemeni revolution turns from a dream into a nightmare. Habib Abdulrab Sarori talks to Valentina VieneRead more
Following the recent reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, journalist and Al-Shabaka policy advisor Khalil Shaheen examines what now needs to happen to cement this historic step along the road towards genuine Palestinian self-determinationMore
In this essay, Lebanese journalist Karam Hilo asks whether it is possible to apply the Western concept of democracy – as is – to the countries of the Arab world. Or does the unique political culture of this corner of the globe call for a certain degree of adaptation?More
Assad is still in power. But he has nevertheless lost it – to Iran, Russia, Syrian militia leaders and war profiteers. What Germany should now do for the Syrians. By Kristin Helberg
Abandoning the nuclear deal with Iran will leave the U.S. completely isolated, undermine global security and strain relations with its allies, which are already under mounting stress thanks to Trump′s unseemly and erratic behaviour. Commentary by Alon Ben-MeirMore
There are far more pressing issues for Syrians living in exile in Germany than the much-discussed topic of integration, writes Syrian author Tarek Azizeh. Getting organised and participating in public life is a top priorityMore
That the younger generation in northern Morocco are still demonstrating is hardly surprising. Lacking in infrastructure, the Rif region has been economically disadvantaged for years. The area is simply beset with problems. An analysis by Susanne KaiserMore
When a Kurd and a Turk open up a burger joint and an Israeli and a Palestinian start preparing German dishes with Middle Eastern spices, you know the food scene is in flux. In Berlin intercultural dialogue is increasingly a matter of what you eat. By Rachel SternMore
What attracts young people to IS? What can politicians do beyond calling for ever "tougher measures"? In "What to Do about Jihadists? A Policy Approach to the War on Terror", Omid Nouripour delivers an in-depth analysis of the current terrorist threat – and various potential solutions. Claudia Kramatschek read the bookMore
″Suslov′s Daughter″ is the inward and outward journey of a Yemeni revolutionary in search of answers; a man struggling to find his equilibrium, while the Yemeni revolution turns from a dream into a nightmare. Habib Abdulrab Sarori talks to Valentina VieneMore
With great attention to detail and understated humour, Christoph Peters′ new short story collection revolves around Western Europe′s well-known longing for wisdom and spiritual experiences from the East. By Volker KaminskiMore
Actor and writer Aizzah Fatima made waves in 2014 with her provocative play "Dirty Paki Lingerie" which explored what it meant to be a Muslim in the post 9/11 world. Fatima spoke to Roma Rajpal Weiss on her upcoming work – "The Art of Hijab, Kohl Black and The Right Way To Pray", a play that engages with the stigmatisation of hijab-wearing Muslim women in the Western worldMore
Rafiki Jazz′ latest album, ″Har Dam Sahara″, is one of those rare releases which manages to combine the music of multiple cultures to produce a sound that is both unique and harmonious. Review by Richard MarcusMore
Since the outbreak of war in Syria, the entire Lebanese border has become a red zone: travellers from the West are advised by their governments to give it a wide berth. Yet once in the field, only the odd military checkpoint serves to remind travellers that tensions in the area remain high. In the Bekaa Valley, Hezbollah – the Party of God – holds sway. Wielding considerable political, military and social clout, this powerful Shia Islamist organisation is government, parliament and welfare state rolled into one. By Eric Lafforgue
Yemen's cholera epidemic: "The world's worst humanitarian crisis"
Yemen's civil war has brought the population to its knees. In just three months, cholera has killed nearly 2,000 people and infected more than a half million, one of the world’s largest outbreaks in the past 50 years.More
Why did Vikings have 'Allah' embroidered into funeral clothes?
Researchers in Sweden have found Arabic characters woven into burial costumes from Viking boat graves. The discovery raises new questions about the influence of Islam in Scandinavia, writes...More
Jihadi brides, dating and identity: British Muslim women speak out
From a jaded TV chat show host to a Middle Eastern actress who longs to be cast as a ghostbuster, not endless jihadi brides, the stories in Sabrina Mahfouz's anthology of...More
Buddhism and state power in Myanmar
Extreme Buddhist nationalist positions including hate speech and violence are on the rise in Myanmar. Rather than ineffective bans on broad-based groups like the Association for the Protection of Race and Religion (MaBaTha), the government should address underlying causes and reframe the debate on Buddhism’s place in society and politics.More
Qantara dossier: Arabic literature
Our dossier features the latest news from the Arabic literature scene and profiles of famous authors from the Maghreb to the Mashriq More
The German Islam Scholar Lamya Kaddor
Why I as a Muslim Woman Don't Wear a Headscarf
Jordan and the influx of refugees
The true Samaritans
Muslims in Liberal Democracies
Why the West Fears Islam
The Decline of Islamic Scientific Thought
Don't Blame It on al-Ghazali
The Media and ''The Innocence of Muslims''
Against the Islamisation of Muslims
Junaid Jamshed
"I Was a Sinner for Years"