Middle East

Returnees cross the border from Iran, on July 3, 2025 in Islam Qala, Afghanistan. Over 256,000 Afghans left Iran for Afghanistan last month, according to the UN's International Organisation for Migration (IOM), ahead of a July 6 deadline imposed by the Iranian government for all undocumented Afghans to leave the country. The number of Afghans in Iran had swelled in recent years after the Taliban regained control of the country in 2021. © Elise Blanchard/Getty Images

Iran: “Hatred Towards Afghans Has Grown So Much”

Migrants accused of spying for Israel as mass deportations continue.

4 Jul 25

Smoke rises after a reported Israeli strike on a building used by Islamic Republic of Iran News Network, part of Iran's state TV broadcaster, on June 16, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Over recent days, Iran has been hit by a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting military and nuclear sites, as well as top military officials, prompting Iran to launch a counterattack. © Stringer/Getty Images

Exodus From Tehran

Local man describes shock of bombardment and chaos as residents attempted to flee the capital.

27 Jun 25

This picture taken from Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip, shows rocket trails in the sky late on June 13, 2025, after Iran struck Israel with barrages of missiles after a massive onslaught targeted the Islamic republic's nuclear and military facilities. © Eyad BABA / AFP

Palestinians Watch Another War Unfold

Amid Israel-Iran confrontation, many feel that their own plight is being forgotten.

27 Jun 25

A man pauses next to the remains of buildings hit by Israeli airstrikes, on October 17, 2024 in Nabatieh, Lebanon. © Carl Court/Getty Images

Lebanon: “We Just Want a Moment of Peace”

Polarisation and paralysis grow as country fears it will be pulled into a fresh conflict.

26 Jun 25

People visit a market in the city of Homs on January 22, 2025. Homs, the country’s third-largest city, has a mixed population of Sunni and Shia Muslims, Alawites and Christians and was heavily damaged in fighting over the years. © Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Once Again, Ordinary Syrians Suffer

The latest escalation between Israel and Iran stirs familiar and unsettling patterns of fear, uncertainty and helplessness.

26 Jun 25

Mayor of Üsküdar Sinem Dedetaş. © Photo courtesy of Sinem Dedetaş.

Is the Future Female for Turkish Politics?

The emergence of a new generation of women politicians is inspiring others to run for office.

5 Jun 25

In Turkey, female reporters navigate unique challenges amid growing political constraints and financial uncertainty. © Burak Kara/Getty Images

Breaking In, Holding On: the Women Reporters of Ankara

In a tough media landscape, parliamentary politics is a rare female stronghold– but equality remains elusive.

2 May 25

Iraqi protesters gather at Tahrir square during ongoing anti-government demonstrations in the capital Baghdad on October 31, 2019. © Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images

“This is a Critical Time for Iraq”

Co-founder of Jummar media explains why young Iraqis urgently need an information space where they can learn, contribute and share perspectives.

2 May 25

Relatives of the earthquake victims visit and pray at the graves of their loved ones on the first day of Eid al-Fitr on April 21, 2023 in Adiyaman, Turkey. © Burak Kara/Getty Images

Turkey’s Earthquake Survivors Mark Another Difficult Eid

Two years later, many still live in temporary housing and struggle with the disaster’s physical and emotional consequences.

15 Apr 25

Living as a single woman in Turkey, a conservative nation with significant violence against women, presents unique dangers and challenges, including the constant burden of maintaining heightened awareness for one's safety.

Surviving as a Single Woman in Turkey

Living alone in a conservative country with high rates of violence against women comes with its own struggles.

4 Mar 25

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