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Stories about West Asia & North Africa from September, 2015
When Online Kremlin Propaganda Leaves the Web, It Looks Like This
"Material Evidence" is one of few pro-Putin Internet projects connected to Russia's "troll factories" with a significant offline trail. Because of this, we can trace its operations unusually well.
Miles to Go Before They Rest: Voices from the Croatia-Serbia Border Crossing
When those seeking refuge pass through areas like the Serbia-Croatia border crossing, they've already travelled many, many miles—but for most of them it's a mere fraction of the total journey.
By Land or By Sea? Refugees Trying to Leave Turkey Face Tough Decisions
As Turkey and its neighbors consider how to handle the millions of refugees looking for homes, Iraqi refugee Amer Mohammad camps outside an Istanbul bus station, waiting to travel.
Global Voices Series Dispatches From Syria Wins Online Journalism Award
According to the judges who selected "Dispatches in Syria" as category winner, Marcell Shehwaro's “intensely personal writing found the gray areas in a war usually told from polar extremes.”
‘A Syrian Love Story’ Follows One Family's Journey Through War and Exile
“I think the message of hope is in the defiance — the defiance of one family, who have all pulled through.”
Jailed Activist and Artist Atena Farghdani Protests Mistreatment With Hunger Strike
“They have tarnished my daughter’s reputation in prison. They are playing with her integrity with their [ugly] words."
‘Halal’ Internet Advertisements Pop Up in Toronto, Canada
'Halal' Internet refers to Iran's national intranet project, but ads for censorship software associated with groups of parents protesting Ontario's sexual education curriculum are using the term.
‘We Are Here To Support You': A Dutch Welcome for Refugees
Volunteers at Amsterdam's Central Station have banded together to welcome and support arriving refugees. "What I didn’t anticipate," writes Faten Busheri, "are the stories they would tell me."
The Arrest of Arash Zad, Iran's Start-Up Kid
A popular technology blogger and pioneer of Iran's start-up scene is quietly arrested at Tehran's international airport. A strange turn of events for someone not involved in an dissident activity.
Charlie Hebdo's Cartoons of Alan Kurdi Spark Another Round of Free Speech Debates
French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo kicks off a new free-speech debate with its latest cartoons about the refugee crisis and specifically deceased Syrian toddler Alan Kurdi.
Moroccan Royal Motorcade Runs Down By-Stander
Moroccans are sharing links for a video showing a car which is part of a royal motorcade ferrying Moroccan King Mohammed VI running over a man in Tangiers during the...
Saudi Court's Death Sentence for Young Ali Al-Nimr Disputed by Human Rights Defenders
Saudi Ali al-Nimr was arrested when he was 17. Now, at 21, he is sentenced to be beheaded, and then have his body strapped to a cross to rot.
The Lebanese Government vs Protesters: Oppression, Arrests and Thugs
Forty-three people were arrested in Lebanon on Wednesday for protesting against the second round of talks between political powers to end the presidential stalemate.
Netizen Report: Refugee Crisis Inspires Both Love and Hate Online
As the refugee crisis spills into digital rights territory, authorities take aim at a leading media freedom NGO in Ecuador, and Austria's parliament proposes new state surveillance regime.
Refugees Met with Generosity and Suspicion in France
Despite enduring fear and suspicion towards refugees, many citizens initiatives have been launched or scaled up in France to meet their needs.
This Is How Chechnya Deals With ISIS Recruiters
Kadyrov's video features Chechen men caught recruiting for ISIS on social networks, and the elderly people shouting at them are their relatives and local community leaders.
Iran's Hardline Supreme Council on Cyberspace Consolidates Power Over Internet Policymaking
Iran's Supreme Leader is strengthening his hold over Internet policy through the Supreme Council for Cyberspace.
Saudi King Pays a Short Visit to an Iranian Victim of the Mecca Crane Incident
Saudi King Salman visits an Iranian victim of the Mecca crane accident, which killed 107 pilgrims on Friday. Some say it is a PR exercise while others praise Salman
Turkey’s ‘Kurdish Question’ on Fire Again
The AKP-led peace between Turkey and Kurdish militants brokered in late 2012 seems like a distant memory amid an upsurge of violence.
Egypt Kills 12 People, Including Eight Mexican Tourists, and Then Makes Excuses for It
Eight Mexican tourists were among 12 people shot to death from a helicopter in a popular tourist spot, in the Western Desert, in Egypt. Why have they been targeted?
Learn To Speak English With a ‘Pershian’ Accent
The group behind the project explains, "As a Persian living outside of Iran, I miss speaking Farsi. Whenever I hear someone speak with a Persian accent it makes my day."
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