civil society

Non-state actors and the dangerous webs they weave

The role of the state, society, and the individual has rarely been more in flux in the Middle East. The philosophical underpinning of their roles and relationships matters now more than ever.

Houssam Itani 11 February 2024

Alwan wa Awtar applies modern methods in education with the aim of attracting the attention of children to improve their educational skills through art, photography, observation and critical thinking

Giving Education New Colors

Some civil society and non-governmental associations in Egypt are seeking to make the learning process untraditional for children and young people, separate from the traditional methods of education…

Wael Salem 02 December 2022

Protests on Labor Day in Paris, France. (Getty)

French Elite Are from Mars, Youth Are from Venus

It is seemingly possible to borrow the famous headline of the well-known John Gray book “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus” to describe the current French political/cultural situation. While…

Sama Mamdouh El Sheikh 26 March 2022

Head of Afghanistan's Human Rights Commission Shaharzad Akbar gestures during a press conference in Kabul on September 29, 2019. (Getty)

Afghan Civil Society Needs Voice in Peace Process

Since the beginning of the intra-Afghan peace negotiations, at least 14 journalists and human rights defenders have been killed in targeted attacks. Last week, Shaharzad Akbar, the head of…

Samina Ansari 16 April 2021

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Sara Padovan

Politics

The flaw in Trump’s 'dealmaking' Middle East peace plan

16 October 2025

Rushed deals and a disregard for root problems provide a flimsy foundation for sustainable peace

Abdullah F. Alrebh

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa hold a meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow on October 15, 2025.

Alexander Zemlianichenko / AFP

Politics

Unpacking Sharaa's diplomatic overture to Putin

16 October 2025

In Moscow, the Syrian president said he wants to restore and redefine relations former foe Russia. But is this a genuine olive branch or a message to Washington?

Samer Elias

Israeli singer Yuval Raphael parades with the Israeli flag during the dress rehearsal for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel on May 16, 2025.

Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

Culture & Social Affairs

Cultural boycotts: the double standards that expose Western hypocrisy

16 October 2025

The international community's contradictory responses to Ukraine and Gaza lay bare the farce of a supposed rules-based global order

Sawsan Jamil Hasan

Opinion

Gaza truce rests on Trump's ability to restrain Netanyahu

16 October 2025

The Israeli premier's uncompromising attitude threatens the fragile ceasefire that the US president has worked so hard to secure

Con Coughlin

Al Majalla

Business & Economy

Lebanon's finance minister: fiscal reforms are underway

15 October 2025

Speaking to Al Majalla, Yassine Jaber explained how the government had already increased tax revenue and what it plans to do to raise more money for the treasury

Souraya Chahine