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Stories about West Asia & North Africa
‘Our heart that burned’: Israel is wiping out centuries of heritage in southern Lebanon
The destruction of Nabatieh’s historic market and Mayfadoun’s ancient Maloula tree is not collateral damage but part of Israel’s strategy to erase history and uproot Lebanon’s people.
Alaa Abdel Fattah, a symbol of resistance, must be released on time
Alaa Abdel Fattah’s plight is not an isolated case. Thousands of others remain behind bars in Egypt for crimes as trivial as expressing dissenting opinions on social media.
Iran’s new president must address repression of artists, dissidents at UN Assembly
"Forced confessions, work bans, and restrictions on mobility as lesser-known tactics of the Iranian regime, which nonetheless have powerful effects on victims."
The impact of China's fishing policies on West Africa
Climate pressure and overfishing have reduced domestic fish output in China, forcing Chinese fishing vessels into overseas waters. Fishermen in West Africa are paying the price.
Israel's deadliest day in Lebanon kills 500, sparks war crimes outcry
Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon left hundreds dead and thousands displaced
Iranian artist Homa Ebrahimpour discusses censorship, sculpture, and defying boundaries
The 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement "profoundly impacted Ebrahimpour’s approach, encouraging her to create and share works that she had previously hidden, including sculptures and paintings that explore the female form."
Africa’s triumphs and trials at the 2024 Paralympic Games
With approximately 4,400 athletes from around the world competing for 549 medals across 22 sports, Africa's representation was notable, with a total of 312 para-athletes participating from 44 countries.
What does data governance mean to you? Join us for an online discussion on September 30
Connected Conversations is a series of informal, virtual discussion sessions focused on the principles of collective, democratic, participatory, and deliberative data governance.
Mass pager attack in Lebanon raises concerns over cyber warfare and terrorism
The detonation of pagers across Lebanon signals a dangerous new era in cyber warfare and a serious escalation that could trigger a regional war.
‘Power belongs to the people’: New wave of protests in Tunisia as elections approach
Demonstrators called for the return of democracy and an end to state repression and intimidation tactics used against candidates in the upcoming presidential elections.
Iran sees 80% spike in executions two years after protests
From October 2022 to September 2024, at least 1,452 people were executed, a significant rise from 779 in the two years prior to the 2022 protests.
‘The Goat Life’: The film that angered the Saudis
The film's portrayal of inhumane treatment under the kafala system ignites conversations about workers' rights and systemic exploitation in the Gulf.
From MENA to WANA: Why terminologies matter
By adopting WANA to describe the vast interconnected geographical region, we can better honor its rich diversity and the people who call it home.
Why do girls and women keep dying in Turkey?
A confession by one of the detained village residents brought further horror to a story that is all too familiar in a country that withdrew from Istanbul Convention in 2021
Paralympics ceremony in Syria faces backlash and censorship amid accusations of paganism
The use of an Olympic torch at Idlib’s Paralympics ceremony led to backlash from extremist groups and the suspension of the event.
Ahead of its controversial elections, Tunisia bans magazine Jeune Afrique for criticizing the president
With most opposition candidates arrested or banned, and Jeune Afrique censored, Tunisia’s upcoming elections signal a bleak future for its democracy.
Tech giants criticized for silencing Pro-Palestinian narratives
Social media platforms are accused of suppressing Palestinian voices, raising concerns about the impact on democratic debate and freedom of expression globally.
From revolution to exile: The journey of Iranian activist Nasrin Bassiri
Nasrin Bassiri’s journey from revolutionary hope in Iran to exile in Berlin captures Iranian women's relentless fight for freedom.
One hundred Turkish lira for your data: How Turkish citizens lost all expectations of data security and privacy
Data leaks have become so common in Turkey that most Turkish citizens do not expect any privacy online anymore.
Starlink in Sudan: A lifeline or war facilitator?
Sudan's conflict has crippled telecommunication as both sides leverage and disrupt internet services to gain control.
Floods in Libya a month before the anniversary of the Derna floods raise fears
With the Derna disaster anniversary approaching, new floods in Kufra, intensified by the climate crisis, have reignited people’s fears.
About our West Asia & North Africa coverage
