Democracy and civil society
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Women in Turkey's local electionsBelieve in the power of women!
As Turkey heads towards local elections in March, Qantara.de contributor Ayse Karabat has been helping train female hopefuls seeking to race in these and future elections in a country where women's representation in politics remains staggeringly low. A special report
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Iran electionsWhy Tehran may announce a fake voter turnout
Banned from the streets, the protests in Iran continue. This week's elections will reflect just how much – or how little – popular support the Islamic Republic still enjoys
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The role of UNRWA in GazaUNRWA and the day after in Gaza
Defunding UNRWA will not only worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also have long-term implications for Palestinian self-governance
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Pakistan election aftermathWhat next for Indo-Pakistan relations?
Islamabad's frail new ruling coalition will need the blessing of Pakistan's military before attempting to improve ties with New Delhi
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Indonesia's presidential electionK-Pop not Islam
This year's Valentine's Day saw a presidential election in Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy. Conservative-Islamic morals and panic-mongering tactics took a back seat on social media channels filled with music, cat videos…and elderly presidential hopefuls dancing
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Elections in IndonesiaWorld's third largest democracy at a crossroads
On 14 February 2024, some 205 million Indonesians are going to the polls to choose a new president as well as new national and regional parliaments. Over the past 25 years, the nation with the world's largest Muslim population has evolved into a stable democracy. Yet observers now fear autocratic tendencies
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DAVA party woos ethnic TurksGermany fears the "Erdogan party"
For days, Germany has been discussing the emergence of a new party. Its name: DAVA. Critics say it is the extended arm of Turkish President Erdogan. Who is behind DAVA and what are its aims?
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Pakistan electionWhy are rural women more willing to vote?
During Pakistan's last election in 2018, women from five remote areas of the country were more likely to vote than anywhere else in the country, including big cities
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Germany's policy on EgyptNeither value-driven nor feminist
Germany's policy on Egypt is based on economic interests and a fear the country may collapse. As a result it contributes to stabilising Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's brutal regime
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The Gaza war and Egyptian civil societyDeep rifts
The war in Gaza has opened up deep rifts between Arab human rights organisations and Western donor nations. And it's not just the credibility of Western governments that is at stake
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Sudan crisisMass displacement and death
Over the past month, the conflict between two military groups in Sudan has reached what experts say is a grim turning point. The country's future is even more unclear
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Israelis and Palestinians: "Standing Together""Help us move towards peace"
Since the war in Gaza, the grassroots movement "Standing Together" has become increasingly popular among Israelis and Palestinians. Founding member Itamar Avneri says they are calling for peace and independence for Israelis and Palestinians, absolute equality for all citizens – and true social, economic and environmental justice