November 2010 – Issue II
Editorial
Through diplomacy in Iraq to helping to provide better public services in Lebanon, Iran’s popularity – in some demographics – is growing in the region.
Iraq
Pride and prejudice: The targeting of gay men in Iraq
More than seven years after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraq is still a dangerous place for many of its citizens – and none more so than men who are gay or ‘unmanly’.
Israel
Combatants for Peace: Building a Social Infrastructure for Peace
As pessimism pervades negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, many civil society organisations doggedly persist towards the goal of peace. One such group’s efforts and difficulties are documented here.
Lebanon
The consequences of Hezbollah indictments at the STL
The United Nation’s Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is expected to release the findings of its investigations in the next couple of months. Who will be found ‘guilty’ and what will it mean for March 14, Hezbollah and Syria?
Palestine
Honour killings in the Palestinian Territories: tradition, not Islam
In the Occupied Palestinian Territories most crimes committed in mysterious circumstances against women are immediately attributed to religion, namely, Islam. Why is this wrong?
Syria
Syria and Lebanon: The More Things Change…?
Relations between these two neighbours have always been fractious. Does an acknowledgement by Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, of Syria’s necessary influence in Lebanon mean the balance of power again lies with Damascus?
Turkey
Turkey and the Nagorno-Karabakh Dispute – Trends and Possibilities
The role of civil society and a new departure in Turkey’s foreign policy mean opportunities for solving this long-standing dispute are at hand.
Interview
Manuela Paraipan: Hamas, Peace and Palestine
Following a recent interview with Hamas Political Chief, Khaled Meshaal, Manuela Paraipan tells Near East Quarterly that peace is not out of reach and that Hamas has a role to play.
Culture
World Music 2.0: Between fun and protest culture
The accelerated processes of globalisation and digitalisation have on many levels revolutionised the making and playing of music. Elements in Lebanon are playing their part.
Review
Art and History – Walid Raad and Tradition at Whitechapel Gallery
Does Walid Raad’s current art exhibition at Whitechapel Gallery in London dig too deep, or not deep enough, into Lebanon’s difficult recent past, asks Joseph Burke.
Photo essay
Hasankeyf: History nearing extinction
The town of Hasankeyf in southeast Turkey is home to settlements spanning 10,000 years. The building of the Ilısu dam may mean is will be soon confined to the past.
