Arab world
All topics-
Jordan's natural heritage
Jordan's mission to save its ancient olive trees
Many of Jordan's olive trees are an integral part of the country's identity and culture. Having survived thousands of years, they are now under threat from a series of very modern phenomena
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Cinema showcase in Morocco
Arab women filmmakers challenge Western preconceptions
Female filmmakers from across the Middle East are increasingly being recognised and celebrated. But the challenges they face are not always what you might expect
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Turkey's Gaza policy
Between a rock and a hard place
Between domestic pressure to take more action against Israel and pressure from the West regarding its stance on Hamas, Turkey is struggling to balance its Israel policy as it seeks permanent peace in the Middle East
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Best of Qantara.de 2023
The top ten most-read articles on Qantara.de
As 2023 draws to a close, the team at Qantara.de once again takes a look at the stories that really stood out over the past year. Here is a list of the ten articles published in 2023 that piqued your interest most over the past twelve months. Happy New Year to all our readers!
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Israel-Hamas war
Arab attitudes are hardening against Israel
The prospect of normalised relations between Israel and Arab nations is fading as public anger at Israel's on-going bombardment of Gaza grows. Could it lead to radicalisation or violent extremism in the Middle East?
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Fikra culture magazine
Showcasing Palestinian perspectives
Fikra culture magazine publishes literature and art by Palestinians from all over the world. The editors hope it will serve as a platform for the dispersed community to debate and dream – and defend itself against censorship from all sides
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Egypt's Muslim Brothers
"Who determines the future of the Brotherhood remains unclear"
Since the military coup in Egypt ten years ago, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's government has cracked down on the country's Muslim Brotherhood. Abdelrahman Ayash talks about the impact of this crisis, and how the organisation has evolved since 2013
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Life in Lebanon
Fighting sectarianism with cheap groceries
Two women in Lebanon's capital, Beirut, have founded a non-profit grocery store that offers goods at affordable prices. But their bigger vision is to break down political and religious segregation
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War in the Middle East
International law – a handy excuse
In the shadow of war, the Israeli government is becoming increasingly radicalised. Is the German government aware of this trend and the risks it poses? There are no signs that it is. Germany doesn't even have a Middle East policy
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Lebanon: Film-makers face death threats
'Hardabasht' pulls no punches
A film released by two Lebanese comedians dared to poke fun at almost anything. The result? Death threats
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Palestine's cultural heritage
The first digital Palestinian embroidery database
Award-winning entrepreneur Zain Masri has so far digitised about 1,000 traditional Palestinian cross-stitch patterns, now available for download from her platform, Tirazain
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Bahla: 'City of djinns'
Magical myths haunt ancient Omani oasis
Deep in Oman's parched interior, the ancient oasis town of Bahla abounds with myths of camel-eating, fire-mouthed hyenas and men turning into donkeys – a reputation for magic and mystery that persists to this day