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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from August, 2015
One Syrian Refugee's Long and Dangerous Journey to Europe
Before the war began, Thair Orfahli studied law in Lebanon and regularly visited his family in Syria. But as the violence intensified, he decided he had to leave.
Lebanese-French Trumpeter Reimagines ‘Alice in Wonderland’ as a Hip-Hop Opera
A rabbit hole worth heading down? Ibrahim Maalouf has reworked the Lewis Carroll classic, setting it in modern France with a Malian beat.
You Stink Movement Gives Lebanese Government 72 Hours to Meet Protesters’ Demands
Lebanese protesters today gave the government a 72 hour ultimatum to meet their demands or face further protests on Tuesday.
GV Face: Everything You Need to Know About Lebanon's Massive “You Stink” Protests
In this episode of GV Face, Faten Bushehri talks to Global Voices contributor from Beirut Joey Ayoub, who has been working closely with the organizing committee of You Stink.
The Lebanese Get Creative in Their Protests Against the Trash Crisis
The Lebanese people show some humor and creativity in the way they protest. Over 20,000 people took to the streets in Beirut last weekend carrying all kinds of signs
Is Telegram's Compliance with Iran Compromising the Digital Security of Its Users?
Telegram has been complying with the Iranian government to block features, a cause for privacy concerns on a platform that boasts secure communication.
Bahrain's Opposition, From Dialogue Tables to Prison Cells
Bahrain is closing in on Al Wefaq Islamic Society, the country's largest opposition group. One after the other, it's leaders are rounded up and jailed.
Videos Show How Lebanese Security Forces Violently Dealt With ‘You Stink’ Protesters
Videos capturing police violence against protesters in Lebanon are making the rounds online. Is protesting against mounting rubbish and government corruption worth being beaten up and teargassed for?
The Story of Salim Alaradi, a Canadian National of Libyan Origin Detained in the UAE
Libyan-born Canadian Salim Alaradi has been in a UAE prison for a year, with no charges or access to a lawyer. His 17-year-old daughter is campaigning for his freedom online.
Son of Green Movement Opposition Leader Comes Out in Support of Iranian Nuclear Deal
"As a professor of law who was banned from teaching in Iran, I strongly support the nuclear deal," Mohammad Taghi Karoubi declared in a video.
Peaceful Protestors Face Riot Police Brutality in Lebanon
A brutal response awaited the peaceful protesters of the #YouStink movement who gathered in Beirut on Saturday August 22 to demand a solution to the garbage crisis in Lebanon.
Lebanese Activists Warn Against Political Attempts to Exploit Their Movement
Two government ministers who tried to enter the protest area were refused entry, but the movement said those who resign are welcome.
Listen to the Haunting, Galactic Sounds of the Yaybahar Acoustic Instrument
Turkish musician Gorkem Sen created the Yaybahar about six years ago as a mix of all sorts of instruments, including the Australian didgeridoo, the Turkish Ney and the thunder drum.
‘You Stink’ Protesters Call for the Resignation of the Lebanese Government
A trash problem is threatening the Lebanese government as protesters demand better services and less corruption. Is Lebanon ready to listen to the demands of its people?
Bashar Al Assad Got It Right: Syria Belongs to Those Who Defend It
In his latest speech, Bashar Al Assad said Syria is for those who defend it. Asaad Hanna explains what that means.
14 Films That Have Been Banned in Iran Since 2007
Movies continue to be banned for a variety of reasons in Iran, despite the president's lip service to the need for more cultural freedoms in the country.
Despite President Rouhani's Promises, Films Continue to Be Banned in Iran
Rouhani's remarks during his election campaign increased hopes that banned films would make their way to the cinemas. That hasn't been the case.
On the Scene: Explosion and Gunfire at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace
On August 19 Istanbul was rocked by more unrest as political tensions in Turkey continue to simmer.
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.
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.”
Human Rights Protections Weaken as Tunisia Fights Terror
Despite the PM's reassurance that "people can talk or write whatever they like," authorities have been cracking down on speech.
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