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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from October, 2014
Hassan Rouhani's Iranian Nuclear Balancing Act

Iranian president Hassan Rouhani's realist-pragmatist approach has enabled him to take the helm of politics at one of the most sensitive moments in Iran's recent history.
Iranians Join Protests in Support of Syria-Turkey Border Town Kobane, Beseiged by ISIS
Kobane has been under attack since mid-September by ISIS. The hashtags #TwitterKurds, #Kobani and #کوبانی have been trending on social media in support of the city.
Get to Know Mohamed ElGohary, Multitasking Global Voices Contributor
Global Voices turns 10 this year, so let's get to know some of our many contributors, like Mohamed ElGohary, board member, Lingua translation coordinator, Arabic Translation Manager and author.
A Culinary Tour of Eid al-Adha Dishes Enjoyed Across the Middle East
Muslims mark Eid al-Adha celebrations with a feast. Thalia Rahme brings us some traditional and not so traditional recipes prepared by Muslims across the Middle East on that day.
UK Court Revokes Immunity of Bahraini Prince Accused of Torture
Bahrain's Prince Nasser Bin Hamad AlKhalifa, who often travels to Europe for equestrian competitions, was the target of a recent Twitter campaign #torturePrince.
Iranians protest in solidarity with Kobane
Iranians held several protest rallies in different cities including Tehran,Tabriz and Mehabad to support Kobane‘s people on Tuesday.Fighting continues to rage in the Syria-Turkey border town of Kobane Iran protest...
#FreeSaeed: An Iranian Web Developer's Sixth Year in Prison

Saeed Malekpour was originally sentenced to death as a "corrupter of the earth" for his open source software that others used to download pornographic images.
Burqa Banished Behind Glass in Australian Parliament
The decision to relegate people wearing a burqa or other facial covering behind glass in Australia's parliament has stirred controversy.
In Photos: Gaza Rises Above the Rubble to Celebrate Eid
In Gaza, there is hope amidst rubble, destruction, and loss. Twitter users began circulating images of crowded streets and markets, and shared positive messages.
Activists Start Calling Israel #JSIL -the Jewish State of Israel in the Levant
Pro-Palestine activists on Twitter are comparing the atrocities Israeli forces are accused of committing in Gaza to tactics employed by ISIS in its bloody quest to conquer Syria and Iraq.
Macedonians Criticize President Ivanov's Surprising UN Speech
"Rule no1. You just never say this! President Ivanov @UNSC 'Our region and our countries are not prepared for this [#ISIS] threat.'"
Bahrain's Prominent Human Rights Activist Arrested for Criticizing Police Defectors Who Joined ISIS

Bahrain's most prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab is back in jail for his tweets, for the third time.
“We Don't Need No Governance”: Why the Internet Governance Forum Misses the Point

Activists worldwide have criticized the UN-sponsored Internet Governance Forum for shying away from pressing issues like censorship and digital surveillance. This year, they held took matters into their own hands.
Should Muslims Apologize for ISIS’ Atrocities?
One social media campaign has Muslims speaking out against ISIS under the hashtag #NotInMyName, while another, #MuslimApologies, parodies the expectation that Muslims should apologize for the actions of a few.
Cute Cat Theory in Action: Despite Drought, Iranian Users Take the Ice Bucket Challenge
Are Iranians really more consumed by Facebook likes and online attention than they are with tangible problems within their own country? If so, they're not alone.
ISIS Recruits Fan Bahrain's Sectarian Flames With YouTube Call to Arms
Four Bahrainis who have joined the terrorist group ISIS called on the Sunni population in Bahrain to take up arms and join the fight against their ruling “tyrants.”