Middle East

Massive and enduring protests in Iran on June 20th (1981 and 2009) seem to predict the end is near for theocratic rule.

Shaken by TV images of her brother being beaten by Iraqi forces when he was supposed to be under the protection of US forces, this reporter has taken her protest to the White House.

By Atul Singh, England – July 2006
More than a decade ago the Taliban rose to power because people were disgusted with the squabbling warlords in Afghanistan.  It wasn’t long however, before their draconian style of governing – public executions of innocent civilians in football stadiums, the obscene treatment of women and its support of terrorist [...]

Interview with Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah of Iran who speaks about creative secular democratic change in Iran.

By Panyiota Georgiou, Cyprus – July 2006
            The role of Cyprus in the recent war between Israel and Lebanon was vital. Its geographically strategic position allowed the island to be both an escape for the thousands of refugees leaving the dangerous zone in Lebanon as well as a center for sending first aid and food. [...]

By Guillaume Suon Petit, Beirut – July 2006
            In Hrat Hrieck, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut, 15 year old Nahila came home for the first time since the cease fire.  Home was a heap of large dusty stones. Living in close proximity to Hezbollah’s headquarters, Nahila’s home became a coincidental target for Israeli’s bombs. [...]