Most recent articles by Andrea Backhaus
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Palestinians in the West Bank"We need someone to give us back our dignity"
The Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October and the war in Gaza are also having a huge impact on the West Bank. Support for an armed struggle – and for the actions of Hamas – is growing there
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Syrian refugees in LebanonLiving in constant fear of deportation
About two million Syrian refugees have fled to Lebanon since the start of the war. However, since the Lebanese economy has nosedived, life for the refugees has become increasingly difficult. This year, Lebanese authorities have stepped up their deportations of Syrian refugees. By Andrea Backhaus in Bar Elias
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Exclusive: Egyptian activist Sanaa Seif"Egypt's regime must overcome its paranoia"
President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi is driven by the fear of a new uprising, says activist Sanaa Seif. In interview, she talks about the fight to release her brother Alaa Abdel Fattah – and why the West should exert more pressure. Andrea Backhaus met up with her in London
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Humanitarian crisis in Sudan"I'm trapped in the war"
Sudanese are desperately trying to leave their country. But many, like Mahir Elfiel, are trapped because their passports are stuck in one of the closed European embassies. Here he talks about his hopeless situation. Andrea Backhaus recorded his story
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Fighting for power in SudanBurhan and Dagalo – greed-driven egotists
In Sudan, two generals are fighting for power and sinecures. Khartoum-based female activist Hala al-Karib says there can be no democracy with them: for that, women need to enter politics. Interview by Andrea Backhaus
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Women migrant workers in Lebanon"Exploiting women is becoming the norm"
Due to the current crisis, the situation of female labour migrants in Lebanon is deteriorating dramatically, says feminist Ghina al Andary. In interview with Andrea Backhaus in Beirut, she talks about how the kafala system is driving more and more women into prostitution
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EgyptThe revolution did not fail
Ten years ago, the Egyptians overthrew ruler Hosni Mubarak. Although this did not bring them more freedom, they did gain something. An essay by Andrea Backhaus
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Hisham A. Hellyer on "the War on Terror""You cannot rely on the West"
Western states have fought against terrorism not only in Afghanistan, but also in Syria and Iraq – leaving behind people who were once their partners in fear and poverty. Hisham A. Hellyer talks in interview about the "war on terror" and the role played by the West 20 years on. Interview by Andrea Backhaus
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Middle East conflict"The Palestinians face repression on all sides"
Hamas in Gaza, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, and Israel: Palestinians have fewer and fewer rights, says Khaled Elgindy. The Middle East could escalate at any time. An interview by Andrea Backhaus
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Civil society held hostage by corruption and murderLibya's peace process doomed to failure without its women
Libya is disintegrating into chaos and lawlessness. Women who stand up to those in charge of the country end up fearing for their lives, even though it is these very women who could bring stability to the country. An analysis by Andrea Backhaus
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Lebanon after the explosionBeirut's aftermath – shattering as 15 years of civil war
It has been three months since the devastating explosion in the port of Beirut. Since then, inhabitants of the Lebanese capital have been struggling to return to some kind of normality. For many, however, things will never be the same again. Andrea Backhaus reports from Beirut
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Portrait of the refugee helper Father Zerai"All these people want is a chance"
The feisty Catholic priest Mussie Zerai is a staunch advocate of the rights of refugees in Italy and has already saved countless lives. A candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, he is known as the "refugees' guardian angel". Many refugees simply call him "Father Moses". By Andrea Backhaus