sectarianism
All topics-
Overcoming fear and mistrust
Processing Lebanon's long legacy of collective trauma
In Lebanon, collective trauma is obvious. The explosions in Beirut on 4 August will have triggered memories of the civil war in many people. By understanding how individual and social identities are influenced by the past, peace work can help contribute to the healing process. By Miriam Modalal and Dalilah Reuben-Shemia
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Lebanese protesters call for systemic change
What now for Beirut, once the Paris of the Middle East?
The destruction of the port of Beirut – and Lebanon's free-falling economy – has fuelled calls to end the country's sectarian political system, which allocates power among Christians, Shia, and Sunni Muslims according to a rigid formula. But might such a change merely deepen suspicion among an already deeply divided population? by John Andrews
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Aftermath of the Beirut explosion
"Revolution is born out of suffering"
Following the explosion in the port of Beirut, the Lebanese are united in their anger with the politicians. Volunteers are sweeping up broken glass and removing rubble and stones from houses. While the political scene is trying to sort itself out, it is the Lebanese people who are rebuilding the country. Julia Neumann reports from Beirut
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Interview with Lebanese political scientist Bassel Salloukh
Will a new Lebanon arise from the ashes of Beirut?
The explosions in Beirut killed more than 150 people, injured 6,000 and left 250,000 homeless. In interview with Julia Neumann, political scientist Bassel Salloukh talks about the consequences of this tragedy, the worsening political crisis – and the nature of political reality in Lebanon as the government slowly unravels
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Aftermath of the Beirut explosion
Lebanon, a state in freefall thanks to corrupt governance
The Beirut catastrophe has exposed the true extent of government failure in Lebanon. People are blaming the country’s corrupt and incompetent system for the explosion, says Karim El-Gawhary
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Lebanese author Elias Khoury in interview
Beirut's ruling class – "The stupidest mafia there is"
Fifty percent of Lebanese already live below the poverty line – and there is no end in sight. In interview with Lena Bopp, writer Elias Khoury talks about the crisis and about the state of culture in his home country
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Beirut in crisis
Can things get any worse for the people of Lebanon?
In Lebanon the economy is going downhill at an ever faster rate. The Lebanese are fighting the dramatic effects of the crisis with barter exchanges and joint projects. Apart from that, all they have left is black humour to endure the situation. Tom Allinson reports from Beirut
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Iraq's new government
Mr Kadhimi begins a clean-up operation
The new Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, has great plans. As he moves to realise those plans, he's fighting on many fronts. As the Americans pull out of Iraq, militias supported by Iran are violently consolidating their position. Birgit Svensson reports from Baghdad
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Beirut on the brink
Regardless of corona, Lebanon is at economic breaking point
Lebanon's economy is imploding and with it social stability. While the country’s politicians understand the depth of the crisis, they have used the coronavirus lockdown, argues Maha Yahya, as an chance to settle old scores and – following months of popular rejection – stage a comeback
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Contemporary political discourse
What can Europe learn from Arab philosophy?
Michael Frey has written a fascinating book about the contemporary political thinker Nassif Nassar. Since 1967, Nassar has devoted his life’s work to the question of a fair social order both within and beyond Lebanon. Now Frey offers us the first introduction to his work in a European language. By Sonja Hegasy
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Interview with Iraqi author Sinan Antoon
The West and its cliched view of Iraq
Looking outwards with the knowledge from within: a conversation with the Iraqi writer Sinan Antoon on the future of his homeland. Interview by Lena Bopp
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A toxic combination of sectarianism and rentierism
Lebanon's perfect storm
Today's in-fighting over the composition of the country's next cabinet is part of a larger battle for a new political settlement. The financial crisis poses a mortal danger to the country; but it also represents an opportunity for political change. By Ishac Diwan