mediterranean - The Chronikler

Ancient Egypt: A pyramid scheme that worked

By Khaled Diab Spanning some three millennia of recorded history, Ancient Egyptians built a state to last. What was behind

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.

Island of refugee despair

While the outrage of Europeans has been turned to Donald Trump’s wall and the handling of migrants at the border with Mexico, they ignore a humanitarian disaster closer to home. The EU has left Greece to handle the influx of refugees on its own and those stuck on Lesbos are living in abysmal conditions.

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.

Greek island teaches Europe how to welcome refugees

The Greek island of Tilos has hosted more than seven times its population in refugees… and has done so with dignity, respect and with almost no external assistance.

Refugees trapped inside Fortress Europe

The plight of the 63,000 refugees and migrants still marooned in Greece should give Europeans pause for thought.

FICTION: Escaping terror firma, Part 1: Hell from the heavens

Poetry and song talk of soaring free as a bird, but the heavens are where hell resides. People talk of taking wing, but, me, I’d rather take fin, be free as a fish.

Giulio Regeni is the tip of Egypt’s police brutality iceberg

Many Egyptians find the allegation that the Italian student Giulio Regeni was killed by Egypt’s notorious security apparatus chillingly plausible. Italy must shed its former enthusiasm for the Sisi regime.