Greek journalists face significant challenges, including physical violence, legal intimidation, and surveillance. The country ranks lowest in the EU on the press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders. Journalists have been targeted by police during protests, intimidated by government officials and business moguls, and surveilled by intelligence agencies using spyware like Predator. High-profile cases include the murder of investigative journalist Giorgos Karaivaz and lawsuits against journalists like Stavroula Poulimeni by Hellenic Gold executives. The Greek government denies wrongdoing and has passed legislation to limit transparency around surveillance. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's administration has been accused of sophisticated media management, including buying ad space and hiring Edelman for image management.

Iason Athanasiadis recounts his journey from aspiring journalist in Athens to a seasoned correspondent witnessing the upheavals in the Middle East post-9/11. He reflects on the changing landscapes of cities like Aleppo, Cairo, and Tehran, shaped by political turmoil and conflict. Athanasiadis's experiences with Al Jazeera, the UN, and covering migrations have informed his understanding of home as something carried within oneself, amidst a world of increasing instability and displacement.

Athens' Exarhia Square, a historically leftist and culturally vibrant area, is undergoing a transformation due to the construction of a new metro station for the city's Line 4, resulting in the removal of numerous old trees. Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis, part of a long-standing political family, has faced criticism for his urban development projects, which some view as failing to address environmental concerns and contributing to gentrification. The government's actions in Exarhia are seen by some as a targeted move against the Greek left, with implications of political vendetta. The construction has sparked debates over the city's future, balancing infrastructure needs with cultural identity, environmental sustainability, and the risk of gentrification displacing long-term residents.

In Greece, men, women, and children wearing masks are held in a makeshift quarantine area guarded by police, where tents and military facilities are scattered across a desolate, fenced terrain. Asylum seekers who tested positive for Covid-19, along with their closest contacts who tested negative, are confined for 14 days. Other camp residents approach to communicate across the fence, with an Afghan woman claiming they are being held against their will without any fever symptoms.

The article discusses the need for a global tax system based on individual energy footprints to address climate change. It critiques the lavish lifestyles of a global elite and the inadequacy of current tax systems to penalize environmental damage. The proposed system would tax individuals and companies based on their consumption of energy-intensive goods and services, with the aim of encouraging responsible living and reducing inequality. The technology for such a system, involving RFID chips, nanobots, and blockchain, already exists, and the article argues for a public debate on the use of this technology for the greater good.

The article discusses the concept of taxing individuals based on their personal energy footprint as a means to address climate change and income inequality. It critiques the lavish lifestyles of a global elite and the environmental impact of modern, nomadic lifestyles enabled by technology. The author proposes a global tax regime that would charge individuals more if they travel frequently by airplane and consume imported goods, and less if they live locally and sustainably. The system would be administered by an international body and empowered by artificial intelligence, tracking a multitude of transactions and energy consumption in real-time. The author argues that such a system would encourage responsible living, reduce inequality, and compel corporations to behave ethically.

The Craft and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles is marking the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution with an exhibition titled 'Exploring the Other,' featuring the work of photojournalist Iason Athanasiadis. Athanasiadis, who spent three years living in Iran, captures the paradoxes of Iranian life through his photography. He describes three distinct realities in Iran: the strict Islamic republic, the more relaxed street life, and the private sphere, which can range from liberal to even more conservative than the public image. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Iran that is often not portrayed in Western media.

In the midst of increasing violence in Kabul, photojournalist Iason Athanasiadis presents a photo essay titled 'mystical Kabul,' showcasing the rarely seen ecstatic ceremonies of a Sufi sect. Despite the Taliban's ban on such practices, the Sufi tarighat (brotherhood) continues to engage in zikr rhythms, a form of spiritual exercise aimed at bringing participants closer to the divine. The essay captures various aspects of the ceremony, including the preparation of an opium pipe, the healing circle of faith, and the use of poetry and religious phrases to enhance perception. Athanasiadis also highlights the cultural significance of the Sufi practices, such as the use of colorful accessories by wandering dervishes to attract followers and the reverence shown towards Sufi saints and shrines.

In Eleonas, near Athens, Greece, refugees are observing Ramadan in a camp that is a stark contrast to their ancestral homes. The camp, praised by Greek officials, is still a place of bleak prospects for its residents. The refugees, unable to return to Turkey or move forward to other EU countries, are caught in limbo during Greece's economic crisis. The article describes the experiences of individuals like Mustafa and Zeina, who are adapting to life in the camp and the city. The UNHCR and Athens Municipality are working to move refugees into apartments in Athens, which has caused some local concern. The story is part of a series exploring the impact of refugees on the cities they inhabit.

The article discusses the implications of the Greek referendum on July 5, 2015, which could lead to Greece's exit from the euro and potentially from its alignment with Western Europe. It explores Greece's historical mistrust of the West, the nation's identity crisis, and the potential for Greece to reconnect with its Eastern Mediterranean roots. The piece also critiques the European Union for deviating from its founding vision and being influenced by corporate interests, while highlighting the Syriza party's consideration of alternative alliances. The author suggests that a Greek exit from the euro might not be as negative as perceived, citing the resilience and adaptability of the Greek spirit in times of crisis.

The article discusses the impact of technological advancements on human behavior and society, drawing parallels with historical shifts such as westernisation during the Industrial Age. It reflects on the loss of anticipation, solitude, and emotional intensity in human interactions due to constant connectivity. The author uses examples from Turkey's modernization under Kemal Ataturk and personal experiences in Italy to illustrate the disconnection from traditional ways of life. The piece suggests that while technology progresses, it also demands a reevaluation of our online etiquette and the way we engage with both the digital and physical worlds.

Yanis Varoufakis, Greece's finance minister, is characterized as an outsider with a unique background that sets him apart from traditional politicians. His non-conformist approach and ideas on handling eurozone debt have garnered significant attention and support. Despite his international experience and candid nature, Varoufakis faces challenges in satisfying all constituents, especially those affected by austerity and the old patronage system. His left-leaning Keynesian beliefs and views on capitalism and austerity are central to his political stance.

Stefan Zweig, an Austrian writer, lamented the loss of a cosmopolitan, bourgeois world with his book 'The World of Yesterday'. Despite his obscurity after his suicide in 1942, Zweig's work is experiencing a revival, resonating with contemporary disenchantment with progress and reason. The post-World War II order's collapse and the 2008 economic crisis have led to a rediscovery of theory-driven politics. Technological advances promise a work-free utopia, yet social systems have not adapted, causing job displacement and inequality. The Middle East is undergoing a traumatic reorganization akin to a world war, while Europe faces rising anti-immigrant sentiment. The article draws parallels between the early 20th-century generation's unanticipated historical transition and today's generation facing a similar technological paradigm shift, resulting in alienation and a reconsideration of societal values.

Tunceli, a predominantly Kurdish town in Turkey with a history of tragedy and high unemployment, shows little sign of the upcoming presidential elections. The town's traditional support for secularist and Kurdish parties contrasts with Erdogan's right-wing politics. The PKK's influence in the region and the Kurdish fight against the Islamic State's advances are complicating factors for Erdogan's presidential ambitions. Accusations of Erdogan's government aiding Islamist groups and the potential backlash from Turkish fighters returning from Syria are highlighted. The article suggests that Turkey's internal tensions are being exported to neighboring conflicts, posing a risk to its own stability.

Istanbul's transformation into a neo-cosmopolitan city is marked by stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, driven by globalization and technological advancements. While the city's development attracts foreign investment and caters to new elites, it exacerbates economic inequality, with many Turkish families living on less than $1,000 a month. The rise of global chains like Amazon and Netflix is displacing local businesses and services. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's populist politics offer illusory comfort against market forces, despite implementing neoliberal policies that have fueled consumerism and credit card debt. Istanbul's growth may lead to new forms of popular resistance against capital dominance and social segregation.

The article discusses the pro-democracy uprisings in the Middle East, highlighting that the first such movement in the region was not Arab but Persian, referring to the Iranian protests of June 2009. The author notes that these protests, which were a response to what was believed to be a rigged election, predated the Arab revolts that began in Tunisia and Egypt in 2011 and spread to other Arab nations. The piece serves as a reminder of the chronological order of these significant events in the Middle East's recent history.

The article discusses the rampant looting of antiquities in Libya, focusing on the experiences of individuals like Fathi Ismail, a local who sells ancient coins, and Dr. Fadel Ali Mohammed, a former director of the Department of Antiquities for Libya's Cyrenaica region. It highlights the challenges in protecting Libya's rich pre-Islamic heritage, exacerbated by local disinterest and international smuggling networks. The article also touches on the historical significance of Cyrene, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the neglect of Cyrenaica by the central government. It delves into the complexities of the illegal trade in antiquities, which has surged since Libya opened its borders and the international embargo was lifted. The piece concludes by reflecting on the broader issues of corruption and the misuse of funds intended for the preservation and modernization of Libya's historical sites.

Iran maintains a stance of active neutrality amid tensions following a US missile entering its airspace and the US-led attack on Iraq. While Iran's public reaction was subdued, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attack on Iraq. Iran is under diplomatic pressure to preserve its neutrality, balancing its enmity towards both Iraq and the US. The country benefits from high oil prices during the conflict but is wary of a pro-US Iraq. Iran's military is on alert for airspace violations, with the Interior Minister warning of a response to any infractions.