Iran
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750th anniversary of Rumi’s death – Part 1
Seeking the essence of life
Seven-and-a-half centuries after the death of Muslim mystic poet Rumi, his verse has lost nothing of its profundity and transformative power. By Marian Brehmer
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Iran protests
What the Islamic Republic's propaganda tells us
Challenging one of the Islamic Republic's most identifiable symbols – the hijab – with some breathtaking, iconographic feminist art, Iran's activists have wrested ownership away from the clerics with regard to who represents the nation, defines its present and shapes its future. Essay by Kevin L. Schwartz & Olmo Goelz
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Saudi-Iran rapprochement
A revolutionary resolution for the Middle East?
Saudi Arabia and Iran's reconciliation serves the interests of both sides and represents a major geopolitical shift in the Middle East, writes Maha Yahya. Where all this will lead is still up for discussion, but for the first time in many years, something appears to be changing
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Art and the Iran protests
"Painting is like breathing for me"
Iranian artist Raoof Haghighi's latest exhibition, including works in support of the women of Iran, presents an intriguing range of styles and media. From stark, striking pencil sketches to lush portraits in oils, the art show from 7-16 April promises to be visually, intellectually and emotionally stimulating. Interview by Richard Marcus
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Golnar Shahyar's 'Tear Drop' and the Iran protests
"A revolution of culture and thought"
Raised in Iran, Golnar Shahyar studied in Canada and has lived in Vienna since 2008. The singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist combines jazz, song-writing and Persian roots with strong lyrics. She talks to Stefan Franzen about her debut solo album "Tear Drop" and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement
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'Maximum pressure' gears up
Protests drive Iran's Saudi deal
On 10 March 2023, the world woke up to the breaking news that Middle East rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia had forged a deal to restore diplomatic relations within two months and refrain from interfering in each other's domestic affairs. Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni examine Iran's motivations
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Saudi-Iran deal
New hope for football in the Middle East
The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March surprised many around the world. If relations improve, the hope is that football in both countries and the wider region will benefit. John Duerden reports
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20 years after U.S. invasion
Young Iraqis see signs of hope
On the banks of the Tigris River one recent evening, young Iraqi men and women in jeans and sneakers danced with joyous abandon to a local rap star as a vermillion sun set behind them. It’s a world away from the terror that followed the U.S. invasion 20 years ago
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Iran protests
Iranian women filmmakers fight oppression
Well-educated and politically aware, they are the epitome of the empowered woman. Instead, Iranian women filmmakers have been fighting violence and oppression for decades. By Julia Hitz
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Nowruz: New Year, Spring Festival and National Holiday
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Nowruz: New Year, Spring Festival and National Holiday
In Persian and Central Asian cultures, Nowruz has the same significance as Christmas in Europe, Thanksgiving in the USA or the New Year in China. The celebration is preceded by days of preparation.
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20 years Iraq War
Farewell to the old world order
It is 20 years since the USA began its invasion of Iraq. Alongside the countless dead Iraqis and U.S. soldiers, it was the West’s credibility in the Arab world that would fall victim to this war. As Karim El-Gawhary argues, this loss is still having consequences two decades later