Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his AKP party celebrated in the streets following his declaration of victory in a contested election. Erdogan won with 52.7% of the vote according to the official Anadolu news agency, despite the opposition CHP claiming it was too early to confirm results. The election followed a controversial referendum that changed Turkey's government system, granting the presidency extensive powers. Opposition parties like the CHP and HDP, the latter of which celebrated its entrance into parliament, have different reactions to the results. Kurdish voters showed divided support between the AKP and HDP. Erdogan's victory is seen as a triumph for himself and his party by his supporters.

Susamam, a Turkish rap epic, has become a protest anthem challenging a wide range of social issues in Turkey, from domestic violence to animal rights and police brutality. The collaboration of 19 artists has gained significant attention, with 20 million YouTube hits in its first week. The project, led by rapper Şanişer, was created in a climate of restricted freedom of expression, with Turkey being the top jailer of journalists. The rap avoids direct political statements, instead inviting self-reflection on societal complicity. It addresses global issues like capitalism and women's rights, and features diverse voices, including the only Kurdish artist, Ozbi. The track has received both acclaim and condemnation in a polarized Turkey.

Syrian refugee children in Turkey face significant challenges, including homelessness, child labor, and lack of access to education. Nearly 400,000 Syrian children are not enrolled in school, and those who are face discrimination and bullying. Karim Home, an orphanage in Gaziantep, provides a 'home with dignity' for some of these children, offering counseling and a supportive environment. Despite the Turkish government's official policies, many refugees are denied access to services due to lack of proper identification. The situation is exacerbated by public resentment and xenophobia, with some political parties advocating for the repatriation of Syrian refugees. Organizations like UNICEF and private charities play a crucial role in supporting these vulnerable children, but the need for specialized mental health services remains largely unmet.

Iraqis are preparing to vote in the first peacetime elections in over eight years, with new candidates like Qusay Abdullah and Nawal al-Malaali seeking to overcome the legacy of sectarianism and corruption that contributed to the rise of ISIS. The elections feature a diverse field of candidates addressing issues beyond ethnic and religious lines, aiming to repair a dysfunctional government and rebuild areas devastated by war. Despite the challenges of limited resources and electoral reforms favoring established parties, grassroots candidates are determined to bring change and prevent the return of ISIS, with the hope of restoring trust in the political process.

Syrian refugees in Turkey face a complex and expensive process to renew or obtain passports due to bureaucratic hurdles and a black market for consular services. The Syrian consulate in Istanbul, overwhelmed by the demand following new government regulations, has become the center of this issue. Refugees like Zouhir al-Shimale and Ahmed Primo have spent months and significant amounts of money navigating this system, which includes dealing with third-party fixers who charge high fees for appointments. The situation is critical for individuals like Zaher Said, whose legal residency in Turkey depends on obtaining a Syrian passport.

The article discusses the ongoing issue of police officers killing unarmed black men in America, highlighting recent incidents and the broader pattern of violence. It examines the underlying causes, such as lack of training, implicit racial bias, and the legal protections that shield officers from accountability. The resignations of Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson and chief executive John Shaw are mentioned as steps toward progress, but activists argue that more substantial changes are needed. The article suggests that ending qualified immunity and holding officers personally responsible for their actions could prevent future violence.

The article discusses the broader issue of Islamophobia in American society, exemplified by the Chapel Hill shooting and other anti-Muslim incidents. It criticizes the media's role in perpetuating negative stereotypes of Muslims and the impact of such portrayals on public perception and safety. The piece highlights the discrepancy in media coverage of crimes involving Muslims, whether as perpetrators or victims, and calls out specific instances and figures in the media for contributing to a climate of hate. It also touches on the counterproductive effects of surveillance programs targeting Muslim communities.