Stories about Middle East & North Africa from June, 2015
Iran Features Heavily in the Latest WikiLeaks From Saudi Arabia
"#SaudiCables show overwhelming obsession of #SaudiArabia with regards to #Iran and Shiism."
WikiLeaks to Publish 500,000 Leaked Documents the Saudi Government Doesn't Want its Citizens to See
The Saudi government is not pleased and has reached out to its citizens to ignore the cache, waving it off as the malicious work of "enemies of the nation."
Bahraini Political Prisoner Ibrahim Sharif Released after “Completing his Sentence”
In a surprise move, Bahrain released politician Ibrahim Sharif, jailed in March 2011, following massive anti-government protests. Is Bahrain moving towards actual reform?
Jailed Cartoonist Atena Faraghdani's Lawyer is Arrested for Shaking Her Hand
Mohammad Moghimi, the attorney of the Iranian activist and cartoonist Atena Faraghdani was arrested on 10 June following a visit to his client in jail. His charges are based on the fact that he shook Faraghdani's hand. Faraghdani was recently sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for posting drawings and content critical...
Stuxnet-Like Digital Attack on Iran Nuclear Talks May Have Come from Israel, Security Researchers Say
Multiple research groups verified that the virus used in the attack appears to be an offshoot of the espionage software called Duqu, which security experts linked to the Israeli government.
Human Rights Activist Begins Hunger Strike for Migrants in Front of Macedonian Parliament
The growing migration crisis has recently also affected countries in southeastern Europe, with new issues arising almost daily. Reacting to the inhumane treatment of migrants who pass through Republic of Macedonia, renowned human rights activist Suad Missini started a hunger strike in front of the Parliament building in Skopje. He began...
In Turkey, in Search of a More People-Sensitive Gentrification
"They have taken away yellow, blue, green, orange, purple, red, and turned them into brown and white. They have destroyed Sulukule."
Former TV Producer Mostafa Azizi Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison in Iran
Azizi, who had left for Canada, was arrested when he returned to be near his ailing father. He was convicted of “assembly and collusion against national security,” among other charges.
Yemen's Heritage, a Victim of War
Yemen's age old heritage is being pounded into rubble as Saudi-led airstrikes which have killed more than 2,500 people continue. Will the world now take notice?
Palestinian Hunger-Striker Khader Adnan Struggles for Freedom
Palestinian hunger striker Khader Adnan has entered his 40th day of hunger strike after nearly a year in an Israeli jail in the occupied West Bank.
Francophone Africa Is the New Land of Opportunity for the French Media Industry
The French media market is stagnant, but some see the African continent as the place to re-boot growth in the sector.
What Do Global Voices Contributors Think of Turkey's General Election Results?
"Many people, including non-Muslims, Kurds, and women have entered the parliament, which signals the chance for a more respectful, hardworking and equal politics."
International ‘Freedom Flotilla III’ on Its Way to Break the Gaza Siege
The Freedom Flotilla III will join an increasingly long list of boats that have attempted to break the Israeli siege of Gaza. Will it succeed this time?
Iran Increases Internet Surveillance Ahead of Parliamentary Elections
Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Zolfaghari announces heightened security in anticipation of upcoming elections.
Israel Says A-WA — ‘Yes!’ — to Singing Yemenite Sisters
Not so long ago, Jews from Arabic countries living in Israel — called Mizrahim — were seen as second class. But now, "it's cool to be Mizrahi."
Gezi's Legacy? Biggest Party Humbled in Turkey's Game-Changing General Election
If a new coalition government is not formed in 45 days, fresh elections will be called.
‘Writing Code Is Not a Crime': Jailed Iranian Web Developer Saeed Malekpour Turns 40
"It is not justice to keep a talented software engineer in jail just because the software he developed was used by others for reasons deemed illegal by the Iranian government."
Israel Launches Multiple Airstrikes in Gaza
Three blasts were heard across Gaza as Israel launched airstrikes in response to rockets launched by a Hamas rival, ISIS-linked Omar Brigades. How has the ceasefire held since last summer?
Iran Sentences Atena Faraghdani to 12.5 Years for Cartoons
A Revolutionary Court in Tehran has sentenced artist and civil rights activist Atena Faraghdani to 12.5 years in prison for publishing on Facebook cartoons and criticisms of the government.
Kuma Sutra Screw-Up Nails Qatar Editor
What does an editor-in-chief in a conservative Arab Gulf country do when a Kuma Sutra drawing appears in his newspaper? And, most importantly, how do the people react?
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