Iran
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Transnational repression
Why a friendlier Middle East is more dangerous for activists
Authoritarian governments often harass and hinder their critics, even if those people are outside the country. As former enemies become friends in the Middle East, will they cooperate to shut down opposition voices? By Cathrin Schaer
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Taliban Afghanistan 2 years on
Report from a forgotten land
15 August 2023 marked the second anniversary of the Taliban's return to Afghanistan. Emran Feroz recently travelled through the country – here is his exclusive report for Qantara.de on everyday life in Kabul
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Books on the Iran protests
Fighting for freedom in the "mullah state"
Women are the main drivers behind the new revolutionary movement in Iran. Four female authors offer inside views and moving snapshots from a variety of perspectives. Review by Rene Wildangel
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Music: Universal Echoes by Kuné
An impactful message from Canada's Global Orchestra
The musicians in the Canadian music ensemble Kuné come from a diverse array of traditions and cultures. On their new album, they share their concern for our planet's future in a collection of glorious tracks. By Richard Marcus
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Ukraine conference in Saudi Arabia
Diplomatic success for the Crown Prince
A meeting in Saudi Arabia about a war in Europe? The conference in Jeddah shows how much the world is changing. Analysis by Karim El-Gawhary from Cairo
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Iran protests
Women defying hijab laws forced into psychiatric treatment
Authorities in Iran are trying to enforce laws obligating women to cover their hair by sending them for psychological treatment.
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Iranian cinema: "A Tale from Shemroon"
King of the night
Many reports on Iran focus on Tehran's middle classes, giving a rather one-sided impression of the country. New film release "A Tale from Shemroon" is also set in this milieu. So does it succeed in presenting a more multi-faceted picture? Lisa Neal watched the film for Qantara.de
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Climate change in MENA
Is the Middle East prepared for extreme heatwaves?
Experts say that as intense heat becomes more frequent, the Middle East will see a rise in heat-related deaths. Despite gaps in public health planning, this region could teach the world a lot about extreme heat. By Cathrin Schaer
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Iran's authoritarian dress code
Tehran seeks to enforce hijab rules again
The hijab is not just a piece of clothing. This traditional headscarf holds deep cultural and political significance in Iran. The Islamist regime demands that women wear it for the sake of morality and order. Nonetheless, a considerable number of women have stopped doing so entirely. By Shora Azarnoush
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Assad's rehabilitation
Enforce sanctions instead of normalising the Assad regime
The Arab League's decision to bring Syria back into the fold after 12 years in isolation shocked Syrians the world over. Rebekka Rexhausen examines what led to this development and argues that the West must adhere to a human rights-centred foreign policy to address authoritarianism in Syria
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International disputes about water
On a knife-edge between peace and conflict
As a result of climate change, weather extremes are on the rise. Many parts of the world are plagued by heat and drought. There is a lack of water in numerous areas, and tensions between neighbouring states are straining relations. Are the first conflicts already brewing?
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Introducing Sufism
A longing deep within us
Islam thrives on diversity, something that is particularly apparent within its body of mystic practice, known as Sufism. In his new book, Marian Brehmer introduces us to the many forms of Islamic mysticism. By Lisa Neal