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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from March, 2023
Legacy of a Palestinian educator: Honoring Saniya Nusseibeh's journey as a teacher on land day
Saniyeh's story embodies Palestinian society's century-long struggle to educate and uplift girls, highlighting women's vital role in education. Her legacy is celebrated as a symbol of Palestinian women's resilience.
One-hundred years later: Reflections on Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani's centenary
On the day making Nizar Qabbani's birthday we need to acknowledge that despite differing critical opinions on his poetry, his enduring popularity a quarter century after his passing is indisputable.
The stork and the fisherman — a real life fable
The duo has become a symbol of an unusual friendship but also turned them into celebrities. There is even a documentary film called "Yaren," that can be watched on YouTube.
Undertones: Iran's powerful narratives about religion and rebellion
"Religious narratives are exactly why the regime hasn’t been overthrown yet"
Tunisia is stuck in a permanent state of emergency
Tunisia's repeated extension of the state of emergency is a threat to the country's fragile democracy, as it allows for the suspension of basic rights and freedoms.
Turkey–China partnership: Is Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative not delivering enough?
Beijing and Ankara position themselves as partners and global players in an Asia-Middle East-Europe corridor. Yet despite China's grand statements about its investment in Turkey, little has materialized so far.
The aftermath of the Syrian earthquake and the UN's failure
The UN apologizes to the Syrian people, as inadequate aid arrives too late in Northwest Syria, leaving many to die under the rubble in the aftermath of the earthquake.
The new normal after Turkey's earthquake: A TV host and comedian gives his take
The show, relies on daily issues and so it was not at all surprising the new episode that aired on Saturday was all about earthquake.
Women in Turkey march to mark International Women's Day, despite state pressure
Meanwhile, opposition parties promised this was the last women's march under heavy police presence and bans.
Relations between Turkey and Armenia pivot from ‘football diplomacy’ to ‘earthquake diplomacy’
The gesture gained even more significance because in 1988 Turkey sent humanitarian aid to Armenia when the latter was hit with an earthquake that killed more than 25,000 people.
The feminist diaspora's role in confronting human rights violations in Yemen
Despite facing numerous challenges, Yemeni women activists in the diaspora continue to fight for peace and justice in their homeland through their advocacy work.
Former imam recites children's folk song in Kahramanmaras, Turkey
In an attempt to soothe the children but also the adults affected by the earthquake, Ömer Faruk Amca, decided to recite an old Turkish folk song from a mosque.
People fleeing from Russia: ‘We were deprived of “home” too’
Valeria considers her story banal: “I left Russia because I can’t and don’t want to be silent, and I don’t want to go to jail for this either.”
Syria: From the jaws of death to the embrace of fate
Earthquake in Turkey and Syria worsens the 11-year Syrian crisis. Limited emergency response and dire humanitarian crisis in the northwestern region leave people in desperate need of help.
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