Stories about Iran
The complex nature of Turkey's relations with Syria
Since 2016, Turkey has launched series of military operations in northern Syria with the goal of securing its southern border from Kurdish forces and establishing a 'safe zone' for Syrian refugees.
Iranian artist Korosh Ghazimorad redefines calligraphy through tradition and innovation
"I aim for an expression that challenges the viewer's mind, inviting them to reflect beyond the surface meanings of the lines while preserving the authenticity of calligraphic art."
Why Iranian human rights groups remain silent as the Israel–Iran conflict escalates
The silence haunts Iranian human rights organizations regarding this looming conflict and raises critical questions about their priorities, independence, and future direction.
Iran's military spending surge: A reflection of global militarization amid escalating regional conflicts
As tensions continue to rise across West Asia and beyond, Iran's increasing military spending stands out as part of a broader global militarization trend.
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."
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."
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.
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.
In Iran, persecuted minorities can also turn into persecutors
For the past four decades, the Islamic Republic has systematically repressed religious minorities. However, within society, some oppressed minorities have mirrored this behavior and become oppressors themselves.
Taiwan International Documentary Festival honors Myanmar filmmakers
Taipei hosted in May the 14th edition of the Taiwan Independent Documentary Festival showcasing over 200 movies with a focus on Myanmar, Ukraine, and Taiwan’s own history of documentary filmmaking.
‘I dreamed I was executed by a firing squad in Iran’
Actress Maryam Palizban's journey into exile, as she navigated life between Germany and Iran, constantly concerned about being photographed without a hijab, until she embraced the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement.
Azerbaijan speaks of peace while cracking down on Islam
Just last month, scores of religious believers were rounded up across the country. According to rights defenders, over 500 believers have been arrested just in the past year and a half.
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.
Religious minorities in Iran face cultural violence
Over the last 45 years, the Islamic Republic has weaponized textbooks, religious debates, movies, city walls, and even cemeteries to impose cultural violence, particularly over religious minorities, but it faced resistance.
Exiled Iranian crown prince awarded US LGBTQ+ award for speaking up for Iran's queer community
The Iranian LGBTQ+ community is kept invisible by the Iranian opposition, but a US LGBTQ+ award to exile Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi seems to signify changes in attitudes.
Portraits of exile: Iranian ‘soldier of justice’ Sholeh Pakravan
In a heart-wrenching moment behind prison walls in Iran, Sholeh receives news about her daughter Reyhaneh's execution for killing a former intelligence ministry worker who had attempted to rape her.
Is there a double standard in how foreign-funded Persian media covers the opposition?
Four experts explain why there is a double standard in how the foreign-funded big Persian media are covering the Iranian opposition, neither criticizing them nor demanding transparency.
Israel's latest conflict with Hamas: A geopolitical perspective
Achieving a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict entails recognizing Palestinians' historical rights, ending apartheid practices, and stopping illegal settlement activities.
Portraits of exile: Iranian journalist Maryam Mirza
Journalist Maryam Mirza draws inspiration from the brave women of Iran, prompting her to share her own story and to chronicle the experiences of other Iranian women in exile in Berlin.
Iran’s women, digital rights and human freedoms
While the Iranian government’s tactics reflect a global issue, the world must remember and celebrate the unique courage of Iran’s women, who stand tall in the face of adversity.
The six countries invited to join the BRICS club
"The expansion and modernization of BRICS is a message that all institutions in the world need to mould themselves according to changing times."
