Egypt
All countries-
The universal language of music
Music dossier: Tuning in to the unfamiliar
An independent, modern music scene has long since developed in the Islamic world and Europe. Breaking with convention, it is a far cry from belly dance and folklore cliches. In this dossier, we present some of its leading protagonists, genres and events
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Egypt's New Capital
Counter-revolution completed
With Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's move into his new presidential palace and the inauguration of the new administrative capital, the Egyptian military's counter-revolution of 30 June 2013 is complete
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Gender equality in Egypt
The impact of empowering women
Egypt's personal status law has always sparked a wide range of reactions within society, particularly when it comes to women's rights
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Hamas attacks on Israel
Six months of grief and anger
While support for Israel's war in Gaza, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 30,000 Palestinians, remains high among Jewish Israelis, the government is also under pressure to get the remaining hostages back
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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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Islam's holy month
Why more non-Muslims are taking part in Ramadan
Ramadan's observance is widespread in the Middle East, often involving non-Muslims in the region's celebrations. In Christian-majority countries, participation has been less common, but this trend is starting to shift
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Israel, Hamas and the war in Gaza
Seven uncomfortable truths
Anyone wanting to fully understand the current Middle East crisis must face up to realities on the ground. For many, however, this is at odds with the schematic picture they have in their heads. Here are seven uncomfortable truths crucial to de-escalating the situation and finding a solution
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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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Egypt's hundred-year-old whodunnit revisited
Murder in the brothel – Raya, Sakina and the 17 female corpses
A century ago, two sisters in the red-light district of Alexandria became icons of evil as serial killers. But did they really kill prostitutes for a few gold bracelets?
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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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Israel's offensive in Rafah
What would make Egypt open its border to Palestinians?
As an Israeli military campaign causes casualties in densely crowded Rafah, near the Egyptian border, Egypt is under increasing pressure to admit displaced Palestinians
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German academia and the war in Gaza
Universities must remain places of dialogue
Discussions about the Middle East conflict naturally tend towards polarisation. In Germany, showing empathy for victims of political violence in Israel while drawing attention to the suffering of Gazan and West Bank Palestinians, who bear the brunt of any major confrontation, is a tricky balancing act