lebanon - The Chronikler

Refugees in Moria and the smouldering ruins of Europe’s humanity

By Boštjan Videmšek in Lesbos The refugees and migrants who survived the fire at the Moria camp in Lesbos find

The demographic dimension: The role of population growth in the Arab uprisings

Decades of unprecedented population growth have played a significant role in Arab regime repression, the two main waves of revolutions that swept the region, and the fierce counterrevolutions that followed.

Dissenting into the abyss dug by Saudi Arabia

Western inaction against Saudi Arabia is emboldening the region’s regimes to clamp down harder on dissent. But by silencing peaceful and constructive change, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern regimes are paving the way to violent and destructive rage.

Bad blood or blood libel: When is criticism of Israel anti-Semitic?

While critics of Israel can be anti-Semitic, many who criticise Israel harbour a deep respect of and love for Jews. Similarly, supporting the Jewish state is not necessarily a manifestation of philo-Semitism and can stem from anti-Semitic motives.

An explosive musical comeback for Salafist superstar

Arab audiences are not ready for the return to music of a pop superstar who became a Salafist extremist and allegedly took up arms against the Lebanese state.

Israeli pilgrim in Prophet Muhammad’s house

A visit by an Israeli Jewish blogger to some of Islam’s holiest sites has stirred up controversy and anger. But should it have?

The adventures of Rami and his magic violin

Syrian Rami Basisah and his violin have been through hell and high water together. His childhood dream of becoming a world-famous musician is about to come true. But the trauma of losing his country means he cannot enjoy his success.

Dreaming of a vanished Syria

“A lot of Syrians are indulging in a nostalgia that requires a lot of denial,” says Syrian-American author Alia Malek. “This is why I’m a student of history, not to live in a fantasy but to learn why and how we are where we are today.”