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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from July, 2017
Why Are Russians Indifferent to the Syrian Conflict?
"At a minimum, the numerous problems with rights and freedoms in Russia suck up a lot of time...which doesn’t leave energy for problems taking place far from Russia."
What Do Election Results Signal About Women's Political Participation in Iran?
Iranian election results, although mixed, signal hope for an Iran where women’s voices matter on both national and local levels.
Syrians Fleeing the War Seek Refuge in Brazil Where the Assad Regime Has Some Powerful Supporters
Syrians fleeing the country's civil war are trying to find a place in Brazil they can call home.
Who Are the #Istanbul10? Learn About the Work of Jailed Human Rights Defenders in Turkey
A group of human rights defenders and information technology trainers continue to face jail time in Turkey and accusations that they were "aiding a terrorist organization without being a member."
Bahraini Rights Activist Ebtisam Al-Saegh Charged Under Terrorism Law
Bahraini authorities have constantly harassed Al-Saegh because of her rights activism.
Lebanese Government Bans All Protests Right Before a Syrian Refugee Solidarity Sit-In
Activists called for a protest after four Syrian refugees died while in the custody of the Lebanese army.
A Water Weed Is Damaging Ethiopia's Largest Lake and Putting Livelihoods at Risk
The lake has become a symbol of the dire state of Ethiopia’s natural resources at a time when Ethiopia’s fast-growing population needs more of everything.
How the Assault on Independent Media in Bahrain Silenced a Trusted Regional Watchdog
"Freedom of expression is under sustained attack here. With the shuttering of Al Wasat, there is no real journalism left.”
One Year Later: Why the Purges in Turkey Were Always in the Pipeline
"What has happened in Turkey is a tragedy, made even worse by the fact that the loudest voices in the chorus said the wrong things at the wrong time."
For Syrian Refugees Living in Jordan, Journalism Offers Hope and Opportunity to Rebuild Their Homeland
For Syrian refugees in Jordan, Syrians Between Us provides the skills they need to tell their own stories.
A Syrian Artist From the Israeli-Occupied Golan Heights Explores Identity and Humanity in His Work
“I was motivated because I’m born undefined — and I’m still undefined — but I came to understand myself more through understanding others."
Human Rights Defenders Are Still Behind Bars in Turkey
In a tweet on behalf of their staff, Amnesty International recalled their efforts to protect (Turkish President) Erdogan when he was arrested in 1998 during a stint as Istanbul's mayor.
Protesting Mistreatment in Prison, Emirati Activist Survives Six Weeks of Hunger Strike
Imran al-Radwan is serving a seven-year jail sentence for calling for reform in the UAE.
A Syrian Artist Reimagines the World's Powerful Leaders as Vulnerable Refugees
"Those leaders were partly responsible for the displacement of Syrians. Maybe they will feel what it feels like to be vulnerable."
Turkish Opposition Looks to Build Momentum as Their Justice March Reaches Istanbul
“We need to achieve what we couldn't do following Gezi and 16 April. We need to show the decisiveness that would bring the energy of the social opposition to politics.”
Netizen Report: Working in the Public Interest Can Get You Arrested
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Violence in Arsal Is a Reminder of How Vulnerable Syrian Refugees Are in Lebanon
"Whatever happened, we have to recognize that the response towards these attacks where refugees/Syrians are all assumed guilty is inhumane"
Turkish Authorities Detain Top Human Rights Defenders at Training Workshop
"[These] people who have dedicated their lives to human rights. A day will come when they will stand for the rights of those behind these vile news stories."
Erdogan's Post-Evolutionary Turkey Floods School Classrooms, Threatens Universities
No more Darwin for schoolchildren, but that might not be the end of it.
Iraqis Travel to Mosul to Celebrate Eid in a Show of Solidarity
The "Eid in Mosul" campaign was launched to visit those who had been trapped under Islamic State rule in Mosul.
Moroccan Prime Minister's Appeal for “Calm” After Clashes Reaps Criticism
Morocco's governing parties have yet to succeed in defusing tensions in the Rif as the political crisis continues to escalate.
About our West Asia & North Africa coverage
