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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from March, 2016
EgyptAir Hijacking Drama Ends; All Passengers Released
"We can finally celebrate the first Arab Muslim hijacker who is not declared a terrorist but a psychologically unstable person. :) #EgyptAir," tweets Patrick Baz.
‘There is No Shame in Fear': Confronting Surveillance in Post-Revolution Egypt
"...as so many unjust things become normalized in our daily lives, the act of spreading information and informing others – however difficult – becomes an ever-more vital part of activism."
Despite Claims of Tortured Baha'i Inmates, Iran Takes No Action
The Baha’i community is one of the most persecuted religious minorities in Iran. Their faith is not recognized by the Islamic Republic’s constitution, and the community's members face severe discrimination.
EgyptAir Plane on Route to Cairo Hijacked and Diverted to Cyprus
A lone hijacker has reportedly hijacked Egypt Air flight MS181, forcing the flight to be diverted to Larnaca Airport in Cyprus after claiming he was wearing an explosive belt.
#Justice4Morocco: Human Rights Defenders’ Trial Postponed Again
Among those charged is Hicham Khribchi aka Hisham Almiraat, a medical doctor and long-time member of the Global Voices community.
Everyone is Fair Game in Turkey's New War on Terror
"This is just insane!#AcademicsForPeace signee, Assistant Prof. Esra Mungan is held in solitary confinement in jail."
Despite Tradition and Convention, Salsa Keeps Egyptians on the Dance Floor
Believe it or not, but Latin America and Egypt have more in common than ancient civilizations and pyramid-building.
Mutual Self-Interest: Bahrain Celebrates 200 Years of ‘Friendship’ with Britain
Bahrain marks the 200th anniversary of its relationship with Britain with a year of celebrations—and a large dose of historical revisionism.
Indian Migrant Worker Arrested in Saudi Arabia For Denouncing Working Conditions on Facebook
"People stuck...in a country where they are treated worse than dogs, for years in very bad conditions, that's the reality 'necessary' for us to fuel our tanks. Infuriating and depressing."
From Goldfish to Swan Candles: 11 Memorable Images of Persian New Year
Eleven great images of Persian New Year displays (Haft-Seens), North American leaders rolling their Rs, and a video greeting from a master musician.
For These Syrian Women, Their 20s Have Been Defined by War
Lebanon was a relatively welcoming place to Syrian refugees when the war started five years ago. Not so much anymore. Three Syrian women tell their stories.
Moroccans Rally for Unity, While Sahrawis Push for Independence After Ban Ki-Moon’s ‘Occupied’ Remark
"When will you be relieved from your prolonged pain? Oh, my homeland. Peace be upon you"
A List of Hope: Is Electoral Politics All That’s Left for the Iranian Opposition?
The primary question, to vote or not to vote, sparked a lot of debate in the February 2016 Iranian elections for parliament and Assembly of Experts.
In Iran, It's Norooz Tradition to Jump Over Fire for Good Luck
Chaharshanbe Suri or Red Wednesday is an evening of bonfire jumping and fireworks in Iran which marks the beginning of new year celebrations.
#WhereisBassel: Imprisoned Syrian Technologist Is Still Missing
Five months ago, Syrian web developer Bassel Khartabil disappeared from a Damascus prison, where he had spent four years since his 2012 arrest. Join supporters and ask: #WhereisBassel?
Syrians Mark Fifth Anniversary of Revolution with More Protests
More than a quarter of a million Syrians have been killed since the start of anti-regime protests five years ago. Despite the killing spree, protesters are back on the streets.
Bahrain Arrests Activist Zainab Al Khawaja Along With Her One-Year-Old Baby
"#Bahrain seems to be tightening noose on dissidents, just don’t understand why one-year-old child is arrested."
A Belgian University Puts Out a Welcome Mat for Refugees
Mohammed Salman, who is from Syria, is helping start up a program for refugees at the Free University of Brussels.
Lebanese ‘You Stink’ Protesters Are Back on the Streets
Eight months after taking to the streets to protest against Lebanon's mounting rubbish problem, the issue is not solved. Protesters are back on the streets today.
A Syrian Asks Herself: Am I Capable of Killing?
"With every story I remembered," writes Syrian activist Marcell Shehwaro, "the certainty that I was a person who neither kills nor wants to kill was gradually shrinking."
Kurdish Reporter Faces Jail Time in Turkey for Twitter and Facebook Posts
Turkish authorities increasingly "conflate coverage of banned groups and investigation of sensitive topics with outright terrorism or other anti-state activity."
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