I see a lot of trash and veiled women in the streets.
I still remember the times when I felt a sense of joy every time I “came home” to Berlin from a trip. “Long, long ago,” as the folk song goes. The city is becoming increasingly estranged from its former self. More here.
5th anniversary of the murder of Lebanese political activist Lokman Slim
He was considered fearless. With words and cultural activism, he fought against sectarian violence, for a democratic and secular Lebanon. This made him powerful enemies in his homeland. On February 3, 2021, Lokman Slim was murdered. More here.
August 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
Arab slave traders shipped hundreds of thousands of slaves across the Red Sea. A dark and largely unknown chapter in the history of the Horn of Africa. Guest post by Volker Seitz. More here.
On the 100th birthday of the human rights activist Malcolm X
Malcolm X was one of the most prominent figures of the US Black rights movement. He preached separatism and resistance against whites. It was only shortly before his death in 1965 that he adopted a more conciliatory tone. What traces did Malcolm X’s ideas leave behind? More here.
Bombs on Yemen and a journey into the past
A group of US politicians order bombings in Yemen via cell phone. The TV images remind me of my two trips to the architecturally and scenically fascinating country. And of a similar wiretapping scandal in Germany a year ago. More here.
Searching for clues at birthplace of the black human rights activist
Malcolm X was a charismatic speaker and became known worldwide as one of the leaders of the black movement “Nation of Islam”. With his radical views, he was seen by many as an opponent of Martin Luther King, who advocated non-violence. More here.
The suspected Islamist terrorist attack in New Orleans overshadows the start of the new year.
Will people in the USA, as in Germany, soon think twice about going to outdoor festivities and entertainment districts? Let’s defy the terrorists with joie de vivre! In Woods Bay, Montana, people do this on New Year’s Day with the “Polar Bear Plunge” into the ice-cold water of Flathead Lake.
Afghanistan: women’s rights continue to be restricted.
The systematic eradication of women from public life continues with a new Taliban decree. Nevertheless, the USA and Germany, for example, continue to finance humanitarian aid projects. What do Afghan women’s rights activists say about this? More here.
Syria: Once again, a secular state falls into the hands of radical Muslims.
No sooner has Donald Trump won the presidential election in the USA than Bashar al-Assad is overthrown by Islamist “rebels” in Syria – after thirteen years of civil war. Who believes in a coincidence of timing? A solo effort by the militias? My thoughts on this and some personal memories. More here.
