Stories about Middle East & North Africa from February, 2023
Beyond Jordan’s TikTok Ban
Jordan's recent ban of TikTok has sparked concerns over freedom of expression and access to information. Concerns raised as part of a broader trend of governments restricting social media platforms.
Reflections from the Iranian diaspora: Rage against the ‘Iran Lobby’
Iran's protest movement has fueled criticism of the "Iran Lobby," a term used to describe those who support the Islamic Republic and its policies.
Silent no more: Criticism of the state's inadequate earthquake response reaches football stadiums in Turkey
The club organized the protest to commemorate all the children who died in the earthquake, with plans to donate the toys to displaced families who survived the disaster.
In Turkey telecommunications watchdog blocks access to popular website Ekşi Sözlük
On February 7, another popular social media platform, Twitter was briefly blocked by the authorities on similar grounds.
After Turkey's earthquake, a fireman adopts the cat he rescued from the rubble
The fire brigade from Mardin saved five people from under the rubble in Gaziantep. On the way back to Mardin, the team had a plus one, a cat named Wreck.
University students in Turkey are bearing the brunt of the earthquake
The latest criticism levelled against the state was because of its decision to open all state-run student dormitories to earthquake evacuees and switch to online education in the country's universities.
As another two earthquakes hit Turkey, anger continues to grow
Turks took it to Twitter calling on the state to send more tents while also questioning where the money that was raised since the last quake two weeks ago went
Meet the scapegoats of the earthquake in Turkey
While the state was searching for scapegoats, and focusing instead on face saving measures, Turks from all walks of life were busy mobilizing across the country.
Undertones in Turkey: Earthquakes fan the flames of election season
Erdoğan’s leadership may be on the line, with compounding accusations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and the slow and inadequate response to the earthquake.
Four-legged rescue workers do not go unnoticed in Turkey's search and rescue operations
Many of the search and rescue mission teams on the ground have relied on their canine assistants, who have been working tirelessly throughout the past week.
In Turkey, the state resorts to censorship majeure
Rocked by a devastating earthquake, citizens in Turkey now have to also deal with censorship measures imposed by the state amid an outcry of public criticism.
Harassment of woman referee at Rwandan football match highlights challenges for women officials
Women referees in football, who have been making history while officiating the biggest sport, have not had it easy in delivering their calls. Will they change the face of refereeing?
Queering the internet: anonymous online spaces for LGBTQ+ people
The threat of persecution, violence, and judgement is why many queer people turn to anonymous online spaces to build community and relationships, seek support, and share their experiences.
Turkey rocked by a series of devastating earthquakes
The aerial footage from the locations hit the hardest show destroyed residential buildings, hospitals, municipalities, and many other buildings, including Gaziantep Castle, which was more than 2000 years old.
Turkish mayor is likened to Game of Throne's Khaleesi, shaking social media
Rather than the mayor's visit, it was the town's acting Mayor Melek Mızrak Subaşı whose name has been trending on Twitter.
Azerbaijan evacuates its embassy staff after deadly attack in Tehran
A gunman stormed the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran, Iran's capital city. This is the latest attack on the country's diplomatic missions abroad.
About our Middle East & North Africa coverage
Mariam Abuadas is the editor for the Middle East & North Africa. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
