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Stories about West Asia & North Africa
‘A woman’s voice is a revolution’: Digging into Algerian feminist radio creations
An exploration of the sonic and creative production of the feminist movement in Algeria, between radio, podcasting, and social media.
Can mobile medicine solve the health crisis in Morocco’s remote villages?
Advanced communication technology is allowing medical services to be provided remotely, ensuring equal access to treatment and contributing to the democratization of healthcare in Morocco.
Togolese expert Kofi Sika Latzoo explains the video game industry's impact on the African economy
The creative economy provides jobs across several sub-sectors, including music, art, cinema, and video games, which generate millions, even billions, of US dollars.
Hostile hosts in African football: The Nigeria versus Libya scandal
TotalEnergies, the headline sponsor of the AFCON tournament, has faced criticism for using sportwashing tactics to obscure its exploitation of African resources and contributing to climate challenges on the continent.
From Egypt to Libya, migrant deaths in the Mediterranean are either ignored or normalized
As migrant deaths in the Mediterranean go unreported, local organizations often handle recovery alone, reflecting the region's silent crisis and a system that fails those fleeing hardships.
Iranian artist Korosh Ghazimorad redefines calligraphy through tradition and innovation
"I aim for an expression that challenges the viewer's mind, inviting them to reflect beyond the surface meanings of the lines while preserving the authenticity of calligraphic art."
A temporary welcome: Russians in Turkey since February 2022
Since early 2023, Turkey is increasingly a stopover before further migration or sometimes a return home, with many Russian exiles being refused residence permits
Why Iranian human rights groups remain silent as the Israel–Iran conflict escalates
The silence haunts Iranian human rights organizations regarding this looming conflict and raises critical questions about their priorities, independence, and future direction.
European investments in Morocco: Renewable energy at the expense of human rights?
Displacement, labor rights violations, and a lack of meaningful community involvement highlight the need for a more equitable approach to renewable energy development.
Israel’s war on the United Nations: Why a ban on UNRWA sets a dangerous precedent
Israel labeling UNRWA a “terrorist organization” threatens aid for millions of Palestinian refugees, deepening the profound shift in Israel–UN relations.
Turkey rocked by a terrorist attack
The attack came a day after Devlet Bahçeli, the leader of an ultra-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) called to restart peace talks with the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK).
The rise of Amazigh novels in Algeria: Between struggle and official recognition
Algerian novelists celebrate their mother tongue through Amazigh writing, which evolved from a tool of resistance into a rich literary language witnessing growth and widespread appreciation since its official recognition.
Warraq Island: A case of Egyptian working-class fighting displacement
Residents are pushing back against government pressure to vacate their homes, as the state moves forward with plans to convert the Nile island into an upscale urban development.
How not to dethrone an authoritarian leader: The case of Turkey’s Erdoğan
What explains Erdogan's prolonged hold on power, despite dire economics and increasing authoritarian and unpopular rule? Society-wide aversion to political activism and suspicion towards criticism of the government.
Violence against women is met with impunity in Turkey
According to We Will Stop Femicides, 315 women were killed by men, and 248 women were found dead in suspicious circumstances in 2023 in Turkey. This year alone, 299 women were killed according to another platform.
‘Our heart that burned’: Israel is wiping out centuries of heritage in southern Lebanon
The destruction of Nabatieh’s historic market and Mayfadoun’s ancient Maloula tree is not collateral damage but part of Israel’s strategy to erase history and uproot Lebanon’s people.
Israel is using surveillance technology to subjugate and target Palestinians
Data collection and technology can be harmful, especially when used to monitor and subjugate marginalized people. This can be seen most clearly in how Israel has used technology in its war against Palestinians.
The ongoing destruction of Cairo's historic cemeteries: A 1000-year legacy under threat
The removal of Bab Al-Nasr Cemetery for a parking garage is a decision that prioritizes short-term tourism profits over the long-term preservation of a world heritage site.
Iran's military spending surge: A reflection of global militarization amid escalating regional conflicts
As tensions continue to rise across West Asia and beyond, Iran's increasing military spending stands out as part of a broader global militarization trend.
How social media is fueling geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa
"TikTok, in particular, has emerged as a stage where complex geopolitical tensions are reduced, dramatized, and frequently distorted."
Alaa Abdel Fattah, a symbol of resistance, must be released on time
Alaa Abdel Fattah’s plight is not an isolated case. Thousands of others remain behind bars in Egypt for crimes as trivial as expressing dissenting opinions on social media.
About our West Asia & North Africa coverage
