15 August 2023 marked the second anniversary of the Taliban's return to Afghanistan. Emran Feroz recently travelled through the country – here is his exclusive report for Qantara.de on everyday life in KabulMore
A meeting in Saudi Arabia about a war in Europe? The conference in Jeddah shows how much the world is changing. Analysis by Karim El-Gawhary from CairoMore
As polling day on 14 May approaches, opinion polls put Turkey's opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu ahead of President Erdogan. Could this mean that Erdoğan's time at the helm of the nation is almost over? An analysis by Yasar AydinMore
Greece is responding to the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey with great sympathy. Could it lead to an easing of tensions between the traditionally hostile neighbours? By Ronald MeinardusMore
Since returning to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have steadily eroded the rights and opportunities of women and girls, particularly their access to education. But Afghans are not taking the regime's draconian policies lying down – and nor should the rest of the world. By Gordon Brown & Yasmine SherifMore
Education for girls and women is still possible in Afghanistan, says Reinhard Eroes of the Kinderhilfe Afghanistan initiative. In interview with Elisa Rheinheimer, he talks about skewed media portrayals, the great hunger gripping the country and why aid organisations should returnMore
Following Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv using Iranian drones, Ukraine once again asked Israel for military help. Israel, however, is seeking to maintain relations with both Ukraine and Russia. By Tania KraemerMore
One year ago the Taliban returned to power, seizing Kabul; the U.S. and its allies made a panicked exit from the country. Of all the books written on the subject, four stand out from the crowd. By Tobias MaternMore
Since Ali Khamenei, Iran's most powerful man, has openly and unconditionally come out in support of Putin's war in Ukraine, logistical help is on its way, with an allegedly civilian airline playing a key role. By Ali SadrzadehMore
Despite what heads of state may claim, the Russian attack on Ukraine is not a wake-up call for a self-confident Europe that defends its values. The war is accelerating the decline of the old continent and rousing familiar spectres from the past that never really went away. Meanwhile, the Middle East is reprising its not unfamiliar role as an under-reported fringe region. Essay by Stefan BuchenMore
A ceasefire has been in effect in Libya for the past year and a half. Yet after Russia's attack on Ukraine, another proxy war looms in Africa's most oil-rich country. Mirco Keilberth reports from TunisMore
While Russia's watershed invasion of Ukraine has up-ended long-established European foreign and security policy paradigms, it also poses significant security challenges for countries throughout Eurasia and beyond. As Ali Fathollah-Nejad writes, Iran is by no means immune to the geopolitical changes underwayMore
Middle Eastern countries are still on the fence when it comes to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Their citizens point to the West's double standards surrounding conflict and refugees. Should Europe be worried, asks Cathrin Schaer?More
Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine is a watershed event for Europe and the wider world, Turkey included. While Ankara is trying to protect its economy and security interests, anti-Western narratives dominate the public debate, writes Sinem AdarMore
Separatists continue to threaten to destroy Bosnia & Herzegovina. A look back indicates the tiny western Balkan state is lacking democracy, the rule of law, prosperity and the prospect of being integrated into the EU soon. By Rudiger RossigMore
Russia is waging war on Ukraine, menacing the West with nuclear weapons and driving hundreds of thousands of people to flee. Qantara offers background information relating to the current conflict in Eastern Europe.More
In northwestern Mauritania lies Chinguetti, a historic trading post and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city still has several libraries with Arabic manuscripts – many of them from the late Middle Ages.
