Spotlight
Talahons on Trial
Germany’s word of the year is “talahon.” It emerged from hip-hop as a meme characterizing Arab-German youth, morphed into a cultural phenomenon and was ultimately weaponized by the far right to gain unprecedented support in the recent federal elections.
The Rubble of War
Lebanon is grappling with 32 million tons of rubble — and counting — created since war with Israel broke out in 2023. A controversial proposal to dump the debris in the Mediterranean is raising environmental concerns, while some advocate recycling it for reconstruction, amid government inaction and a financial crisis.
Pakistan Struggles to Maintain Strategic Relevance
Since Kabul’s fall, Pakistan has struggled to maintain strategic relevance and its attempts to reengage the U.S. have been largely unsuccessful. Domestic political turmoil, the popularity of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and a rise in militant attacks have complicated this engagement, as have the country’s ties with China.
Darayya’s Sacrifice
One Syrian town on the outskirts of Damascus became a byword for peaceful protest during the revolution that began in 2011. Today, after years of struggle and loss, the families of Darayya look to rebuild in the memory of their martyrs.
Duterte’s Arrest Sparks a Reckoning in the Philippines
Rodrigo Duterte, the former Philippine president known for his brutal war on drugs, was arrested on March 11. As he awaits trial in The Hague, his country has been divided, with some citizens hailing the arrest as a sign of justice and others condemning it as an act of oppression.
In Tripoli, Residents Mourn the Destruction of a Vital River
The Abu Ali River in Tripoli, Lebanon, once a vital part of the city, is now a polluted symbol of its deep-seated environmental, social and economic divisions.
Sitcom Under Siege
“No problem!” Sami al-Agha says on the phone, mid-scene. A second later, two deafening explosions shake the ground. Regime airstrikes. The power goes out. In the darkness, the cameraman moves closer and switches on the flash. Filming continues as if nothing happened, until the electricity returns 90 seconds later. “Ah!…