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Syrian chef in London brings relief to refugees
Imad Alarnab was a star chef in Syria until he had to flee the war-stricken country. Now based in London, heʹs introduced locals to Syrian food, using the profits to help people back home. Marianna Karakoulaki reports
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German–Iranian relations
How the Germans came to Iran
During the First World War, the German Empire allegedly attempted to incite Muslims to engage in a holy war against Russia and Great Britain. This common cliche is also often used to explain the long-standing relationship between Germany and Iran. Ali Sadrzadeh takes a closer look at German–Iranian relations 100 years ago
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The language of migrants
Being a stranger in a second language
Kurdish writer and translator Nabaz Samad Ahmed reports on his ambivalence towards second languages as a result of his socialisation in Iraq
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The killing of Khashoggi
Letting Mohammed bin Salman off the hook
Despite global media coverage and condemnation by governments and human-rights activists, Saudi officialsʹ murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has not led to any meaningful sanctions. And such impunity is an important reason why the murder happened in the first place. By Leon Willems
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Birgit Svensson's biographical account "Murderous Freedom"
Between heaven and hell – fifteen years in Iraq
Journalist Birgit Svensson arrived in Iraq in 2003 and never left, enjoying the dubious status of being the only German-language reporter in the country for much of the time since. Recently published in German, "Moerderische Freiheit" recounts her experiences, offering insights into Iraq that go beyond terrorism and war. By Christopher Resch
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Interview with Lebanese-British satirist Karl Sharro
"Politicising Muslim identity is counter-productive"
Lebanese-British satirist Karl Sharro, with his alter ego Karl reMarks, is a fast-rising star of online comedy. Now he has published his first book, "And Then God Created the Middle East and Said ʹLet There be Breaking Newsʹ". Interview by Susannah Tarbush
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Lubna Isamʹs "Sudanese Tales”
Tradition in the present
The art of storytelling has a long tradition in the Arab world. Folk tales and historical events were passed down orally over many generations. Now the Sudanese author Lubna Isam has revived the tradition. Interview by Eslam Anwar
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Londonʹs Mfest and the anthology "Donʹt Panic, Iʹm Islamic"
The first great anti-Trump book
The Mfest finale –"Donʹt Panic, Iʹm Islamic: Extreme Comedy NOW!" – held in London at the end of April was an hour-long event. Concluding a three-day festival which paid tribute to Muslim culture and ideas, the entertaining and thought-provoking finale gave festivalgoers a chance to laugh and let off steam. By Susannah Tarbush
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When East meets West
Debunking the ʹclash of civilisationsʹ myth
Cultural discourse is littered with narratives that build on a number of false dichotomies, the most enduring being the exclusivity of East and West. The clash of civilisations, the superiority of one over the other, is an entrenched myth that not even globalisation and communications technology have managed to shatter. By Muhammed Nafih Wafy
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Egyptian football
Sun god, star, Mo Salah
Just weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup, excitement in Egypt has reached fever pitch. What's causing the mania? The Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, currently tipped as the best football player in the world. By Bachir Amroune
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The Iraq War fifteen years on
"America destroyed my country"
Fifteen years ago, on 20 March 2003, the United States and its allies invaded Iraq. Iraqi novelist and poet Sinan Antoon describes the pain of watching his country disintegrate in the aftermath, made all the more acute since the perpetrators of this "colossal mistake" are still at large
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Resolving the crisis in Libya
Another fine mess
How to resolve the conflict in Libya remains one of the most difficult and important questions facing policy-makers today. Given the complex attitudes towards foreign interventions on the ground, we need a clear strategy that will stand up to local, regional and international scrutiny. By Alison Pargeter