Middle East

Language Move Irks Businesses

Shop owners say requirement for Arabic signs called costly, unfair and pointless.

Kurds Revive Civil War Grudges at Polls

Election results suggest past conflict between Kurdish parties is once again influencing voters.

Witnesses Say US Group Hiked Far From Tourist Areas

Locals question why Americans ventured alone to remote area near Iranian border.

Syrian Regime Tightens Grip on Dissenters

Critics say crackdown under way as human rights group leader held.

Missing Americans' Last Stop: Ahmed Awa

Armenia Fails to Learn Conflict Lessons

Yerevan has not been able to lessen dependence on its combative neighbours.

Ensnared in Kurdish Election Blame Game

For one IWPR journalist, Iraqi Kurdish poll overshadowed by mystifying allegation of misconduct.

Abkhaz Opposition Fear Growing Russian Influence

Issue likely to dominate December elections, but in reality Abkhazia’s options constrained by dependence on Russia.

Afghanistan: Jun ‘09

Leading press freedom organisation praises IWPR investigation on difficulties faced by female Afghan journalists.

Right to Vote Limited for Women

Many women will be prevented from voting in Afghanistan’s elections by the men who control their lives.