Germany’s Qantara: A Bridge Burning
Founded in 2003 as a bridge between cultures post-9/11, Qantara aimed to foster dialogue between the West and the Islamic world. After 20 years of independence, the German government took over, sparking controversy.
Concerns arose when Qantara published critical content on anti-Semitism in German debates. Following a transfer to the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations, 35 editorial staff members resigned in protest.
Under new management, Qantara’s editorial direction shifted, focusing on aligning with the German government’s biases instead of promoting dialogue. An opinion piece denying famine in Gaza and labeling Palestinians as anti-Semitic sparked outrage.
Newly appointed editor, Jannis Hagmann, promises editorial independence. However, the damage to Qantara’s reputation as an objective platform for Middle Eastern issues is already done.
This transition period at Qantara highlights the German government’s one-sided stance on the Middle East, undermining the platform’s credibility as a bridge between cultures.
As Qantara navigates rebuilding trust, its recent shift sheds light on Germany’s approach to the region and the need for unbiased dialogue.
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