May 2011 – Issue IV
Editorial
When will authoritarian regimes learn that they cannot enforce on populations their own will? Here, NEQ looks at the case of Syria.
Iraq
An ancient way of drawing water from below ground is being revived in northern Iraq. Charles McDermid sees if efforts to reintroduce karez systems can endure growing populations and reduced rainfall.
Israel
Amidst spectacular protest and violence in the region, NEQ looks at a quieter expression of democracy in Israel – where former President Moshe Katsav has been through the courts for sexual offences.
Lebanon
All the Prison’s a Stage: Theatre in a Lebanese Prison
The inmates of Roumieh Prison in Lebanon adapt and enact an Arabic version of Reginald Rose’s famous play, “12 Angry Men” and address their own demons along the way.
Palestine
Mahmoud Darwish and the need for a new poetry of resistance for the Arab Spring
The historic events gripping North Africa and the Middle East need representation through poetry. The work of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish signifies this drive for freedom, says Hala Nassar.
Syria
Weakening regime, weaker opposition
As the Arab revolution has reached the Levant, Syria verges on civil war. Aron Lund looks at the opposition groups that may well be involved in shaping the country’s political future.
Turkey
The Istanbul neighbourhood of Tarlabaşı has long been the black sheep of the chic and rapidly gentrifying central Beyoğlu district. Constance Letsch delves deeper into the lives most affected by a new drive to modernise the area.
Interview
Syria’s uprising: A fight to the end
Syria expert Joshua Landis speaks to NEQ about the path ahead for Syria.
Culture
Mahmoud Darwish, poetry of resistance and the Arab Spring
The historic events gripping North Africa and the Middle East need representation through poetry. Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish signifies this drive for freedom, says Hala Nassar.
Review
All the Prison’s a Stage: Theatre in a Lebanese Prison
The inmates of Roumieh Prison in Lebanon adapt and enact an Arabic version of Reginald Rose’s famous play, “12 Angry Men” and address their own demons along the way.
Photo essay
The lives of Tarlabaşı by Jonathan Lewis
Jonathan Lewis brings to life the threatened district of Tarlabaşı in Istanbul through a series of stunning images.
