Stories about Middle East & North Africa
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.
In Turkey, even the head of the Central Bank cannot afford the skyrocketing rents
The high inflation, declining purchasing power, and other factors continue to make it difficult for average income earners to find suitable housing.
Battle of survival and expression in Jerusalem's Armenian Community
The Armenian community in Jerusalem, rooted in the fourth century, faces a dire battle for survival, grappling with challenges that threaten not only their freedom of expression but their very existence.
Undertones: Critical voices from Israel, inhibited voices from Palestine
In this newsletter, we delve into Israel’s war on Gaza and provide behind-the-scenes reflections about our research and difficulties of covering a war.
Filipino academics and civil society groups express support for Palestinian cause
"We support our Palestinian brothers and sisters in their rightful and just cause for peace and self-determination."
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.
Australia's bid to co-host COP31 climate conference faces obstacles
Since the election of the new Labor government in 2022, Australia’s international reputation regarding climate action has risen considerably as result of stronger emissions targets and its enhanced safeguard mechanisms.
Barefoot exodus in Gaza
What's the ideal shoe for escaping death? From a child unable to fix a broken shoe, fearing being targeted, to a baby with blistered feet, and parents forgetting shoes while carrying their children.