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Netflix series "Queen Cleopatra"
Controversial patchwork history
The decision by Netflix' latest documentary series to portray Cleopatra as an Egyptian and thereby an African ruler is partly aimed at rehabilitating her as a historical figure. But good intentions don't always produce good results, as Shady Lewis Botros argues
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Afghanistan
The Taliban’s "War on Terror"
In their battle against the Islamic State's Afghan cell, the Taliban have appropriated the tactics of their former enemy: the Afghan government and its U.S. backers. They, however, are more likely to receive support from regional actors. Analysis by Emran Feroz
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Economic diplomacy
Who wants to invest in Syria now?
Recent events may indicate the world wants to start doing business with Syria again, despite its government being accused of war crimes. But, asks Cathrin Schaer, how likely is it China, the EU and Gulf states will start spending big there?
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Landmark hajj: first full pilgrimage following COVID
Millions of Muslims from around the world have started converging this week on Mecca in Saudi Arabia to begin the several days of rituals at holy sites in and around the city.
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India and the BJP
The Modi decade
From the expansion of India's infrastructure to rapid technological diffusion, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nine years in office have included plenty of worthy achievements. Unfortunately, writes Shashi Tharoor, they have also featured flawed policies in a wide range of areas
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Exclusive: Egyptian activist Sanaa Seif
"Egypt's regime must overcome its paranoia"
President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi is driven by the fear of a new uprising, says activist Sanaa Seif. In interview, she talks about the fight to release her brother Alaa Abdel Fattah – and why the West should exert more pressure. Andrea Backhaus met up with her in London
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Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
"We're not looking for Western recognition"
The United Arab Emirates has made cultural dialogue its mission. At the 2023 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the country confidently presented itself as the custodian of Arab culture. Although the book fair is a place for authors and publishing companies to meet and talk, there were limits to what could be openly discussed. Claudia Mende reports from Abu Dhabi
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Saudi Arabia's cultural revolution
Artists, but not individuals in the Western sense
"Saudi Vision 2030" foresees the accelerated modernisation of Saudi Arabia – and that includes the country’s culture. Huge amounts of government funding are being poured into the arts, while exchange with the West is welcomed. These new freedoms do, however, have their limits, as Joseph Croitoru reports.
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Israel's right-wing
Flirting with anti-Semitism
Far-right politicians cite their support for Israel as proof that they are not anti-Semites. Yet the openly fascist members of Israel's government have more in common with Hungary's Viktor Orban than they do with diaspora Jews. Commentary by Ian Buruma
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Pakistan's economic crisis
Sovereign debt overload
Pakistan's economy is in deep crisis and things are deteriorating fast. Many problems have domestic causes, but these are being compounded by global trends. By Sundus Saleemi
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Yazidis in Sinjar, Iraq
The deep scars left by IS terror
For centuries, the Yazidis lived in the northern Iraqi region of Sinjar. In 2014, the region was overrun by the so-called "Islamic State", which committed genocide against the Yazidi population. This brutal chapter in Yazidi history has left deep and lasting scars. To this day, the community in Sinjar is still picking up the pieces. By Birgit Svensson
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750th anniversary of Rumi’s death – Part 1
Seeking the essence of life
Seven-and-a-half centuries after the death of Muslim mystic poet Rumi, his verse has lost nothing of its profundity and transformative power. By Marian Brehmer