Society
Topics
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Christians in Syria
Fear lingers in an ancient community
In the predominantly Christian town of Maaloula, residents hold differing views on al-Sharaa and the safety of their community in the new Syria. For many, memories of the 2013 Nusra Front attack remain—and mistrust runs deep.
By Florian Neuhof -
Christianity and Islam
The Muslim Jesus
Both Muslims and Christians revere Jesus, but they have different interpretations of his life, mission and role in salvation. At Easter, shared themes of resurrection and hope offer space for dialogue.
By Zeyneb Sayılgan -
Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms
A revolutionary aid network
Born from Sudan's 2018-19 revolution, the volunteer-led Emergency Response Rooms have become a lifeline to millions, coordinating aid where international efforts have failed. Their decentralised model offers a blueprint for grassroots humanitarian relief.
By Leena Shibeika -
Fostering in Gaza
Finding parenthood in the wake of destruction
Israel's war on Gaza has left thousands of children orphaned. Amid the devastation, couples unable to conceive are experiencing parenthood for the first time by fostering child survivors.
By Doaa Shaheen -
Syria's missing detainees
"We did not expect so few had survived"
The search for the missing is seen by many Syrians as crucial to rebuilding the nation. Mazin al-Balkhi of the International Commission on Missing Persons warns that the scale and arbitrary nature of the killings under Assad pose major challenges.
By Hannah El-Hitami -
Sectarian massacre on Syrian coast
"I am the sole survivor of my family"
Survivors of the violence unleashed in Syrian coastal cities in early March tell Qantara their stories. Warning: the testimonies contain details of the indiscriminate killings of Alawite civilians and may be disturbing.
By Mayar Mohanna -
Muslims in Germany
In search of a political voice
Trust in politics has plummeted among German Muslims, as seen in recent voter turnout. While some online preachers argue voting is haram, imams in Berlin are actively campaigning for political participation.
By Teseo La Marca -
Women in Syria
Crafting independence
In Syria, women are reclaiming their independence through creative initiatives, from traditional crafts to community workshops. Four stories of perseverance and hope.
By Mayar Mohanna -
Migration to Europe
"Fight the causes of flight, not the people forced to leave"
Afghan-Greek political activist Nasim Lomani is dedicated to supporting refugees. He argues that as long as the EU continues to overlook the realities on the ground, the number of people fleeing Afghanistan will only rise.
By Emran Feroz -
Syria's economic recovery
HTS must reject Assad-era neoliberalism
Syrians are facing immense economic challenges—an unstable currency, shortages and a soaring cost of living—while the transitional government doubles down on Assad's neoliberal policies. True recovery demands a new approach.
By Joseph Daher -
Women's rights in Syria
Too early for confidence
At the end of February, the highly anticipated National Dialogue Conference took place in Damascus. Did the meeting meet expectations? Karim El-Gawhary talked to women's rights activists on the ground before and after the event.
By Karim El-Gawhary -
Musician Michael Barenboim on Gaza
"Nothing justifies genocide"
Violinist Michael Barenboim, leader of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, calls for an arms embargo against Israel and argues that the German media has failed in its responsibilities. He tells Qantara how he balances art and activism.
By Jannis Hagmann
Most read articles
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Muslims against the Rwandan genocide
No-one has the right to kill!
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Sex tourism in Egypt
A bride for the summer
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Christianity and Islam
The Muslim Jesus
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Interview with Angelika Neuwirth
"The claim that Islam lacks an Enlightenment is an age-old cliche"
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Christians in Syria
Fear lingers in an ancient community
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Ali Soozandeh's film "Tehran Taboo"
Nothing but taboos