Politics
Whether you’re looking for documentaries which will give you the background on what is happening in Gaza, a solid grounding in the history of Palestine, historical dramas which bring the impact of the Nakba into sharp focus, celebrations of Palestinian culture and persistence, or films which bring home the appalling realities of life under occupation, this list of feature films, documentaries and shorts covers everything.
Many of these films are available to stream online, some for free, and others are showing at film festivals across the world – keep an eye out for one near you!
The death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 10,000. The atrocities continue in both Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, and we’ve seen many people feeling helpless and powerless to act. Very little aid is making it into Gaza, and none at all into the worst affected areas in the north of the territory.
It’s so important that we don’t lose hope, don’t look away, and don’t stop supporting Gaza and the rest of Occupied Palestine. Here are some things which you CAN do to channel your despair, grief and anger into action, and keep going.
This list contains a range of fiction and non-fiction literature focusing on Palestine, including historical, political and some deeply personal accounts, with an emphasis on highlighting the work of Palestinian authors. The list starts at the beginning, delving into the colonial history that shaped the Middle East as it exists today. It goes on to trace the experiences of Palestinians over the course of the last century until the present, including fiction and poetry reflecting on the Palestinian experience, and culminating in powerful calls for change, analysis of how the world is failing Palestine, and arguments for how we can all be part of the solution.
As a daughter of the diaspora, my feet have touched the soil of many lands and crossed their boundaries; forming temporary homes wherever I settle. Aside from the quiet nests I have created throughout my life, I have also gained something else; an inner grasp of geographical narratives on global issues. More particularly, the case of the U.S invasion of Iraq: through the lens of the East and the West.
Our Founder, Laura Cretney, shares the story of Pink Jinn, from a tiny British island to the deserts of Oman.
This month marks a year since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. Since last August, Afghanistan has mostly faded from the headlines, but the suffering of its people has only deepened. The world must not forget about Afghanistan. Here are some places where you can learn more, and some ideas for how we can do more to support Afghanistan’s people.
Elegantly dressed in the pilot uniforms of Yemenia Airways, Captain Khattab al-Naami, born in Taiz, and co-pilot Mohammed al-Ansi from Al-Jawf, looked nervous, as if they were about to take their first flight test. They were in fact about to fly one of the most important flights in Yemen’s history. The atmosphere was joyous as passengers awaited the departure of the flight from Amman to Sana’a on May 16. It marked the reopening of Yemen’s main airport to commercial flights nearly six years after its closure.
In his new book, Impossible Victory: How Iraq Defeated Daesh, former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi gives a deeply personal account of the recent history of Iraq, from the early days of Saddam Hussein’s regime through to the US occupation and the war against terrorism and sectarianism that defined his career. As well as offering an inside account of a defining moment in Iraq’s recent history, the book sheds light on some of the key dynamics shaping the geopolitics of the wider Middle East today.
Stock up your bookshelves this month with the ten best books to read about Syria. We’ve rounded up the best books by Syrian authors to create the ultimate Syria reading list for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the country. From poetry, fiction, hard-hitting journalistic accounts and poignant memoirs to cookbooks, this list has you covered whether you’re studying the Syrian crisis, or simply looking for a brilliant new novel to sink into. There’s something for all ages too, with some wonderful ideas for the kids in your life, from preschoolers to teens!