Muslim women
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Young entrepreneurs in Yemen
Coffee production offers a fresh perspective
War has been raging in Yemen for eight years, decimating the country's economy. Unexpectedly, entrepreneurial spirit in Yemen in flourishing, especially in the coffee sector. By Mona Al-Asaadi
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Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Journey to al-Ula
Saudi Arabia used to be more isolated than North Korea. Now the country is presenting its friendly face to the world and wooing Western tourists. Text by Karin A. Wenger, photos by Philipp Breu
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Iran protests
What the Islamic Republic's propaganda tells us
Challenging one of the Islamic Republic's most identifiable symbols – the hijab – with some breathtaking, iconographic feminist art, Iran's activists have wrested ownership away from the clerics with regard to who represents the nation, defines its present and shapes its future. Essay by Kevin L. Schwartz & Olmo Goelz
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Taliban sports ban
Afghan women take a stand
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Fighting for power in Sudan
Burhan and Dagalo – greed-driven egotists
In Sudan, two generals are fighting for power and sinecures. Khartoum-based female activist Hala al-Karib says there can be no democracy with them: for that, women need to enter politics. Interview by Andrea Backhaus
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Taliban sports ban: Afghan women take a stand
The Taliban's takeover of power has meant wide-ranging restrictions on Afghan women's freedom. This includes a ban on sport. Some women have taken a stand against this – and had their sports equipment photographed anonymously.
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Election run-up in Turkey
Who are Erdogan's allies?
Parliamentary and presidential elections in Turkey are scheduled for 14 May, with the polls pointing to a close race. Elmas Topcu takes a look at the parties that support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's election alliance
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Education in Pakistan
Digital learning for more opportunity
Pakistan's struggle with underinvestment in education and digitisation has resulted in high illiteracy rates and systemic discrimination. While some positive examples can be found in institutions catering for persons with disabilities, the overall picture remains bleak. By Marva Khan
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Art and the Iran protests
"Painting is like breathing for me"
Iranian artist Raoof Haghighi's latest exhibition, including works in support of the women of Iran, presents an intriguing range of styles and media. From stark, striking pencil sketches to lush portraits in oils, the art show from 7-16 April promises to be visually, intellectually and emotionally stimulating. Interview by Richard Marcus
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Freedom of expression
Egypt’s female social media influencers face arrest
Charged with "inciting debauchery" and "violating family values": Last week, Egyptian TikTok celebrity Salma Elshimy became the latest in a growing list of women to fall foul of the Egyptian authorities over social media posts
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Golnar Shahyar's 'Tear Drop' and the Iran protests
"A revolution of culture and thought"
Raised in Iran, Golnar Shahyar studied in Canada and has lived in Vienna since 2008. The singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist combines jazz, song-writing and Persian roots with strong lyrics. She talks to Stefan Franzen about her debut solo album "Tear Drop" and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement
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'Maximum pressure' gears up
Protests drive Iran's Saudi deal
On 10 March 2023, the world woke up to the breaking news that Middle East rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia had forged a deal to restore diplomatic relations within two months and refrain from interfering in each other's domestic affairs. Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni examine Iran's motivations