A recipe for mashing civilisations
By Khaled Diab The migratory history of foodstuffs and cuisines reveals that our dinner tables, like our societies, are both
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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
Read moreThe 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
Read moreDissenting into the abyss
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.
Read moreBad 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.
Read moreAn explosive musical comeback
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.
Read moreIsraeli pilgrim in Prophet Muhammad’s house
By Khaled Diab A visit by an Israeli Jewish blogger to some of Islam’s holiest sites has stirred up controversy
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreDreaming 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.”
Read moreMillet in the Middle East: Disunity in diversity
The Middle Eastern practice of assigning a faith to every citizen and a separate court system for each religion promotes division and sectarianism.
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