Stories about Middle East & North Africa
Palestinian writer Randa Jarrar dragged out of PEN America event for protesting
Palestinian American author Randa Jarrar was forcibly removed for disrupting ceasefire opponent Mayim Bialik by reading the names of Palestinian writers killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Israel's war on the bodies of Palestinian women
Israel's inhumane treatment of Palestinian female prisoners not only violates international laws but also sends a clear message: anyone opposing the occupation risks having their dignity violated and privacy invaded.
Portraits of exile: Musical resistance to oppression from Iranian singer Faravaz
Faravaz defied borders and societal norms, moving from early recognition in Iran to facing backlash, exile, and activism in Germany. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of Iranian women against oppression.
Turkey earthquake : A year on, empty promises, broken lives
According to the Environment and Urbanization Ministry only 46,000 out of promised 300,000 homes have been finalized thus far, leaving many earthquake survivors in temporary shelters, containers and tents.
Turkey's sweet F-16s deal
On January 26, the US approved the sale of 40 new F-16 fighter jets worth USD 23 billion. The deal, also includes, the equipment to modernize 79 existing Turkish F-16s.
British journalist Myriam Francois hits back on Houthi bombings and Red Sea conflict
British journalist, filmmaker, and writer Myriam Francois strongly challenges the "insane" suggestion that bombing the Houthis in Yemen should have occurred earlier for economic reasons, in her interview on Sky News.
National broadcaster axes Australian journalist Antoinette Lattouf over Gaza social media post
"Does anyone think an ABC reporter would have been sacked for posting a message on social media supporting Israel?"
In Gaza, trapped in the rubble, body and soul
The brutality of Israel’s attack on Gaza is foreshadowed in the Japanese anime series "Attack on Titan," which first aired in 2013.
Desert blues: From Tuareg rebellion to global airwaves
The desert blues music of the Tuareg people of the Sahara has captivated the world in recent decades. Behind this popular genre lies a lengthy history of exile, dispossession, and rebellion.
Pass of Death: The treacherous route taken by migrants trying to cross illegally from Italy to France
Two journalists travelled along the perilous path migrants use to enter France illegally from Italy, in order to tell their stories and experience first-hand the challenges of traversing that route.
First Turkish astronaut travels into space
At a time when the country is battling the cost of living crisis, high inflation, and depreciating national currency some questioned the government's decision to send Gezeravci into space.
Photo essay: Provisions, pots, and firewood
Helping to run a food distribution program in Gaza not only fills an urgent need given the famine there, but also provides a sense of purpose.
Will Lebanon be dragged into a comprehensive war?
As tensions escalate between Hezbollah and Israel, the MENA region is on the brink of a significant and potentially devastating war with profound implications for Lebanon and its neighbouring countries.
The Socotri language straddling survival amidst the absence of technology
Socotra has long weathered the tides of isolation amid Yemen's shifting regimes. Marginalization has obscured its cultural identity and hindered linguistic progress. Today, Socotris grapple with sudden technological openness.
South Africa and Israel meet at the International Court of Justice
This article looks at South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and what will happen during the legal proceedings.
In Turkey, two football teams spur public debate
A major football match between Turkey's two biggest teams was to be held in Saudi Arabia in December, though it was cancelled after both parties disagreed over uniforms and decor.
A horse for a car — a tale of modern diplomacy between Turkey and Hungary
Both Turkey and Hungary's leaders share more than their love for horsepower. They have both been fierce opponents to Sweden's NATO bid and share some authoritarian tendencies.
Do you condemn?
The question "Do you condemn?" serves to delegitimize the Palestinian struggle for rights and justice, deflecting attention from the root causes of the conflict by encouraging blanket condemnations.
Turkey bans access to 16 VPN providers
Pundits say, the goal of the recent ban is to prevent access to already blocked news websites in the country that were only accessible with VPN services.
In Turkey yet another television show finds itself in hot water
In a country deeply divided between secular citizens and pious Muslims, the show hit a nerve. The question remains whether, this time, a show can make a difference in society.
Bethlehem church creates rubble nativity scene this Christmas
A church in Bethlehem has decided to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ differently this year, symbolizing the suffering of children in Gaza amid Israel's ongoing indiscriminate war.