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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from September, 2023
Iran’s women, digital rights and human freedoms
While the Iranian government’s tactics reflect a global issue, the world must remember and celebrate the unique courage of Iran’s women, who stand tall in the face of adversity.
Iraqi Assyrians struggle for freedom of expression amid political and extremist threats
Ongoing oppression, ethnic and sectarian conflicts, and political unrest have greatly reduced the Middle East's Assyrian community, endangering their 3000-year-old Assyrian language in its native Middle Eastern home.
Facebook’s news retreat: A death knell for independent MENA local news
Facebook's evolving relationship with the news industry, algorithm adjustments, and their repercussions on local media outlets add complexity to the landscape of news dissemination, particularly affecting smaller, independent media outlets.
Winning a million Lira won't get you far in today's Turkey, but its worth celebrating anyway
The amount may have meant a lot in 2011 when the show first premiered on Turkish television, but in 2023, the amount isn't likely to go too far.
The complex historical tapestry of media and music in Sudan
Sudan's media has faced political influence and censorship, from radio's promotion of music to state-controlled television and print media challenges. However, private radio stations offer alternative voices, signaling potential progress.
Arrested humor: Comedian Nour Hajjar detained in censorship case
Comedy in Lebanon has always served as a means to find relief in challenging circumstances, but now, the tightening grip of censorship on creative freedom and satire could challenge this.
The story of Qatari women’s rights defender Noof Al-Maadeed
Human rights defender Noof Al-Madeed disappeared after releasing a series of videos in March providing evidence of violations of her civil and human rights by the Qatari State security apparatus.
How Kurdish language divisions hinder access to information
The ongoing disputes among Kurdish languages and their lack of standardization create obstacles to accessing online information, impedes the flow of information, and curtails active participation in the digital realm.
The six countries invited to join the BRICS club
"The expansion and modernization of BRICS is a message that all institutions in the world need to mould themselves according to changing times."
From Gaza: Does creativity only come from misery?
Gaza-based author Dana Bsaiso draws inspiration from the harsh Israeli blockade, reflecting on the interplay of creativity and adversity. Photographer Mohammad Zaanoun, meanwhile, captures the bloom of creativity within Gaza's confines.
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