war

Syria: Ten Years and Counting

For many, the clean slate that early 2021 once promised simply hasn’t transpired. We’d hoped to see the back of the pandemic but have been let down. For many Syrians though, Covid is the last thing on their mind. After all, millions of Syrians have faced similar tragedy – death, destruction, hunger, and poverty – and more, for the last ten years now.

EXPLAINER: Understanding the Yemen Conflict

Trying to get your head around the conflict in Yemen? You’re not the only one. This is a definitive overview of the conflict to date, starting with its roots in the Arab Spring movement in 2011 and continuing over ten years to 2021. We cover the main events, key players, the role of regional powers and the UN’s attempts thus far to reach a political settlement. Buckle up – here we go!

5 political issues to watch in the Middle East in 2021

2020 was a tumultuous year for the Middle East, and 2021 looks as if it will be no less eventful for the region, with possible diplomatic milestones on the cards and ambitious foreign policies raising eyebrows around the world. Here’s our list of five key issues we’ll be keeping our eyes on that will inevitably shape the political landscape of the Middle East in 2021

A reckoning: Coronavirus in war-torn Yemen

In Yemen, the catastrophic impact of the war, a disastrous blockade preventing humanitarian relief from entering the country, multiple outbreaks of cholera and now Covid-19 have created a humanitarian disaster on the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Middle East & North Africa Lockdown Diaries: YEMEN – Bashayer Ali

With Covid-19 causing chaos throughout the world, we decided to conduct a series of interviews with people across the Middle East and North Africa to try to understand how the effects are being felt across the region. In this interview, Yemen-based photographer Bashayer Ali shares her reflections.

3 ethical food projects helping victims of conflict in the Middle East

Food is one of the best ways to break down cultural boundaries. Relationships are built…

READING LIST | 10 books to help you understand Yemen

Yemen: The poorest country in the Middle East; The corner of the Arabian Peninsula widely ignored as the oil monarchies of the Gulf rose to riches and global prominence; And now, embroiled in a deadly civil war protracted by the interference of external powers, further destabilising an already war-torn region. Yemeni politics can be highly confusing for outsiders. These 10 books will help you understand this complex country and the ongoing conflict.

Stronger Than Bullets: Music on the Frontlines of Libya’s Revolution

“Music gives me power, it gives me hope. It moves hearts… Strings have more power than bullets, stronger than bullets” – Masoud Buisir, the Troubadour of the Libyan revolution.

Caliphate: The addictive ISIS podcast that’s causing controversy

As avid podcast listeners will know, the New York Times recently wrapped up its binge-worthy…