An Interview with French Historian Jacques Pouchepadass: Postcolonial Thought as a Critical Movement Rather Than an Academic Discipline
Interview conducted by: Jules Naudet
This interview with French historian Jacques Pouchepadass examines the nature of “postcolonial thought” as a radical critical movement rather than a mere academic discipline. Pouchepadass elucidates that this intellectual paradigm originated in Anglo-American universities, profoundly influenced by Edward Said’s Orientalism and French post-structuralist theories. The dialogue traces the historical roots of this current, linking it to the Subaltern Studies collective in India, which sought to write history “from below” in order to restore the dignity of colonized populations. Furthermore, the discussion addresses the critiques leveled against this framework, including objections from Marxists who condemned its textual idealism and detachment from material reality, as well as from historians who criticized its generalization of the colonial hegemonic model. Within the French context, Pouchepadass attributes the delayed reception of postcolonial studies to a stringent adherence to political universalism and the illusion of intellectual self-sufficiency provided by the legacy of seminal thinkers such as Frantz Fanon and Aimé Césaire. Ultimately, the interview concludes that the future of these studies resides in a thematic pivot toward issues of globalization, mobility, and coexistence, transcending a strict confinement to the colonial epoch to encompass broader epistemic domains, including visual and media studies.
Keywords: postcolonialism, Subaltern Studies, Edward Said, Eurocentrism, epistemological critique.


The Role of Immigrant Women in the Liberation of Algeria: The 1954–1962 Period
Dr. Samira Nemmich
This article examines the role of Algerian immigrant women in France during the National Liberation Revolution (1954–1962). Following World War II, migration shifted from an individual, male-dominated pattern to a family-oriented phenomenon, paving the way for a prominent female presence. Immigrant women actively participated in supporting the revolution both politically and militarily within the National Liberation Front (FLN) Federation. They contributed by transporting funds and weapons, organizing communications, gathering intelligence, and recruiting sympathizers. Furthermore, they played a significant role in trade unionism and awareness campaigns—particularly through the General Association of Algerian Workers—and helped organize protests, such as the demonstrations of October 1961. On the military front, their involvement extended to nursing, arms transport, and even the execution of guerrilla operations. Despite the scarcity of studies on this topic due to its clandestine nature, historical testimonies confirm that the role of immigrant women was both fundamental and complementary to that of men, contributing significantly to the overall success of the Algerian Revolution within France and abroad.
Keywords: Algerian immigrant women, liberation revolution, National Liberation Front Federation, political activity, armed struggle.


The Tripartite Aggression as a Colonial Alliance Against the National State: An Analytical Documentary Study
Dr. Ayman Ahmed Abdel Fattah Abdel Salam
This research examines the 1956 Tripartite Aggression as a colonial alliance among Britain, France, and Israel against the Egyptian national state led by Gamal Abdel Nasser. It illustrates that the roots of the aggression trace back to the escalation of national liberation movements following World War II, Egypt’s refusal to join Western alliances, and its shift toward a policy of non-alignment. Furthermore, the Czech arms deal and the nationalization of the Suez Canal significantly escalated tensions with the West. The study highlights the distinct motives of each participating party: Britain and France sought to restore their colonial influence, while Israel aimed to break the regional blockade and enhance its military superiority. It also discusses the broader international stance, noting that both the United States and the Soviet Union opposed the offensive, and the United Nations played a pivotal role in enforcing a ceasefire. Ultimately, the paper concludes that the aggression failed to achieve its objectives, instead bolstering Egypt’s international standing and contributing to the decline of traditional colonial influence in the region.
Keywords: Tripartite Aggression, Suez Canal, Gamal Abdel Nasser, colonialism, Non-Aligned Movement.


Soft Power in Orientalism as a Foundation for Manufacturing Hatred Against Muslims
Prof. Dr. Nazhan Hammoud Nassif and Prof. Dr. Khamis Gharbi Hussein
This research examines the relationship between Orientalism and soft power, exploring their combined role in manufacturing hatred against Muslims through media and artistic productions. The authors argue that Orientalism was never merely an objective scholarly endeavor to study the East; rather, it was an intellectual and cultural project intricately linked to Western religious, political, and colonial objectives. Soft power has been instrumental in this process by leveraging films, novels, news media, and social media platforms to construct negative stereotypes, repeatedly portraying Islam and Muslims as inherent sources of threat and violence. The study further demonstrates that Orientalists frequently relied on weak or biased sources to distort Islamic doctrine and history, thereby reinforcing hate speech within Western societies. Ultimately, the researchers emphasize that countering this phenomenon requires scientific research, dialogue, and objective criticism rather than emotional or reactionary discourse. Furthermore, they stress the necessity of enhancing cultural and intellectual awareness among Muslims while reviving the humanistic values of Islam that promote coexistence, tolerance, and respect for others.
Keywords: soft power, orientalism, manufacturing, hatred, Islam.


The Egyptian Army Confronting Foreign Intervention: The ‘Urabi Revolt (1881–1882) as a Case Study
Dr. Nabil El-Sayed El-Toukhy
This research examines the role of the Egyptian army in confronting foreign intervention during the late nineteenth century, utilizing the ‘Urabi Revolt (1881–1882) as a case study. It highlights how the army, established by Muhammad Ali, experienced systemic discrimination against Egyptian officers in favor of their Turkish and Circassian counterparts, sparking growing internal discontent. Amidst deteriorating economic conditions and escalating European interference, Ahmed ‘Urabi emerged as the leader of an officers’ movement demanding reform and equity. This movement eventually evolved into a broader national revolution supported by various social classes, advocating for constitutional rights and national sovereignty. The conflict intensified against Khedive Tawfiq and foreign powers, notably Britain and France, prompting direct military intervention. Despite the Egyptian army’s fierce resistance and heroism in engagements such as the Battle of Kafr El-Dawwar, internal treason coupled with British military superiority ultimately led to defeat at the Battle of Tell El-Kebir and the subsequent British occupation of Egypt in 1882. The study concludes that although the revolution ultimately failed to achieve its immediate political and military objectives, it laid the foundational groundwork for Egypt’s modern national movement.
Keywords: ‘Urabi revolt, Egyptian army, foreign intervention, Ahmed ‘Urabi, British occupation


A Reading of Historian Nicola Ziadeh’s Book “The Story of Colonialism in the Arab World”
Dr. Furqan Al-Husseini
Nicola Ziadeh’s book, Qissat al-isti‘mar fi l-‘alam al-‘Arabi (The Story of Colonialism in the Arab World), presents an analytical interpretation of colonialism as the product of internal European developments, such as the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and technological superiority, which propelled Europe toward external expansion. The author explains that colonialism in the Arab world did not begin with military occupation but rather evolved through gradual stages involving commercial, economic, and cultural penetration, capitalizing on the weakness of local political and economic structures. As influence transitioned into direct control, colonial powers established administrative systems aimed at consolidating their hegemony. Conversely, resistance movements emerged and later developed into organized national movements that ultimately led to independence. However, independence did not completely end foreign influence; instead, it transformed into indirect forms of control. The book concludes that colonialism is a complex historical phenomenon and that building a modern national state in its aftermath was a complicated and challenging process, meaning its effects continue to shape contemporary Arab reality.
Keywords: European colonialism, economic penetration, national movements, independence, modern state.


A Reading of the Jihadist Biography of al-Sayyid Mahdi al-Haydari
Al-Sayyid Ahmed al-Husseini
The spark of jihad ignited when British forces occupied Basra in 1332 AH, prompting Muslims to seek the guidance and leadership of religious authorities, foremost among them al-Sayyid Mahdi al-Haydari. Despite being over eighty years old, he declared a general mobilization, issued a fatwa obligating defense, and marched with his sons to the battlefields, rallying the people to jihad. His leadership was characterized by remarkable steadfastness; when Qurna fell and the Ottoman army withdrew, he refused to retreat from Amarah, affirming his determination to fight until victory or martyrdom, which significantly boosted the fighters’ morale. During the Battle of Rota, he insisted on keeping his tents under bombardment to serve as a symbol of resilience, playing a crucial role in achieving victory. Throughout a year of jihad, he lived the exact same life as the fighters, refusing special treatment and contenting himself with their meager rations. As the fronts collapsed, he faced numerous dangers during the withdrawal and nearly drowned in the river had his sons not rescued him. He remained stationed in Kut for four months despite his illness. Following the fall of Baghdad, he rejected the temptations and offers of the British occupation, standing firm in his principles until his death, thereby leaving behind an illuminating legacy of sacrifice and dignity.
Keywords: al-Sayyid Mahdi al-Haydari, jihad, British occupation, 1920 Revolution, Battle of Rota.


Colonial Legacies and Human Rights
Steve Carlton-Ford
Although the colonization of the Congo by Belgium stands out as a particularly horrendous example of the imposition of European colonial rule, colonization and subsequent colonialism began with the Spanish and Portuguese conquest of South, Central, and parts of North America. Wars among European states coincided with the establishment of colonies around the globe by states such as France, Great Britain, and the Netherlands. The extraction of minimally processed agricultural and mineral products enriched European colonial powers while impoverishing colonized areas. Colonialism also disrupted political institutions, increasing the likelihood of authoritarian governments as former colonies transitioned to becoming nascent nation-states. These subsequent changes make it less likely that post-colonial states will support human rights. The chapter concludes with graphs showing the levels of support for eight human rights for countries that were never colonized as well as for the set of post-colonial countries of each of seven European colonizing powers.
Keywords: colonial legacies, human rights, colonialism, exploitation colonies, settler colonies, post-colonial states, authoritarian governments.


The Religious Policies of Colonial Powers in Islamic Countries
Prof. Dr. Talal Atrissi
This article examines the religious policies adopted by colonial powers in Arab and Islamic countries, highlighting their role in fueling sectarian and ethnic divisions to serve their political interests. It explains that colonialism was not limited to military and economic dominance; rather, it actively intervened in religious and social structures. This involved occasionally supporting minorities, instigating inter-sectarian conflicts, and contributing to the establishment of political entities along sectarian lines. Furthermore, the study points out the inherent contradiction in Western policies, which advocated for the separation of religion and state while simultaneously backing missionary activities and religious institutions. Drawing on examples from Lebanon, Iraq, India, and Africa, the article demonstrates how these divisions were systematically exploited to weaken local societies. Ultimately, the text connects these historical policies to contemporary realities, emphasizing the ongoing exploitation of religion and sectarianism in modern conflicts. This continuous manipulation serves foreign hegemony, drives social fragmentation, and distracts societies with internal struggles instead of addressing major overarching challenges.
Keywords: colonialism, sectarianism, religious policies, social fragmentation, sectarian conflict.