Middle East

5 things you need to know to understand the Kurdish independence referendum

Today, millions of Iraqi Kurds will go to the polls to vote on whether they…

“Driving while female”: Manal Al Sharif and the fight for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia

“Rain begins with a single drop.” If you’re looking for some inspiration this week, look…

5 Instagram accounts that show a different side to Syria

Syria has been one of the world’s most talked about countries since the outbreak of…

Turkey’s coup a year on: How the murky events of one night changed the course of Turkish politics

“When they appear in court, let’s make them appear in uniform suits like Guantanamo.” Turkish…

An Unsafe Haven: Essential Reading on World Refugee Day

On World Refugee Day, we think everyone should read An Unsafe Haven by Nada Awar…

A Girl’s Guide to the Middle East: Jordan

The Middle East and North Africa are home to some of the world’s most impressive…

The Last Optimist in Baghdad

The Last Optimist in Baghdad by Dr Brian Brivati is the true story of Ghassan…

Cairo’s Ballerinas are redefining Egyptian society

In 2015, Egyptian filmmaker Mohamed Taher had an idea. Inspired by New York City’s Ballerina…

Islamic State, Libya and the new Cold War

Eyes have been on Libya in the wake of the bombing that killed 22 people…