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Syria

Urban agriculture in Palestinian refugee camps

FOOD: In refugee camps all over Lebanon and Syria, the Palestinian aid organization Jafra Foundation has been responsible for urban cultivation – with organic and short-lived herbs and vegetables. But the societal benefit extends further than that. They build planters, provide soil, compost, small plants, seeds and access to water.

"I don't think a single military conflict can solve a problem."

THE MODERN TIMES INTERVIEW: Elisabeth Hoff, WHO's representative in Libya today, wondered why Norway got involved and dropped 700 bombs on Libya in 2011: "It makes no sense at all." For 30 years, Hoff has tried to save lives in war zones such as Afghanistan, Syria and Libya. How can a human endure so much suffering?

More weapons will prolong the war

UKRAINE: There are many indications that the war in Ukraine has been provoked and desired by the USA and NATO. The mass media have turned into effective ideological institutions that perform a system-supporting propaganda function.

Presented as solidarity actions

War: In the ongoing conflict between Russia and the West in Ukraine, social democrats, social liberals and green politicians have been among the most ardent supporters of war and confrontational politics. And when "solidarity" becomes a tool for warmongers, the political right can become a strategic ally.

The women who travel to the Islamic State

The IS brides: Both victims of and renegade supporters of the terrorist organization IS claim that this "state" will rise again, and journalists and experts support the claim. But how many victims' stories are needed before IS loses its appeal to individuals? What about Aisha Shezadi Kausar?

The military-industrial complex

MODERN TIMES CONVERSATIONS: From someone who should know the intricacies of foreign policy and geopolitics: Thorbjørn Jagland on military rearmament and enemy images – when it comes to the USA, Russia, China, Turkey and Libya.

With spine and ethical compass intact

NOTICE We need a media culture and a society built on accountability and truth. We do not have that today.

The Arab Spring and us – ten years later

ESSAY: The Arab Spring has mainly been a revolt against inequality. What was the result?

A death sentence on the Syrian state

SYRIA: A multisectoral, multi-religious, multi-linguistic and multiethnic state torn to shreds by the Ba'ath party, extremists, militias and rival superpowers, all demanding their share of the country.

Silently disciplining research

PRIORITIES: Many who question the legitimacy of the US wars seem to be pressured by research and media institutions. An example here is the Institute for Peace Research (PRIO), which has had researchers who have historically been critical of any war of aggression – who have hardly belonged to the close friends of nuclear weapons.

BEFORE AND AFTER THE EXPLOSION: How to patch up a city

TRIPOLI / BEIRUT: One of Lebanon's most controversial directors, Lucien Bourjeily, has put the country on the international theater map through his theater productions.

Strong hostage drama from reality

DANISH IS-CATCH: The feature film about Danish Daniel Rye captured by IS in Syria shows that Scandinavian film does not have to be toothless entertainment to hit wide.

Jesus from Instagram

RELIGION: The Netflix series Messiah asks the fascinating question of how Jesus – or someone who appears to be him – would be received today.

Takes freedom of speech seriously

WEEKDAY: "We have to understand what power can be found in the literature," says festival director for LitFestBergen, Teresa Grøtan

"Fuck you, Bashar"

SYRIA: Feras Fayyad's new documentary shows people's courage, resilience and solidarity in a hospital under the bomb.

New times for war and evil

– Time to prevent more use of biological warfare, autonomous weapons systems and mercenaries.