Stories from 18 August 2015
An Icon of Iran's Reform Movement Joins Anti-Nuclear Deal Efforts
Ahmad Batebi has caused a social media stir by denouncing the nuclear deal and appearing in an ad produced by an offshoot project of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Instagram Photos Offer a Peek Into Nagasaki's Unique Send-Off for the Dead
Isolated Nagasaki, in western Japan, has a unique approach to Obon, the festival of the dead observed in Japan each year in mid-August.
Saeed Kamali Dehghan on Covering Iran for The Guardian
"The common problem in many western media organisations is that they see Iran as black and white, and Iran is not like that. It’s a spectrum, it’s a rainbow.”
Students Push for Alcohol Prohibition in Southern India Street Protests
"The protests against the prohibition of alcohol are a great move. If Tamil Nadu government bans the sale of alcohol, it will be greatly appreciated by the general population."
How 1,500 People Temporarily Shut Down Europe’s Biggest Source of CO2
One participant came back from the action saying that for the first time in his life, he felt truly powerful.
Sargassum Seaweed Turns the Caribbean's Crystalline Waters Murky
The dark brown seaweed that the Sargasso Sea was named for is washing up in bulk along Caribbean beaches. One diver takes us underneath the thick layer of algae.
Tianjin Lives Up to Its ‘City Without News’ Nickname After Deadly Blasts
Netizens were shocked that local media aired Korean dramas and cartoons in the immediate wake of the disaster, then followed up with coverage dripping with praise for local authorities.
A Trailblazing Media Outlet Fact-Checked the Peruvian President's National Address
Were the president's claims about his government's investment in education true? False? Misleading? Ojo-Público had the answer in real-time.
Meet Venezuela's Orthodox Priest Who Rocks in His Robes
Father Elias is not your typical rock star, playing in a priest's robe. He's not what many expect a priest to be like, either.