Articles
A song to start something: the Arab Spring's greatest hits
The protest songs of the Arab Spring started like a whisper, but the music turned up the volume of the people's aspirations in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Syria and Libya.
In Libya victory celebrations first, tough questions later
Libya faces many new challenges, but first comes a moment of joy as the despised Colonel Muammar Qaddafi loses control of his capital city, his last stronghold. Now the work of building a new Libya begins.
Songs about the letter 'S' and Assad's hold on power
With the whole world on fire, sometimes the only thing to do is sing. And with one song – with one lyric – a whole edifice of fear and awe can fall down.
Ramadan could alter the course of Arab uprisings
The holy month, and the extra prayer time and congregation that it brings, may re-energise the efforts of those seeking reforms.
Islamists remain the unknown quantity in Tunisian politics
Tunisia's postponed elections focus attention on religion and the state. But even if Islamist parties have an electoral advantage, postponements are no solution
Six hit songs that might define summer of 2011
Three English-language and three Arabic tunes that you have probably heard this summer.
The sounds of summer 2011
What defines the song of summer? For many, it is the music that was playing in the restaurant or on the beach as they were falling in love. For others, it's the soundtrack of friendship.
Libya's rebels are embraced, but only on the battlefield
The Libyan rebels who fight have been brave. But in the afterglow of any liberation should be the reminder that the land they are liberating must be ruled for all Libyans, even those who now only stand and wait.
Put the past behind in order to build a new South Sudan
South Sudan's secession has left bad feelings in the north, and the new country has some serious internal divisions of its own as well. But the news isn't all grim.
Together: sense of community is alive and well, just compartmentalised
Pointing to the proliferation of small groups in the first part of the 21st century, Henry Hemming's latest book challenges the notion that society is becoming ever more disconnected.
To break stalemate, Libya's rebels have to negotiate
As the Libyan fighting drags on, bloodily but inconclusively, it is time to consider finding a negotiated peace, unpalatable though that may seem.
Saudi women drivers are the vanguard of social change
The campaign to challenge Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving has far-reaching consequences for the kingdom and the ruling family.
Sarkozy niqab ban strikes at heart of French liberty
France's ban on the niqab, a law with a shabby political motivation, violates the very sense of what it is to enjoy the country's vaunted "liberté".
Is the global economy back on an even keel?
Day rates for the movement of goods around the world hit their peak in early 2008, a few months before the global financial crisis. Which direction are these same prices heading in now, and can the shipping industry help predict the direction of the global economy?
A blogger's flight of fancy puts all of Syria's activists at risk
An irresponsible blogger impersonating a Syrian activist has put real people at risk. The example not only shows the harm that the internet enables, but the bravery of those who oppose the regime in the Damascus in their own names.
