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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from June, 2016
Even Assad Supporters Aren't Immune to Syria's Kings of Looting
Talks of “banal death”, “corruption”, “war profiteers” and “price peaks” are no longer confined to private spheres.
The Uncertain Future of the Syrian Revolution
With its many factions dispersed, the Syrian Revolution is now staggering between an internationally-planned political solution and the long, lost dream of military triumph.
At Least 42 Dead in Istanbul Airport Violence
The government has blamed ISIS for the attack. Homes and hotels in Turkey's largest city have opened their doors to stranded passengers.
A Children's Book Introduces German Kids to the True Story of Syrian Refugees
Germany has received more than 1 million refugees, many of them children from Syria.
Balkan Right-Wing Populists Gloat Over #Brexit
While the official reactions by most Balkan governments included expressions of guarded concern for the EU after the Brexit, Europhobic representatives of right-wing parties expressed joy via social networks.
A Syrian Family in the US Creates Art and Music That They Couldn't Back Home
President Obama is falling short on his pledge to accept Syrian refugees. But some Syrians already have visas and are living in the US, not as refugees, but as professors.
10 Athletes From Four Countries Will Compete at the Olympics Under One Banner: Refugee
"In the refugee camp, we have no facilities – even shoes we don’t have. There is no gym. Even the weather does not favor training..."
Erdogan's New Turkey Finds Forgiveness for Some, Tear Gas for Others
"Riot police have used more rounds of teargas and [smoke] grenades to counter reconvening protesters in #Firuzağa #Istanbul."
Muslim Refugees Stuck in Greece Miss Home More Than Ever During Ramadan
The Greek government is making an effort to support Muslim refugees during Ramadan, but for those stuck in limbo the holiday is also a painful reminder of better days.
The Layered Graves of Syria's Douma City
Douma graves have taught us that death has its own art forms in this war.
Remembering the 4,000 Syrian refugees who died en route to Europe
A humanitarian agency is working to increase global awareness about the refugees from Syria who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea, releasing a film called “The Sea Cemetery.”
World Refugee Day: Fear of Arrest Drives Journalists Into Exile
"I was paralyzed by the idea of exile. This is the first time I had decided to flee the country without knowing exactly when I would return."
Russia-Trained Civil Militias Along Bulgaria's Borders Are ‘Ready for War With Refugees’
The civilian militias hunting refugees along the country's borders are a major manifestation of the rising tide of xenophobia in Bulgaria. Yet the authorities are mostly silent on the issue.
Helping Refugees in Europe Get Connected to the Internet
"Connecting with family is a top priority for newly arrived refugees who want their loved ones to know they are safe."
Israelis React With Outpouring of Support for LGBTQ Community After Orlando Massacre
"It doesn’t matter exactly which religion made him hate us to death...It’s always the fear of those who are different, those who challenge the existing order."
A Joint Photo Exhibition Between Greece and Turkey Brings These Neighbors Closer Together
They believe that peace and friendship is the best way to overcome problems and that art, especially photography, is a medium that can bring people closer together.
Safe in Germany, a Syrian Refugee Learns to Smile Again
"In the cab, I stared out the window at this beautiful land. Can I build a future here? I wondered."
‘The Day I Became Just a Stupid Number': One Syrian Refugee's Journey to Europe
"It is an experience you would never want to go through unless you are truly desperate," Zozan Khaled Musa writers about her journey through Eastern Europe in search of refuge.
Iranian Singer Habib Mohebian Memorialized on Social Media
"Even after an artist passes on, his art lives on..."
For One Syrian Refugee, the Boat Crossing to Greece ‘Seemed Like an Endless Journey’
"The idea of a safe trip...was just a lie that we used to comfort ourselves. I knew that all of them were liars, getting rich in the trade of humans."
The Difficulty and Uncertainty of Life in Turkey as a Syrian Refugee
"Employers discriminated against us. I met people who were forced to do hard labor for little money. They lived like robots. I didn’t want that."
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