Gulf Region
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Tattoo trends from Beirut to Baghdad
In the spirit of rebellion
For some it's about following a trend; for others, tattoos are a symbol of their faith, but whatever the reason, the fashion for stylish tattoos is fuelling a growing subculture across the Arab world. By Mey Dudin
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Saudi health reforms and women′s rights
Still a sore point
A Saudi decision to license the kingdom′s first women-only gyms over the coming weeks constitutes progress in a country in which women′s rights are severely curtailed. Yet it also reveals the limitations of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman′s plan to rationalise and diversify the kingdom′s economy. By James M. Dorsey
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Young people and protests in the Arab world
So shall you reap
In many Arab countries young people continue to feel neglected. The latest Arab Human Development Report claims that shifting demographics are incubating the next political crisis. By Kareem Chehayeb
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The German board game 'Istanbul'
Good clean Oriental fun?
Just a game? Think again! If the world is to survive, we all need to move closer together. Yet how can a society that ridicules others and reduces them to the level of pawns in a game expect to make any kind of constructive contribution? By Stefan Buchen
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Arab teens and Young Adult literature
The new wave
The last decade or so has seen a huge increase in the amount of Young Adult literature being published in Arabic. Slowly but surely, writes Marcia Lynx Qualey, well-crafted books aimed at teens are making their way into bookshops, libraries and schools
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Gender equality in the Middle East
To the benefit of all
Achieving gender equality in the Middle East will be a long process, requiring fundamental educational, social and economic reforms. But giving women the right training now can kick-start the process, writes Arib Ali Al-Mandhari
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Education in the Arab world
The emancipation gap
Those seeking to foster openness in the Arab world should focus not on the impact of Islam, but on the education to which the region′s residents are exposed. Essay by Ishac Diwan
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Re-assessing Western involvement in the Middle East
Far from Utopian
A reconfiguration of relations between the West and the Arab world is in the offing. Utopia it will not be, but it may result in a more harmonious and balanced political situation, writes BBC radio journalist and Middle East expert Neville Teller
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World Cup 2022 and Qatari reforms
So much hot air
In a world where human rights are increasingly being put on the backburner, fears are growing among rights and trade union activists that Qatari promises of labour reform and greater liberalism are just that – mere promises. By James M. Dorsey
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Saudi influence in Pakistan
A perilous road
Saudi-supported ultra-conservative worldviews, abetted by successive Pakistani governments, are changing the very nature of Pakistani society. By James M. Dorsey
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Marital traditions in the Islamic world
Marriage first, love later?
The number of arranged marriages in the Middle East and North Africa is decreasing. Matrimony between cousins is still widespread, but matches of this kind now account for at most a quarter of all weddings. A growing number of young people find their partners without mediation; marriage for love is their ideal. By Martina Sabra
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Oil and development in the Middle East
A two-edged sword
When poor countries started producing oil, they thought that was the key to economic growth and prosperity. Since then, the impact of resource wealth on producing countries has been the subject of endless debate. By Nassir Djafari