Despite demonstrations waning during winter, the revolutionary process is poised to gain renewed momentum. After all, the regime is unable to address the combination of socio-economic and political crises driving the current unrest. Essay by Ali Fathollah-NejadRead more
Arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia are to re-establish diplomatic relations thanks to China's mediation. If this rapprochement is serious, the cards in the Middle East will be reshuffled, writes Karim El-Gawhary from CairoRead more
In Iraq, the murder of another young woman by a family member has led to renewed calls for the country's government to finally enact a law on domestic violence, one that has been stuck in parliamentary limbo for years. Cathrin Schaer reportsRead more
Using never-before-seen archive footage from Iran and Romania, director Vlad Petri tells the story of two women in the revolutions in Romania and after the fall of the Shah in Iran. Rene Wildangel watched the film for Qantara.deRead more
Despite demonstrations waning during winter, the revolutionary process is poised to gain renewed momentum. After all, the regime is unable to address the combination of socio-economic and political crises driving the current unrest. Essay by Ali Fathollah-NejadMore
Arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia are to re-establish diplomatic relations thanks to China's mediation. If this rapprochement is serious, the cards in the Middle East will be reshuffled, writes Karim El-Gawhary from CairoMore
Annalena Baerbock used her recent trip to Iraq to call for greater international support for Baghdad and the region. Without it, she said, the country risks becoming a pawn in geopolitical tensions. Giulia Saudelli reports from IraqMore
Following the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to Algeria, both countries are seeking to expand their energy cooperation. This will, however, only further cement Algiers' dependence on the gas rush. By Sofian Philip NaceurMore
In Iraq, the murder of another young woman by a family member has led to renewed calls for the country's government to finally enact a law on domestic violence, one that has been stuck in parliamentary limbo for years. Cathrin Schaer reportsMore
The Iranian regime has pledged to mete out harsh punishments to those responsible for suspected poison attacks on girls’ schools. Such promises ring hollow. If nothing else, the state appears to tolerate the mysterious poisonings. Analysis by Ali SadrzadehMore
When he first heard that U.S. troops had toppled Saddam Hussein, Iraqi engineer Hazem Mohammed thought he would finally be able to find his brother, who had been shot dead and dumped in a mass grave after a failed uprising against Saddam's rule in 1991More
Jewish educationalist and publicist Micha Brumlik looks at Germany's culture of remembrance and considers what is needed for the healthy coexistence of Jews, Christians and MuslimsMore
Writers have barely been visible in the recent nationwide protests against the new Israeli government's reforms. Now, however, things have taken a dramatic turn. By Joseph CroitoruMore
Using never-before-seen archive footage from Iran and Romania, director Vlad Petri tells the story of two women in the revolutions in Romania and after the fall of the Shah in Iran. Rene Wildangel watched the film for Qantara.deMore
In his latest novel, award-winning Pakistani-British author Mohsin Hamid asks what would happen if a white man woke up one morning to find he was dark-skinned. A masterfully written Kafkaesque parable about everyday racism and discrimination. Volker Kaminski read the bookMore
In their latest release, Amsterdam-based Anatolian rock band Altin Gun reinterprets ten folk songs from Turkey for the 21st century, with spectacular results. Richard Marcus had a listenMore
Three German jazz musicians and a German-Lebanese poet and singer: this is what gives Masaa its unique sound. In conversation with Stefan Franzen, vocalist Rabih Lahoud reflects on settling in Germany, his relationship with a changing Arabic language and music categorisationsMore
"Al Murhaqoon" ("The Burdened") is the first Yemeni feature film ever to be shown at the Berlinale. Ahmed Shawky spoke to director Amr Gamal about the difficulties of making a film in Yemen and the taboo of abortionMore
Italian prosecutors are seeking justice for Pakistani immigrant women allegedly killed because they refused marriages imposed by their parents. The cases highlight differences, often misconstrued as religion-based, between centuries-old immigrants’ cultural traditions and Western values prizing individualism.
Ramadan is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. The first day of fasting for the holy month of Ramadan in Mecca will likely be 23 March, depending on the sighting of the new moon.More
Keep blasphemy laws out of the UK
Britain, long the world’s leading exporter of Enlightenment values such as free speech and religious coexistence, now risks becoming a leading importer of Islamic blasphemy outrageMore
IS bride Shamima Begum: "I'm not a monster"
Seeking to separate fact from fiction, the multi award-winning BBC series returns to investigate the divisive story of Shamima BegumMore
Hundreds of porters, locally known as ‘kolbars’, cross the mountainous border between Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan all year round. With Iran’s economic crisis deepening, ever more Kurds are choosing this poorly paid and extremely dangerous job as the only way to make a living and provide for their families. Images and text by Konstantin Novakovic
Islamabad's shift towards Islamism
By curtailing free speech and doubling down on blasphemy laws, Islamabad is endangering its relationship with Europe and the United States, argues Kunwar Khuldune ShahidMore
Islamic art – understanding the richness of the Muslim world
How is one to convey the history of Islamic images of Muhammad freed from today’s polarised politics? What are the challenges and pinch points of this particular academic endeavour?More
Favourite photo subject: Mosques around Europe
German-Danish photographer Eckhard Ahmed Krausen is fascinated by mosque architecture. The devout Muslim has photographed over 70 European mosques in this ongoing project.More
