Stories about Middle East & North Africa from September, 2015
Multi-Billion Construction Work Kills 107 Pilgrims in Mecca Just Weeks Before Hajj
A construction crane collapse that took the lives of over a hundred Mecca pilgrims right before the Hajj is raising questions about the grand expansion plans for the Mosque.
Could Using a Cell Phone in Iran Put You in Business with “Terrorists”?
Could using a cell phone in Iran entangle you with ”terrorists”? This might be the case if Iran's Revolutionary Guards who control the country's telecommunications monopoly are designated as “terrorists”. This is a possibility being discussed as U.S. politicians and lawmakers consider how stringently to impose economic sanctions on Iran once the sanctions related to the...
Serbian Police Officer and Smiling Syrian Boy Show Europe How Welcoming Refugees Is Done
An image of a Serbian police officer cradling a Syrian toddler has many social media users praising the officer and hoping other police will follow suit.
Ordinary Danes Offer ‘Welcome’ Antidote to Government's Anti-Refugee Ad
Danes crowdfunded an ad welcoming refugees after the Danish Ministry for Foreigners, Integration and Housing announced its intention to publish one dissuading refugees from travelling to Denmark.
Dust Storm Envelops Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon
A massive dust storm is covering countries across the Western region of the Middle East today and tomorrow. Here are some photographs of the mess.
Facebook Activist Details How She Received a Seven-Year Prison Sentence in Iran
One of the eight Facebook activists sentenced to long prison sentences in 2013 for social and political commentary posted on their Facebook pages, has asserted that she was denied access to a lawyer during her detention, interrogated about private matters, and charged with crimes she never committed.
A Year Away From Syria
What happens to a Syrian activist and her ideals when she takes refuge outside her war-torn country?
A Poster Show That Links Havana, Tehran and Seattle
The curators have jokingly titled the collection the “SHT show” because, they write, when the get together it’s fun. "No politics, no prejudices—just an appreciation of our common interests."
Mother of Palestinian Toddler Burnt to Death in West Bank Settler Attack Declared Dead
Riham Dawabsheh died from wounds inflicted in an arson attack on her house by Israeli settlers on July 31. Her 18-month-old son Ali died in the attack, sparking outrage in the occupied territories.
Iranian Newsha Tavakolian Wins Prestigious Prince Claus Award for Her ‘Bold’ Photography
She dedicated her award to "all colleagues who risk their lives telling stories of others that no one listens too.''
Al-Qaeda Leader to Speak on “Islamic Spring” in Series of Lectures on Social Media
Terror mastermind and Al Qaeda leader Ayman Al Zawahiri is set to give a series of lectures on the Islamic Spring on social media, say reports.
Iraqis on the Streets to Protest Corrupt Government and Lack of Basic Services
Thousands of Iraqis have been demonstrating every Friday against their government's corruption and lack of basic services for the sixth week in a row, writes Anne Koopman
A Syrian Refugee Wants to Crowdfund His Own Restaurant in Brazil
Syrian refugee Talal Al-Tinawi is making his new Brazilian dream come true by crowdfunding to open a Syrian-Lebanese restaurant to share his love for cooking with the locals.
The Privilege of My Canadian Passport Weighs Heavy As the Refugee Crisis Unfolds
Passport privilege is perhaps the most valuable thing in the middle of the unfolding refugee crisis. Should a document be able to determine life or death in this world?
GV Face: How Volunteers in Europe Are Opening Their Hearts and Homes to Refugees
As governments are struggling to address the growing refugee crisis in Europe, ordinary citizens in Greece, Germany, and Hungary are organizing and even offering their homes to help refugees.
Alan Kurdi's Death Forces Canada to Confront Its Commitment to Helping Syrian Refugees
"As a grandfather, it's unbearable to see the image of that little body on a beach. Canada must act. Let’s not wait any longer."
I'm a Syrian Refugee in Turkey, but I've Decided to Return Home
As the news fills daily with reports of refugees risking their lives to cross into Europe, one Syrian Kurd who found asylum in Turkey has decided to go back.
How You Can Help Syrian (and Other) Refugees
The refugee crisis in Europe has many asking how they can direct their funds and attention to Syrian and other refugees.
The Plight of a Syrian Refugee Planning His Escape to Europe Brings Out Xenophobia on Twitter
"In Germany I want 2get treatment. Was in regime prison 3 days. Nusra jail 70 days. FSA 7 days. IS 2 days," says a Syrian refugee.
Buy a Pen, Save a Life: A Syrian Father Inspires a Fundraising Cause
The #BuyPens campaign is a collaborative effort to help a Syrian refugee father, recently photographed selling a handful of pens in Beirut, Lebanon.
Hundreds of Austrians and Germans Turn Out to Welcome Refugees Arriving From Hungary
Refugees travelling through Austria to Germany were greeted with applause at train stations by Austrians and Germans bearing not only good will, but food, water sanitary products and toys.
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