Stories written by Daan Bauwens

MOROCCO: New Law, But the Same Old Men

The new Moroccan family law was designed to give women equal rights in the family. But five years after its introduction, Moroccan women leaders say opposition to the law from politicians and within the judicial system persists, and the new law has not been able to change Moroccan mentality.

Refugees outside the UNHCR office in Rabat. Credit: Daan Bauwens

MOROCCO: African Refugees Targeted

More than 300 African refugees are gathered at the gates of the Moroccan United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), asking to be moved to another country because their rights are not respected in Morocco. Several refugees say they have been beaten up by Moroccan UN personnel.

Rabbi Meir Azari Credit: Beit Daniel

Q&A: ‘We Eat Hatred Here’

Beit Daniel is an Israeli pluralist religious organisation promoting coexistence between Jews and Muslims in the Holy Land. Executive director Rabbi Meir Azari speaks here to IPS about the war in Gaza, the importance of compromise, and the moral dilemmas of Israel.

ISRAEL: ‘If You Don’t Know, It Didn’t Happen’

Even though atrocities committed by Israeli soldiers have surfaced and the appointment of a right-wing government diminishes the chances for peace in the Middle East, no left-wing Israeli is taking to the streets.

MIDEAST: ‘Israelis Prepared for Violations’

After the internal investigation into the misconduct of Israeli soldiers in the course of the Gaza assault was closed suspiciously fast, a brief overview of publications by army officials, published months before the start of the war, suggests the reported misconduct was policy and not coincidence.

ISRAEL: Slowly Beating Back the Persecution Psyche

A new study shows that Israelis are moving towards an understanding of the Palestinian position on the conflict, even though a vast number still hold on to simplistic notions about good Israelis and bad Arabs.

MIDEAST: Settlement Expansion Cutting Into Peace

A secret government database revealed last week the real extent of settlement construction on the West Bank. In violation of the Road Map to peace agreed with the U.S., Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak, it turned out, agreed to the construction of another settlement on the West Bank. Many now question how devoted Israeli leaders really are to the idea of achieving peace.

ISRAEL: Arab Parties Back in Contest

A sharp polarisation between Israeli Arab parties and the rest is expected to mark the upcoming elections Feb. 10.

Q&A: 'Without Loyalty, No Citizenship'

Arab Israeli lists Balad and Ta'al might not be allowed to take part in the upcoming elections. Last Monday, representatives from all major parties voted for the exclusion of the lists. Danny Hershtal, candidate of main instigator Yisrael Beitenu explains why his party considered such a move necessary.

MIDEAST: Some Israelis Cry Out for Peace

Another peace rally Saturday night brought together about a couple of thousand Israelis to demand an immediate end to the ongoing assault in Gaza. The demonstration was held in front of the Hakirya, the central command of the Israeli Defence Forces and the Ministry of Defence in the heart of Tel Aviv.

A view of Tel Aviv from a rooftop in Qalqilya. Credit: Daan Bauwens

MIDEAST: Sun Sets On An Encircled Town

Qalqilya has been an encircled town since the Israeli West Bank barrier was built around it in 2003. Only one narrow gate guarded by Israeli soldiers allows access.

MIDEAST: Arabs Uneasy About Joining Israeli Army

The Israeli government has begun to actively promote voluntary army service for Israeli Arabs. The Knesset, the Israeli parliament, is meanwhile considering plans to make civil service compulsory for all Israeli citizens, including Israeli Arabs.

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