Syria
The Islamic State is militarily on its knees. But it is striving for an ideological relaunch.
In the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, Europeans and Syrians have created an organic farm, distributing seeds and know-how in the hope of rekindling old farming practices in Syria.
The war in Syria rages on, but many Syrian refugees have built new lives for themselves in Europe. Here are two stories about starting from scratch.
The modern view of Alawites in Syria has been largely shaped by their relation to its rulers.
Katja Brinkmann was an Arabist who explored the Middle East of all ages. She hoped that, one day, she could write another history of Syria. We mourn our dear friend, colleague and co-founder.
Europe needs to be more actively engaged to help bring about peace in Syria, writes Michel Duclos.
Bassel Khartabil was an influential internet figure and activist in the Syrian revolution. Imprisoned, his wife Noura Ghazi Safadi clung to hope that he would survive.
Despite claims by the Russian military, there are a number of good reasons to believe the leader of ISIL is not dead, writes Amir Musawy