By Mehdi Tahbaz “Our girls are fighting and know that there is no way back for us and we are not going back, and our answer to them wanting to forcibly put a hijab on us is, ‘No!’” one women’s rights activist in Tehran said. ( RFE/RL) – The return of the so-called […]
Protests Erupt In Northern Iran Amid Attempts To Enforce Hijab Rules
( RFE/ RL ) – Protests have erupted in the northern Iranian city of Rasht following an attempt by government officials to arrest three women over violations of mandatory hijab rules amid reports that the country’s leadership has ordered the resumption of so-called “morality police” patrols. An Iranian morality policeman (right) speaks with a woman […]
The Limits Of China’s Budding Relationship With Afghanistan’s Taliban
By Abubakar Siddique | – ( RFE/ RL ) – China has played a visible role in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power in 2021. Beijing is among only a handful of countries to maintain a diplomatic presence in Kabul, where the Chinese ambassador regularly meets with Taliban officials. There has also been a surge […]
Mahsa Amini’s Family Accuses Iran’s Security Forces Of Vandalizing Her Grave
( RFE/RL) – The family of Mahsa Amini have blamed Iran’s security forces for vandalizing the grave of the young woman whose death while in police custody in September 2022 ignited nationwide protests that have turned into one of the biggest threats to the Islamic republic’s leadership since it took power in 1979. The Amini […]
Iran’s Environmental Standards, Polluted Reality Mix Like Oil And Water
By Michael Scollon ( RFE/RL) – National Clean Air Day was not a cause for celebration this year in Tehran, where many residents were shuttered in their homes for their own safety to avoid exposure to the Iranian capital’s infamous and deadly smog. In the run-up to January 19, the day Iran dedicates to promoting […]
Can Iran and Russia’s Arms Swapping Sustain A Lasting Defense Partnership?
By Michael Scollon ( RFE/RL ) – When Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Moscow in early 2022, he had high hopes of leaving with defense deals that would circumvent international sanctions and take advantage of the expiration of a United Nations embargo on arms trading with Tehran. Russian fighter jets, advanced antimissile defense […]
Art As Therapy: Afghan Women Paint Their Experiences Under Taliban Rule
women Afghanistan Taliban patriarchy male chauvinism art creativity
Women’s Sports Going Downhill In Afghanistan As Taliban Denies The Right To Ski
By Mansoor Khosrow | – ( RFE/ RL ) – The majestic mountains in the central province of Bamiyan are known as Afghanistan’s skiing capital. But due to a new Taliban ban, women are no longer welcome on the slopes. Hundreds of amateur and professional skiers took to the mountains to hone their skills far […]
Iran Charges 16, Including Several Teens, For Protests Amid Reports Of Forced Confessions
By Ardeshir Tayebi | – ( RFE/RL ) – Iran has charged 16 people, including several teenagers, in the northwestern Iranian city of Urmia for planning demonstrations and accusing them of espionage amid reports those detained gave confessions after being beaten. In November, 25 people were arrested for allegedly having connections with “spy organizations” and […]
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