The demographic dimension: The role of population growth in the Arab uprisings
By Khaled Diab Decades of unprecedented population growth have played a significant role in Arab regime repression, the two main
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Muslim women in short skirts and the Tunisia paradox
Bombing Afghanistan will not bring back women in short skirts, rather it will only empower men in short skirts (beards and long trousers). The path to gender equality lies in internal reform, as Tunisia demonstrates.
Read moreThe sound of religious discord
We need to reach a future in which the religious freedom of Muslims who wish to hear the call to prayer does not infringe upon the peace of mind of non-Muslims and non-practising Muslims.
Read moreViolence: The path of least resistance
Despite the proven futility of blood-letting for both Israelis and Palestinians, violence is exercising an irresistible magnetic force.
Read moreA utopian refuge for refugees?
Can an Egyptian billionaires vision of turning a Mediterranean island into a just republic for refugees help solve the refugee crisis?
Read moreThe Middle Eastern century that wasn’t
As the post-Ottoman order crumbles around us, would the Middle East would have been better or worse off had Turkey remained neutral during World War I?
Read moreThe empire must not strike back
Nostalgia for empire in the Middle East misses two points: we’re not witnessing the “final end of imperialism” and imperialism did not bring order.
Read moreA Riche chapter of Egyptian history
For a century, Café Riche was a microcosm of Cairo’s bewildering contradictions, and a “refuge from the pain of loneliness” for intellectuals.
Read moreSpring of hope amid winter of despair
For Palestinians in Israel, the recent race for the Knesset was both the worst of elections and the best.
Read moreThe language of Arab (dis)unity
The romantic myth that Arabs share “one heart and one spirit” led pan-Arabism to talk unity while walking the path of disunity.
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