Wednesday 20 September 2023

writers excel at winning literary awards, but are unable to achieve global recognition!"

Interview with: British Algerian author Mouloud Benzadi 



Mouloud Benzadi: "Arab writers excel at winning literary awards, but are unable to achieve global recognition!"

 

 By: Latifa Muhammad Hasib Al-Qadi

 


Mouloud Benzadi, a British Algerian novelist, essayist, linguist, translator, critic, and researcher, is a prominent figure in Arab cultural diaspora. With roots in Algeria and a spirit influenced by Great Britain, his intellectual prowess knows no bounds. Delving into the nuances of humanity and promoting cultural harmony, he is an enlightening beacon in our globalized world. In this exclusive interview, we explore the captivating mind of Mouloud Benzadi as he shares his insights, inspirations, and aspirations for a more interconnected world.

 

In a recent book review you published about "Spare," you noted that Prince Harry contradicts himself regarding the topic of privacy. Could you please provide further clarification?

Certainly. Prince Harry has consistently expressed his concerns regarding the media's intrusion into his and his family's privacy. He has taken legal action against prominent British newspapers such as "The Sun," "Daily Mirror," and "Mail on Sunday," as well as a news agency that captured unauthorized aerial photos of their Cotswolds home, ultimately resulting in their decision to relocate. However, his bombshell “Spare” suggests that Prince Harry is now facing accusations of contradicting himself or displaying hypocrisy. Despite his complaints about privacy breaches, some newspapers argue that the release of his widely-publicized memoir, "Spare," may be seen as a violation of his own family's privacy.

 

You mentioned in a recent interview that Arab writers are skilled at winning literary prizes but are unable to achieve global recognition. How would you explain this discrepancy?

This statement highlights an aspect that may be difficult for Arab writers to accept: the challenge of achieving universal recognition. Universalism, signifying widespread acknowledgment and global distribution, is often elusive for Arab writers. Their fame tends to be constrained within their home countries and the Arab region, often diminishing over time as new literary figures emerge.

Moreover, Arab writers have sometimes misunderstood the path to attaining universality. Some mistakenly believe that participation in international events, winning prestigious awards, or translating their works into foreign languages automatically leads to international acclaim. However, it is difficult to claim international recognition when Arabic books struggle to achieve significant sales outside of the Arab world. How can we speak of universality when Arab literary figures remain relatively unknown on the global literary stage?!

 

Speaking of translation, while working in this field, doesn't translation help Arab writers achieve universality by having their works reach audiences speaking other languages?

Translation enables a work to be available in another language, but it does not guarantee foreign interest or engagement. Translated Arabic works often struggle to captivate foreign audiences or gain significant popularity worldwide, leading them to remain on library shelves indefinitely. Several factors contribute to this, including Arab writers occasionally falling into the trap of self-indulgence and focusing solely on local or regional themes to please award committees and themselves, rather than considering broader appeal. These works often fail to generate interest among global readers who have a vast array of literary works at their disposal. It is ironic that Arab writers are skilled at winning literary awards, yet they just can’t achieve international recognition and remain unknown around the world!

 

In your opinion, how can Arab writers achieve universality?

In my opinion, the first step towards achieving universality for Arab writers is to free themselves from the obsession with winning literary awards and seeking fame. It is unfortunate that Arab writers often prioritize winning awards over capturing the hearts of contemporary audiences and future generations with globally impactful humanistic works. Investing time and effort in the pursuit of awards is uncertain, as it does not guarantee lasting recognition, even if it provides instant regional fame. That is why I suggest labeling this era of literature in the Arab world as "The Era of Literary Awards," starting from 1988 when Mikhail Naima passed away and Naguib Mahfouz won the Nobel Prize until a time in the future when writers shift their focus away from such accolades and start writing beyond their boundaries and embrace universal themes.

Another reason for the underachievement of Arab writers on the global stage is their tendency to write while thinking in their own language and with a logic that only their society understands. It is crucial to recognize that to effectively reach audiences in the English-speaking world, we must familiarize ourselves with their way of thinking and write using a logic that they can understand and engage with. I have learned this from my own experience in Britain. When I published my Arabic quotes translated into English, they went unnoticed because I had written them with an Arabic mindset. However, when I published quotes from my English writings, crafted with an English logical framework, the results exceeded my expectations. My English quotes garnered widespread attention worldwide. This achievement has motivated me to write in English, and I now encourage the Arab world to consider this approach. It represents a pioneering proposition in the history of the Arab world, and I implore future generations to contemplate it. Perhaps my English writings will serve as a model and evidence of the potential for success in writing in English, the global language.

 

The novel "Angelina: A Girl from Austria" falls within the category of autobiographical literature. Its events take place in Britain, Austria, the Canary Islands, and Slovenia. What does it convey to the reader?

This novel is a romantic story that follows the impossible love between a young Arab man and an Austrian girl. The book takes readers on a journey through the vibrant streets of London and then transports them to the Austrian-Slovenian border, immersing them in the local lifestyle. Eventually, the story leads them to the breathtaking Canary Islands. Classified as autobiographical literature, this novel has been described by critics as a provocative work due to its explicit sexual scenes and the unconventional ideas and reflections it presents, stemming from the new environment, in contrast to what is familiar and acceptable in the Arab world. The publishers informed me that it was one of the best-selling books at Arabic book fairs.

 

The novel Abarat Wa Ibar "Lessons and Conclusions" clearly reflects the tremendous effort put into its creation. Could you kindly share the inspiration behind it?

This engaging novel tells the story of a humble family in an impoverished suburb of Algeria's capital. Set during the French occupation and liberation war (1954 – 1962), it draws from real accounts, making it historical fiction. It's a great choice for a TV series based on true events. But creating this wasn't easy; it required collecting stories from various people and thorough historical research. In essence, this novel is the result of years of hard work and dedication from many contributors.

 

Mouloud Benzadi is a prominent Arab cultural figure in the diaspora. He is a novelist, translator, critic, and researcher in language and literature. Besides Arabic, can he communicate his thoughts in English and French?

After spending a significant amount of time in Britain, I've come to realize the value of understanding the British perspective and adjusting my writing accordingly. My immersion in British society has led me to be the first Arab writer to advocate not only understanding the mindset and writing style of English-speaking societies but also writing in English. I encourage Arab writers to consider this proposition carefully. If they choose not to, I leave it to future generations to evaluate and decide. History supports this notion. Consider Omar Khayyam's poetry, which succeeded where many other Eastern works failed in gaining popularity when translated into English. The key was Edward Fitzgerald, the meticulous translator who adapted the text to align with English thought patterns, earning admiration from the masses.

Another example is the success of writers like Gibran and Mikhail Naimy, who captivated the world through their English writings, while renowned Eastern writers like Naguib Mahfouz and May Ziadeh struggled to achieve the same recognition in English translations. Additionally, my English quotes are widely shared on various platforms, in contrast to my translated Arabic quotes. This has motivated me to write my first novel in English, and I invite fellow Arab writers and future generations to join this endeavor. It's worth noting that quotes from my upcoming novel have already been selected by various quote websites and are gaining popularity on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram before the book's release, which fills me with motivation and encouragement.

 

What about the presence of women in your novels?

You might not believe it, but women are present in all of my novels, from "Lessons and Conclusions" to "Angelina, a Girl from Austria." And you can expect a strong female presence in my upcoming English novel!

 

When you're writing, who do you imagine as your internal censor? And who's the initial person you seek feedback from regarding your writing?

In my literary world, there is no room for censorship. My novels and articles fearlessly critique various practices within Arab societies. While many diaspora writers often champion nationalism, I take a different path by critiquing nationalism and patriotism. Instead, I advocate for a common global culture that mirrors the multi-racial and multi-cultural facets of British society. This society is bound not by identity but by a shared language, English, and a common culture. One prime example is my spontaneous creation of “Angelina, A Girl from Austria”, which I never imagined would become a shocking novel in the Arab world.

As for readers, my writing does not target a specific tribe or nation, but is intended for the whole world. I value and listen to input from readers from around the globe.

 

Before we end this interview, is there anything else you would like to express or any final thoughts you would like to share with our readers and audience?

I've been profoundly influenced by two distinct environments, and today I am eager to fully embrace and explore my British side. My aspiration is to contribute significantly to English literature by creating works that transcend national boundaries. I emphasize universal human values and a profound love for the unity of humanity—a unity beautifully exemplified by British society, where I now reside.

Some years ago, I made the decision to step away from an Arab literary scene dominated by a select few veteran writers - a decision that I consider both permanent and unchangeable. Nevertheless, I remain fully committed to fostering positive and constructive relationships with my local colleagues. I can engage in collaborative efforts from a distance, championing literature, tolerance, and humanity, all while building bridges of friendship and love among people across the globe.

My diverse and extensive experiences in the British Isles hold great potential to benefit my colleagues in the Arab world. It's worth noting that my unconventional thinking has come at a personal cost, including threats from colleagues in my home country due to my differing views and my advocacy for a different language. However, However, even as I exercise caution when returning to my homeland, I maintain a strong faith in the authorities there.

Friday 1 September 2023

La langue peut-elle être un pont vers la paix au Moyen-Orient?

 


■ Par Mouloud Benzadi, auteur, chercheur et traducteur - Royaume-Uni.

"De plus en plus d'Israéliens apprennent à parler l'arabe comme jamais auparavant", rapporte le Jerusalem Post, ajoutant que "de plus en plus de Juifs israéliens suivent des cours d'arabe parlé, que ce soit dans le cadre formel ou informel." Parallèlement, Mosaic Magazine affirme que les Arabes israéliens parlent de plus en plus l’hébreu, ce qui constitue une avancée positive.”

Avec l’intérêt croissant des Israéliens et des Arabes pour l’apprentissage de la langue maternelle de l’autre, est-ce que les deux langues sœurs, l’arabe et l’hébreu, pourraient jouer un rôle dans l’amélioration des relations judéo-arabes dans ce conflit long et complexe au Moyen-Orient ? De plus, est-ce que la langue, en tant que système de communication, peut servir de pont vers la paix dans la région?

Israël déclasse l'arabe

De 1948 à 2018, l'arabe a été reconnue comme langue officielle, aux côtés de l'hébreu, dans l'État d'Israël. Soixante-dix ans plus tard, ce statut a été révoqué lorsque le parlement israélien a adopté la Loi sur l'État-nation le 19 juillet 2018, reléguant ainsi l'arabe à un rang inférieur.

Cette nouvelle loi a suscité de vives critiques de la part de la minorité arabe du pays, qui la décrit comme « raciste » en raison de ses dispositions accordant des droits exclusifs aux Juifs par rapport aux Arabes. Najib Hadad, un Arabe âgé de 56 ans originaire de la ville majoritairement arabe de Nazareth, dans le nord d'Israël, a déclaré au journal The Guardian : « Nous vivons confortablement en Israël, nous travaillons et nous jouissons de notre liberté d'expression. Nous avons nos représentants au Knesset [parlement]... Malheureusement, cette loi est clairement discriminatoire. »

Cependant, une question se pose : est-il préférable pour une société de parler une langue commune ou plusieurs langues différentes ? Les personnes vivant dans une société multilingue sont souvent confrontées au dilemme du choix de la langue à utiliser. Par conséquent, il est crucial d'avoir une langue commune dans une nation, étant donné que le multilinguisme peut engendrer des malentendus, de la confusion et des divisions. Il n'est donc pas surprenant que les premières tentatives de création d'une langue commune remontent à l'Antiquité, lorsque les anciens Grecs qualifiaient de « barbares » (barbaros) ceux qui ne parlaient pas le grec.

L'arabe conserve un statut spécial

Malgré l'adoption de la loi controversée, l’arabe bénéficie toujours d'un statut spécial en Israël. La nouvelle loi stipulait que l'arabe conserverait un "statut spécial" et "ne serait pas touché". Le quotidien israélien Al-Monitor rapporte que "le parlement a marqué le septième Jour annuel de la langue arabe le 25 janvier par des discussions et débats spéciaux consacrés à ce sujet dans différents comités."

Lors de ces événements, les membres de la Knesset ont également été informés d'une nouvelle initiative du directeur général de la Knesset, Gil Segal, qui a fait réaliser le premier dictionnaire de terminologie parlementaire de base en arabe, indique le journal israélien indépendant.

Aujourd'hui, l'arabe reste une langue importante en Israël. Il convient de noter que l'arabe est non seulement largement parlé par les citoyens arabes d'Israël, qui représentent un cinquième de la population totale de plus de neuf millions de personnes du pays, mais aussi par de nombreux parents et grands-parents juifs israéliens, qui ont immigré à partir de pays arabophones.

Pourquoi est-il important d'apprendre les langues des autres ?

L'un des avantages les plus bénéfiques de notre nature humaine est notre capacité à communiquer avec autrui. Il est plus facile d'établir une relation avec quelqu'un lorsque nous parlons la même langue. La communication est donc la principale raison pour laquelle il est recommandé d'enseigner l'arabe aux étudiants israéliens.

"Nos enfants doivent absolument être capables de communiquer et d'interagir avec les Arabes en Israël et avec nos voisins de la région", déclare Michal Cotler-Wunsh du parti Bleu et Blanc. Selon Cotler-Wunsh, l'enseignement de l'arabe aux étudiants israéliens devrait comprendre à la fois la forme parlée et écrite, "afin de leur permettre de comprendre et de communiquer avec leurs voisins arabes en Israël et dans la région, et de contribuer à combler les écarts culturels et linguistiques existants".

En plus de la communication, apprendre une langue est une fenêtre vers une autre culture. En d'autres termes, "la langue est la carte routière d'une culture. Elle nous indique d'où viennent les gens et où ils se dirigent", comme l'a si bien dit l'auteure américaine à succès Rita Mae Brown. En enseignant l'arabe aux élèves israéliens, cela pourrait certainement être bénéfique pour les Juifs en les aidant à se rapprocher des Arabes, à développer leur sensibilité et à leur permettre de découvrir l'histoire et le patrimoine israéliens.

Les Israéliens peuvent-ils apprendre l'arabe?

L'arabe est réputé pour être l'une des langues les plus complexes au monde. L'alphabet arabe peut être extrêmement difficile à maîtriser, car il diffère complètement de l'alphabet latin et de l'abjad hébraïque. Les lettres changent de forme en fonction de leur position dans un mot, que ce soit au début, au milieu ou à la fin. La grammaire peut être particulièrement ardue en raison d'un grand nombre de règles que même les arabophones ont du mal à mémoriser. Malgré tous ces défis, l'apprentissage de l'arabe est relativement facile pour les Israéliens, et les locuteurs de l'hébreu peuvent profiter de certains avantages qui ne sont pas disponibles pour les locuteurs d'autres langues. L'arabe et l'hébreu appartiennent tous deux à la famille des langues sémitiques, ce qui les rend similaires. Ils partagent l'écriture de droite à gauche, du vocabulaire en commun, certains concepts grammaticaux similaires et une prononciation semblable. En conséquence, pour les locuteurs de l'hébreu, l'arabe est une langue qu'ils peuvent apprendre assez facilement. La question qui se pose alors est la suivante : est-ce que les Arabes peuvent apprendre facilement l'hébreu, étant donné les similarités linguistiques entre les deux langues?

L'hébreu est-il facile pour les arabophones?

Est-ce que l'apprentissage de l'hébreu est accessible aux locuteurs arabes ? En bref, oui, l'hébreu peut être relativement facilement acquis par les locuteurs arabes. Selon Mark Mostow, un retraité spécialisé en mathématiques et en programmation informatique, qui parle couramment l'arabe et l'hébreu, ces deux langues partagent des similarités dans la construction des mots en utilisant des racines de trois ou quatre consonnes. Contrairement à l'arabe, où la diversité des dialectes parlés pose un défi, l'hébreu moderne présente un seul dialecte et peu de différences entre la langue parlée et écrite, facilitant ainsi son apprentissage. Mostow estime qu'un locuteur arabe déterminé pourrait atteindre un niveau de conversation basique en hébreu en quelques mois.

La langue comble le fossé entre les peuples

La question demeure de savoir si les deux langues voisines, l'arabe et l'hébreu, peuvent servir d'outils essentiels pour combler le fossé entre les Arabes et les Israéliens et promouvoir la paix et la stabilité dans la région du Moyen-Orient en proie aux conflits.

La femme politique israélienne Michal Cotler-Wunsh ne doute pas de cela. En parlant de la nécessité des études arabes en Israël, elle affirme : "Les études arabes peuvent permettre aux citoyens israéliens de devenir des 'ponts pour la paix et l'éducation'." Cotler-Wunsh souligne l'importance d'étudier à la fois l'arabe parlé et écrit. "Apprendre à la fois l'arabe parlé et écrit permettrait aux étudiants juifs israéliens de comprendre et de communiquer avec leurs voisins arabes en Israël et dans la région, contribuant ainsi à combler les écarts culturels et linguistiques existants", ajoute-t-elle.


Tuesday 11 July 2023

Why Is William Shakespeare Considered The World's Favorite Writer?

 **Why Is William Shakespeare Considered The World's Favorite Writer?**







Shakespeare's enduring popularity can be attributed to his significant contributions to the English language, his unmatched literary achievements, and his ability to transcend cultural boundaries. His genius lies in his ability to create works that are both timeless and universally appreciated, securing his place as the father of modern English literature. 


■ By Mouloud Benzadi, author, researcher and translator - UK


William Shakespeare, born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, remains an iconic figure in literature and theater. His timeless works, known for their compelling narratives, poetic language, and intricate characters, continue to mesmerize audiences centuries after his passing. Why does Shakespeare's popularity endure, while many of his contemporaries faded into obscurity? Why do his plays continue to be read and staged?


**He influenced the English language**

Shakespeare's impact on the English language is undeniable. He played a significant role in shaping and standardizing the language during the 17th and 18th centuries. Through his plays and poems, he introduced over 1,700 words that are still in common use today. Shakespeare's creativity and linguistic prowess allowed him to invent and introduce words by combining existing words, changing the grammatical form, adding prefixes or suffixes, and drawing inspiration from other languages, particularly Latin. He had a deep understanding of Latin drama and would often borrow words from Latin and adapt them for the English language. Some of the words and phrases that Shakespeare either invented or popularized, which are still integral to the English lexicon, include "dawn," "hurry," "kissing," "manager," and "traditional." Furthermore, his plays also gave rise to colloquial phrases that have become ingrained in everyday speech, such as "fair play," "clothes make the man," and "what's done is done." Shakespeare's linguistic innovations continue to enrich the English language and contribute to its vitality and expression.

**He understood the power of language**

Language serves as more than just a means of communication; it acts as a gateway to the world. When learning a language, one not only acquires the ability to speak and write, but also develops qualities such as open-mindedness, liberalism, tolerance, kindness, and consideration towards all of humanity. For Shakespeare, his knowledge of languages played a crucial role in connecting with others, greatly influencing his works. His plays incorporated a wide range of local, regional, and global dialects and language variations. Shakespeare astutely recognized the power of language and skillfully employed it to capture the attention and impact a broader scope of individuals. The power of language is evident in his choice of words and phrases, as well as in his use of metaphor, imagery, and symbolism.

Unlike writers who may concentrate on a specific genre, Shakespeare produced varied styles of plays, offering readers an extensive selection. Between 1591 and 1611, he composed approximately thirty-seven plays representing all major genres: tragedy, comedy, and history. In addition, he authored two lengthy narrative poems, "Venus and Adonis" and "The Rape of Lucrece," along with 154 sonnets. Shakespeare employed the power of language to communicate with individuals of different ages and stages within Britain and beyond. This ability to effectively connect with a diverse audience contributes to his status as the world's favorite writer.. 

**Vast knowledge of mankind**

Shakespeare's education at King Edward VI's Grammar School in Stratford-upon-Avon provided him with a foundation in languages. Latin, the primary language of learning during that time, would have been extensively taught, and Shakespeare likely had a strong command of it by the time he completed his schooling at the age of 14. Additionally, his plays demonstrate his knowledge of French, as seen in works such as "Henry V," which contains French words, phrases, and even entire scenes conducted in French.

Shakespeare's multilingualism opened up a world of literature beyond the boundaries of his native country. He drew inspiration from Roman authors and philosophers such as Plautus, Cicero, Seneca, and Juvenal. He was familiar with the works of ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. Furthermore, his knowledge of French enriched his vocabulary, as many words in his works have roots in French. French Renaissance writer Michel de Montaigne, known for pioneering the essay as a literary genre, also influenced Shakespeare's works.

Beyond languages and literature, Shakespeare possessed knowledge in a range of fields, including law, geography, history, medicine, and religion. He had an interest in music, and songs played a significant role in his plays.

Living in London during a time of cultural diversity, Shakespeare was exposed to a multicultural environment. The city absorbed immigrants from various regions and countries, allowing Shakespeare to gain a deeper understanding of different beliefs, traditions, customs, and behaviors. This diversity is reflected in his plays, which feature foreign and black characters. Examples include Catherine, the young princess of France in "Henry V," Cleopatra, the dark-skinned Queen of Egypt in "Antony and Cleopatra," and Othello, a black man navigating a white society in the play named after him. 

**His themes were universal**

In literature, themes refer to the underlying messages that writers aim to convey and share with readers. These themes are crucial in creating impactful works that can withstand the test of time and have a lasting impact on society. While some writers focus on themes that are specific to their geographical location and contemporary context, Shakespeare's enduring popularity can be attributed to his incorporation of timeless themes that still resonate with readers today.

One of the reasons why Shakespeare's works have stood the test of time is because he embraced themes that transcend specific time periods. His plays explore universal themes that continue to be relevant in the modern world. Despite being written more than four centuries ago, his works remain popular among a diverse global audience. This enduring popularity is due, in part, to the enduring human experiences and emotions that Shakespeare captures in his plays. Themes such as life, death, race, sex, love, hatred, revenge, betrayal, deception, suffering, order, disorder, and corruption are still relatable and familiar to readers today.

Shakespeare's works have a wide appeal and resonate with readers from various backgrounds and age groups. The themes he explores remain true and captivating, even in the present day. This timeless quality allows his works to remain as compelling and relevant today as they were when they were first created.. 

**He transcended culture**

Shakespeare's impact on our world is indeed enduring and his contributions to the English language continue to be celebrated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Shakespeare played a significant role in standardizing English through his remarkable writings. The Oxford English Dictionary attributes the introduction of around 3,000 words to Shakespeare, solidifying his influence on the language.

His literary achievements are unparalleled, with timeless masterpieces such as "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet." These works have resonated with audiences for centuries, transcending time and cultural boundaries. Shakespeare's ability to captivate audiences from diverse backgrounds is a testament to his genius. He wrote for a wide range of people, creating works that have universal appeal and continue to be celebrated as classics of modern English literature.

Shakespeare's universalism is a key factor in the lasting fame of his works. His ability to explore profound human experiences, emotions, and themes speaks to people across generations and cultures. His insights into the human condition continue to be relevant and relatable, making his works enduring and eternally admired. (#supportnewauthors #literaryagentneeded) 


Sunday 13 December 2020

Nationalism is another form of extremism




By Mr. Mouloud Benzadi, Author and translator based in the UK

Nationalism can be a good thing, argue some. “Research suggests that an inclusive, solidaristic sense of nationalism might help us attain those very goals: freedom, equity, welfare“, says Prerna Singh, author of (How Solidarity Works for Welfare: Subnationalism and Social Development in India).
Nationalism can certainly have its positive points, but history taught us that for all positives associated with it, there have always been negatives as well. Nationalism is behind the political system that promotes ‘the nation’ at the expense of others, leading to exclusionary, prejudiced attitudes and hostility towards others, including people from the same nation who may not share similar views and principles. Ultimately, nationalism has the potential of becoming a destructive political force, driving the world to conflicts, chaos, instability and presenting fertile ground for extremism. Nationalism was behind modern genocides from Nazi Germany to the Rwandan Civil War of 1994 which killed 800,000 people mostly from the minority Tutsi tribe.

Terrible atrocities committed by fanatics, in the name of God, are blamed on religious zeal. Extremist beliefs are zeal and extremist actions are reactions to zeal and profound convictions. Zeal is also a major element in nationalism with serious consequences. It was English nationalism that drove the British decision to leave the European Union in 2016, commonly referred to as Brexit, and today, the UK Union itself is threatened by the Scottish National Party’s surging obsession for independence. Nationalist zeal should never be underestimated even if it is limited in size. Back in 2014, radicals in the Ukraine – a minority estimated at 10,000 – took thousands to the streets steering deadly protests. Every form of zeal is dangerous, whether it is religious or nationalist, as British author Frances Hardinge has put it, “Zeal was like gas, most dangerous when you could not see it. The wrong spark could light it at any time.”

Nationalism comes in a variety of forms and it is not always secular. Religious nationalism has been roiling politics. In Poland, intolerant Catholic nationalists advocate Catholicism as the only true religion and proclaim the superiority of Poles over other nations. Muslim radicals tighten their grip in countries like Pakistan where Islamic nationalism emerged as a major force at the end of British colonial rule using Islam as a shared political identity. And although Turkey is officially a secular nation, it has been experiencing a new wave of nationalism characterized by deep attachment to Turkish identity and Islam and scepticism towards the West, highlighted by recent decision by the government to convert the renowned Hagia Sophia, an ancient Orthodox Church and a UNESCO World Heritage, to a Muslim place of worship. Meanwhile, recent violence against Syrian refugees and Kurds in Turkey highlights the rise of Turkish authoritarian nationalism and its attitudes towards non-Turkish minorities.

Right-Wing nationalism also remains a great danger to peace in the world. Voter support for right-wing and populist parties is on the rise across Europe with National Front (FN) leader Marine Le Pen competing against Emmanuel Macron in the 2017 French presidential election. And In 2017, in Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made its way to the Federal Parliament for the first time taking 12.6% of the vote, becoming Germany’s biggest opposition party. In Spain, the far-right made huge gains in the country’s 2019 general election. It took 52 seats in Congress, becoming the third largest force in parliament. Today, nationalism has picked up strength and speed as a result of the corona virus crisis with citizens looking to national governments for protection and support, and governments taking action to try and reduce the spread of the virus, including stepping up control over the borders or shutting their frontiers all together.

Today, apart from religion, one of the most important causes of division, war and violence in the world is nationalist sentiment. Nationalism is simply another form of extremism dividing people, causing distrust and fuelling violence and bloodshed across the globe, reflected in civil wars, territorial ambitions and genocide from Yugoslavia to Cambodia. Nationalism remains a serious threat to international peace and security and as such it needs to be rejected. Our common values, our shared humanity, our vision of the future, our loyalty and our solidarity must be global and international, aiming at achieving peace, stability and harmony for mankind across the world

Thursday 10 December 2020

Citations françaises J'ai du mal à te laisser partir

 J'ai eu du mal à te laisser partir,

et aujourd'hui, penser à toi me fait souffrir. 

Je ne suis pas comme toi, 

je ne peux pas tout oublier et recommencer une nouvelle fois.


Écrivain Mouloud Benzadi


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Saturday 25 January 2020