Nawal Al-Maghafi is a journalist based in Sana'a, Yemen.

Yemen: This is what the start of a civil war looks like

30 Aug 2016  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Western Complicity

Peter Oborne and Nawal Al-Maghafi report from war-torn Yemen, revealing the devastation caused by Saudi-led coalition air strikes and the role of the West in the conflict. The reporting, mainly from Houthi-held territories, uncovers indiscriminate bombings, such as a potato crisp factory and a school, resulting in civilian deaths. The blockade, supported by the UN Security Council and Western nations, has led to a shortage of medical supplies, contributing to further deaths. The article details the use of 'double tap' strikes, the impact of cluster bombs, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. It also discusses the origins of the conflict, the role of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and the Houthi insurgency. The complicity of the UK and the US in providing arms, intelligence, and diplomatic support to the Saudi-led coalition is highlighted, despite evidence of potential war crimes. The article calls for global awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Tags:

Middle East Eye United Nations Security Council World Food Organisation

Ruwaida Amer is a journalist based in Palestine- Gaza strip
Iam working freeluncer with CNNarabic, DW arabic, Middle East Eye, Aljazera, Electronic Intifada.
I produce video stories and written reports for 4 years until now sure.
and Iam monitor my videos.

Rafah became my home after displacement. It is now being erased

09 Apr 2025  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Gaza Strip

Rafah, once a refuge for displaced Palestinians, is being devastated by Israeli military actions as part of an expanded buffer zone in southern Gaza. The city, previously home to 350,000 residents, has been reduced to rubble, forcing remaining residents to flee to a 'humanitarian zone' marked by severe hardship. The article reflects on personal experiences of displacement and the enduring memory of Rafah, emphasizing the resilience of its people amidst ongoing conflict and destruction. Despite international calls for attention, the world has largely ignored Rafah's plight, leaving its fate uncertain.

Tags:

Middle East Eye Israeli military

Opinionated

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Abeer Ayyoub is a freelance journalist from Gaza, with an MA in New Media.  Abeer worked for various international media outlets covering the situation in Gaza, Palestine for seven years. She also worked as a podcast producer, and TV reporter in Amman for the last two years.

Israel-Palestine war: Gaza blackout leaves loved ones in the dark

28 Oct 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Communication Blackout

Palestinians abroad are experiencing fear and anguish due to a communication blackout in Gaza after Israeli forces destroyed phone and internet services, isolating over 2.3 million residents. Continuous Israeli air strikes and a ground invasion have made it difficult to ascertain casualties and damages. Journalists, including those from Middle East Eye and Al Jazeera, struggle to report precise details. Abeer Ayyoub, a freelance journalist, shares her personal distress over being unable to contact her family in Gaza, with concerns for their safety and well-being amidst the bombings.

Tags:

Middle East Eye Al Jazeera

Factual

Factuality Scale

Genevieve is an award-winning editor, reporter, author and photographer based in Olympia, Washington. She has worked in New York City, Israel, the West Bank, and across the U.S. She was formerly Forests Editor for Mongabay, an environmental and science news website, and is currently a Service ...

Currently available for stories and interviews from Algeria + Tunisia, 


Freelancer after several years of staffing with newsrooms in Algeria, I'm currently fully available for news-gathering, photo-shooting, well equipped for the job. I mostly work on the NorthAfrican area, including both ...

In Algerian desert, death ends migrants' hopes of a better life

20 Dec 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Rescue Operations

The article discusses the perilous journey of African migrants attempting to reach Europe through the Algerian desert. On May 4, 13 migrants were found dead near the Algeria-Niger border, with more than 90 deaths reported last October. The migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, are often abandoned by smugglers in harsh conditions. Algerian army forces and the Nigerien army launched rescue operations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed concern for the migrants' wellbeing and detailed their efforts to provide aid. The article also mentions recent incidents of migrants attempting to enter Europe through Spain and a boat sinking off Libya's coast. The Italian authorities reported a significant increase in migrant arrivals in 2014.

Tags:

Middle East Eye International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Red Cross Society of Niger French Red Cross BBC

Suddaf Chaudry is based in London & Islamabad, she is available for commissions. She has covered politics, developmental issues, and conflict globally.  Her special focus is the Middle East and South Asia, she possesses copious newsroom and online experience including editorial and reporting roles ...

Paul Cochrane is a freelance journalist based in Udine, Italy. He lived in Beirut, Lebanon from 2002 to 2019, and in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa from 2019 until 2024.

He has written for over 80 publications worldwide, covering financial crime, business, higher education and skills developments, ...

The pipeline hypotheses do not stand up to the realities of how energy is transported through the Middle East in the 21st century

05 Apr 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Middle East Energy Transportation

The article debunks the popular theory that the Syrian conflict is a proxy war over energy resources, specifically two proposed pipelines through Syria. It argues that the timeline of events does not support this theory, as U.S. action against Syria began in 2005, well before the alleged Qatari pipeline proposal in 2009. The article also points out the logistical and political challenges that make the pipeline proposals unrealistic, such as the lack of sufficient gas in Egypt and Iran, the high costs and political obstacles to pipeline construction, and the competition between Russia and Iran for the European gas market. The author, Paul Cochrane, cites energy experts and consultants to support the argument that the pipeline theories do not align with the realities of Middle Eastern energy transportation. The article concludes that the pipeline narratives are more of a 'pipe dream' than a plausible cause for the Syrian conflict.

Tags:

Middle East Eye Oxford University Green Party Agence France-Presse Gas Exporting Countries Forum Qatar Investment Authority Syria Report Gulf Cooperation Council

Mostafa Darwish is an  award winning Egyptian visual journalist currently based in Ireland. 
In 2019, Darwish won the Thomson Foundation’s mobile journalism (‘mojo’) competition, for his report on Egypt’s sharp fare increases to an already inadequate train system. 
Since beginning his career at ...

Ireland's asylum seekers: Long waits and mental health struggles

15 Mar 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Mental Health of Asylum Seekers

The article discusses the plight of asylum seekers in Ireland, focusing on individuals like Eyhab Najaar Kalani from Syria, Faycal Chabani from Algeria, and Alaa Bahlouan from Egypt. It highlights the challenges they face within the Irish direct provision system, including long waits for decisions on their refugee status, restrictions on work and study, and the impact on their mental health. The article also touches on the European Union's Dublin III provision, the risk of torture for those sent back to countries like Egypt, and the lack of transparency and training among staff dealing with asylum seekers. The Department of Justice's response to these issues and the prioritization of certain cases are also mentioned. The article sheds light on the systemic issues within Ireland's asylum process and the personal stories of those affected by it.

Tags:

Middle East Eye Irish Red Cross International Protection Office (IPO) Department of Justice (DOJ) Human Rights Watch University of Limerick Doras

Fadel Dawod is a journalist based in Netherlands.

Fadel Dawod is an Egyptian photojournalist based in Netherlands, born in 1998.
Interested in photojournalism, daily life, social status, documenting events, Sport. places and human stories.
Fadel studied media.

His work has been published in The ...

In pictures: The making of sugar cane molasses in Egypt

14 Jun 2024  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Economic Challenges

Sugar cane molasses, a staple in Egyptian kitchens, is produced through a traditional and labor-intensive process in regions like Minya. Despite its popularity, the industry faces economic challenges, including high manpower costs and stagnant product prices. Experts like Mohammed Ibrahim and Mustafa Mahmoud emphasize the health benefits and traditional methods, while Amir al-Sarraf calls for state investment to revitalize the sector, which could also become a tourist attraction.

Tags:

Middle East Eye

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Umar Farooq is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.  He reports regularly for the Los Angeles Times from the region.  In the past year, his work has also appeared in Foreign Affairs, National Geographic, The Guardian, Boston Review, and The Nation.  

He received a Pulitzer Center Crisis ...

Internal Anger Towards Biden and Congress Reaches Boiling Point

14 Jan 2024  |  rebelion.org  |  Spanish  |  Middle East Conflict

The article discusses the growing internal anger and frustration towards President Joe Biden and the US Congress over their handling of the Gaza conflict. It highlights the discontent among progressive lawmakers, congressional staff, and Biden administration employees, many of whom are considering resignation. The article also notes the public's increasing opposition to the US's support for Israel's actions in Gaza, as reflected in various national polls. The sentiment within Washington is described as demoralized and disconnected, with calls for a ceasefire being largely ignored by higher officials.

Tags:

Middle East Eye US Congress Biden Administration Hamas Israeli Government UN

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Jihan Hafiz is an award-winning independent journalist and documentary filmmaker. Over the past seven years, she has covered some of the world's biggest news events in Latin America, the Middle East and austerity-stricken countries in Europe. She has filmed documentaries in Rwanda, Brazil, Egypt ...

Unsung Hero of Baton Rouge: Abdullah Muflahi and the Fight Against Police Brutality

10 Apr 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Legal Action

The article covers the aftermath of Alton Sterling's death in Baton Rouge, focusing on Abdullah Muflahi, the owner of Triple S Food Mart, who filmed the police shooting. Muflahi, a Yemeni immigrant, has become an unexpected hero in the community for his role in documenting the incident. Despite facing discrimination and death threats, Muflahi filed a lawsuit against the Baton Rouge police department. The article highlights the solidarity between the black and Arab communities in Baton Rouge, with Muflahi receiving support from both. His actions have fostered discussions about Islam and brought the communities closer together, united in their experiences of profiling and discrimination. Muflahi spoke at Sterling's funeral, emphasizing the need for change and the end of violence.

Tags:

Middle East Eye Triple S Food Mart Black Lives Matter

Parisa Hashempour is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

It's not okay to break into someone's home, kill them and take that house. Why do I have to explain that?

02 Mar 2023  |  swanaspeaks.substack.com  |  English  |  Identity

Deana Hassanein, a presenter and producer, shares her experiences with burnout, calling out men online, and promoting MENA artists through her work with AAAZT, the UK's first Arab and North African radio show, and Middle East Eye. She discusses the complexities of Arab identity in the UK, the importance of music in connecting communities, and her journey to embracing her heritage and culture. The conversation also touches on the impact of labels and the real-world implications of how MENA people are categorized. Deana emphasizes the value of authenticity in her work and the joy it brings her, despite the challenges of maintaining a public profile.

Tags:

Middle East Eye AAAZT

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Freelance journalist covering war and humanitarian situations in Syria. Experienced collaborator with media agencies including Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Middle East Eye, and other media outlets.

‘Assad’s bombs chase us’: Syrian forces target refugee camps near Turkish border

20 Dec 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

The article reports on the plight of Syrian civilians, particularly the story of Abu Mohammed and his family, who fled to the Turkish border to escape military assaults by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Despite seeking refuge near the border, their camp was shelled, leading to injuries and destruction. The Syrian government also bombed another camp, resulting in casualties. The article highlights the mass displacement of civilians, with nearly one million people displaced since December, and the challenges faced by humanitarian agencies in delivering aid due to the ongoing conflict. The United Nations and other organizations express concern over the safety of shelters and the difficulty in reaching the displaced. The article includes additional reporting by Ragip Soylu in Turkey.

Tags:

Middle East Eye National Reconciliation committee Syrian Network for Human Rights United Nations Kesh Malek Maram Foundation IHH Red Cross

Saeid Jafari is an Iranian journalist and an analyst on Middle Eastern affairs. He is a contributor to various media outlets such as Al-Monitor, Foreign Policy, Atlantic Council, National Interest, Middle East Eye, and Euronews. He has also worked for many Iranian media outlets including Aseman, ...

Covid-19: Positive test results are the new VIP party pass in Iran

26 Jan 2024  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Iran's Political System and Health Policy

The article discusses the trend of 'antibody parties' in Tehran, Iran, where young people gather socially on the condition that attendees have tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies. The tests, which cost about $5, are seen as a way to bypass government restrictions and reclaim a sense of normalcy. The article highlights the experiences of individuals like Mitra and Mehrdad, who are tired of the pandemic's restrictions. It also touches on Iran's political stance on vaccines, mentioning the ban on imports from the US and UK, as declared by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the collaboration with Cuba for vaccine development. The article raises concerns about the effectiveness of antibodies in preventing reinfection and the risks associated with these parties, including the possibility of fake test results being used to gain entry.

Tags:

Middle East Eye World Health Organisation Pasteur Institute Finlay Institute of Vaccines US State Department

Meir Javedanfar is a journalist based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

Iran's Supreme Leader and the 'Holocaust Myth'

26 Jan 2024  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Antisemitism

The article discusses the issue of Holocaust denial in Iran, particularly focusing on the actions of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Khamenei has a history of denying the Holocaust, and his office recently uploaded a video questioning the Holocaust on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The article suggests that this is an attempt to undermine President Rouhani's efforts to improve relations with the West. It also mentions the upcoming 'Holocaust Cartoon and Caricature' competition in Iran, organized by Holocaust denier Masoud Shojayee Tabatabayee, which aims to challenge Western views on the Holocaust. The author, Meir Javedanfar, an Iranian-Israeli lecturer, argues that Holocaust denial is used by Iranian hardliners to maintain a stance against the West and Israel, despite the Iranian public's desire for better relations with the West. The article concludes that the West can only condemn this antisemitism and view it as a sign of desperation by Iranian extremists.

Tags:

Middle East Eye

Andrew is a Doha based journalist covering Business and Finance, Middle Eastern affairs, and the Aviation industry. He regularly contributes to The Daily Caller and Airways Magazine, and has bylines in Lone Conservative, International Policy Digest, The Georgetown Gazette, and several other outlets.

The Case for an Israeli-Built Suez Canal Alternative

17 Mar 2024  |  blogs.timesofisrael.com  |  English  |  Infrastructure Development

The article discusses the potential economic and geopolitical benefits of Israel constructing an alternative to the Suez Canal. It highlights the Suez Canal's importance to global trade, noting its facilitation of significant tonnage of goods and its substantial revenue generation for Egypt. The piece explores the idea, following the Abraham Accords, of Israel and the UAE discussing a new canal through Eilat, which could challenge Egypt's monopoly on Red Sea-Mediterranean transit. The author argues that an Israeli canal could benefit the global economy by reducing transit costs, stimulate Israel's economy through increased revenue and consumer spending, and enhance Israel's international relations and security by fostering trade ties and shared interests in the canal's operation. The article also considers the potential impact on Israel-Egypt relations, suggesting that any short-term tensions would be mitigated by the strategic push for cooperation in the Middle East and the mutual long-term benefits of competition.

Tags:

Middle East Eye

Shenaz Kermalli is a freelance journalist based in Toronto, Canada. She currently teaches journalism at Humber College in Toronto.
 
Shenaz is a former producer and writer with Al Jazeera English, BBC News, and CBC Television. Her writing has appeared in The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The ...

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi had friends in high places – and it is they who silenced him

12 Oct 2018  |  Scroll.in  |  English  |  Freedom of Press

Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist known for his connections with both Saudi royals and international terrorists, disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi, who had a dual career as a journalist and government adviser, was known for his subtle criticisms of the Saudi regime and his efforts to promote personal freedoms and employment for Saudi youth. Despite his polite and articulate defense of the Saudi realm, his recent writings in The Washington Post took a more critical tone. His disappearance highlights Riyadh's obsession with stifling dissent and underscores the importance of respecting intellectuals with diverse perspectives.

Tags:

Middle East Eye Saudi Government Washington Post

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Hind Khoudary is a journalist based in Gaza.

Gaza's 'March of Return' protests see more casualties including a journalist

07 Apr 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The article reports on the killing of nine unarmed protesters, including Palestinian video journalist Yasser Murtaja, during the 'March of Return' demonstrations in Gaza. Murtaja, who worked for Ein Media, was shot by an Israeli sniper despite wearing a 'Press' jacket. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that Murtaja died from his wounds, and he was one of 79 people who suffered critical injuries. The demonstrations have seen 10 journalists injured by live ammunition and 18 by tear gas canisters. The UN and other international bodies have called for caution and investigation, which Israel has rejected. The article includes personal accounts from Murtaja's family and colleagues, emphasizing the risks journalists face while covering the protests and the importance of documenting the events.

Tags:

Middle East Eye Palestinian Ministry of Health United Nations Security Council Israeli army Reporters Without Borders

Turkish journalist with bylines from Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Greece as well as other countries, and from across Turkey. 

As well as reporting on the Turkey beat, I have been part of months-long investigations for the New York Times, and have ...

In pictures: Does Turkey's Lake Salda hold the key to life on Mars?

04 Aug 2020  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Tourism

NASA is using Turkey's Lake Salda to guide its Mars 2020 mission due to the lake's unique carbonates and depositional features similar to those found at Jezero Crater on Mars. Professor Nurgul Celik Balci highlights the importance of microbial communities in Lake Salda for understanding ancient life on Mars. The lake, also a popular tourist destination, faces environmental threats from increased tourism and proposed construction projects. Local and international conservation groups are advocating for restrictions to protect the lake's ecological balance. The Turkish government has taken steps to limit visitor numbers and prohibit swimming in certain areas.

Tags:

Middle East Eye NASA Istanbul Technical University Geology Dept Republican People’s Party Protect Lake Salda Don’t Touch My Salda Lake Organization to Protect Lake Salda

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Andrei Popoviciu is an independent investigative journalist, reporter, audio-visual producer and photographer covering human rights, security, migration, international development and foreign affairs stories across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He is currently based in Dakar, Senegal but has ...

Twitter: Fears over its collapse leave Arab activists scrambling

05 Apr 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Online Activism

The article discusses the impact of Twitter as a platform for free speech in the Arab world and the concerns following Elon Musk's takeover, which led to layoffs and uncertainty about the platform's future. It introduces Mastodon, an open-source alternative to Twitter, which operates on a different premise, focusing on small communities and individual exchanges without ads or algorithms. Mastodon is part of the Fediverse, allowing interoperability between different social networking apps. The article provides a guide for Middle East and North Africa dissidents and journalists on how to migrate to Mastodon, explaining the process of joining instances, setting up profiles, and using the platform. It emphasizes Mastodon's community-focused nature, which could offer safer spaces for activists and dissidents. However, the platform's readiness for a mass migration from Twitter is questioned by Mohamad Najem, executive director of Smex.

Tags:

Middle East Eye Social Media Exchange (Smex) Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Dimi Reider is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

The Assassination of Samir Kantar and the Unlikely Prospect of a New Front

21 Dec 2015  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Israel-Lebanon Relations

The article discusses the assassination of Samir Kantar, a former Palestinian guerilla and Lebanese prisoner, by missiles likely fired from an Israeli jet. Kantar was killed along with operatives of the Syrian regime militia, National Defence Force. Israel did not claim responsibility, allowing the Free Syrian Army to attempt to do so, but the precision of the attack suggests otherwise. Israeli analysts, including Ron Ben Yishai, believe the assassination was more about Kantar's recent activities than his notorious past. The article suggests that despite provocations, none of the involved parties, including Israel, Hezbollah, Syria, or Iran, are interested in escalating to a new front, especially over Kantar. The author, Dimi Reider, provides insights into the regional dynamics and the strategic disinterest in further conflict, while also noting the universal disinterest in a new frontier after Kantar's assassination.

Tags:

Middle East Eye PLO Hezbollah National Defence Force Free Syrian Army Yedioth Ahronoth +972 Magazine European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

An award-winning multimedia correspondent who has reported from North America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and his native Britain for more than a decade. Strong editorial judgment and leadership skills with the ability to grasp and distill complex issues with ease and lead digital and broadcast ...

From Sudan to Kaepernick, cartoonist calls for joint fight against oppression

01 Oct 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Art

Khalid AlBaih, a Sudanese cartoonist, uses his art to draw parallels between global struggles against oppression, from Sudanese protests to Colin Kaepernick's activism. His Manhattan exhibit, 'Stumbling is not Falling,' showcases his satirical takes on political figures and social issues, emphasizing the need for unity among revolutionaries. AlBaih, who lives in Copenhagen due to risks in Sudan, highlights the challenges faced by satirists worldwide and criticizes Western hypocrisy. Despite his popularity, he grapples with the complexities of remaining independent while engaging with Western institutions.

Tags:

Middle East Eye UNESCO New York Times Republican Party Goethe-Institut Sudan Al Arabiya

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Freelance journalist based in Sana'a, Yemen.

Cláudio Silva is a journalist based in Luanda, Angola.

Palestinian child happy because of a truce in Gaza

25 Nov 2023  |  www.adnradio.cl  |  Spanish  |  Humanitarian Truce

A video of a Palestinian child expressing joy over a temporary four-day truce in Gaza has gone viral. The child celebrates the absence of warplane sounds and prays for the truce to become permanent, highlighting the dire conditions in Gaza where over 13,000 people have been killed. The video, initially posted on Instagram, was widely shared by Middle East Eye.

Tags:

Middle East Eye

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Zecharias Zelalem is a journalist focusing on Ethiopian affairs and the Horn of Africa as a whole.

Ethiopia cuts flight costs from Lebanon after change in quarantine rules

26 Jun 2020  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Coronavirus Pandemic

Ethiopia has reduced the cost of flights from Beirut to Addis Ababa following changes in quarantine rules and public criticism. Ethiopian Airlines faced backlash for charging $1,450 for flights and mandatory quarantine, but prices have now been lowered, with the cheapest fare being $280 in July. The change follows Ethiopia's Health Ministry's announcement that travelers can present a negative Covid-19 test taken 72 hours before arrival. The kafala system in Lebanon, which ties workers' legal residency to their employers, has left many Ethiopian domestic workers vulnerable amid Lebanon's economic crisis.

Tags:

Middle East Eye Ethiopia's Health Ministry

Balanced

Factuality Scale