Ethnic/Religious Minorities

Druze anger rising over Israel’s Nationality Law

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not foresee the degree of anger the Nationality Law would generate among the Druze, with protests spreading quickly, including to the military.

Israel

Nationality law makes Israel's Druze second-class citizens

The Druze community in Israel has condemned the Jewish Nationality Law, which effectively demotes them to second-class citizens despite their military and other service to Israel.

Israel

Turkmens see chance to expand influence in Kirkuk

With Kurdish peshmerga gone, and Kirkuk back under Baghdad's authority, Turkmens in the province feel their time might have arrived.

Turkey

How a tea kettle came to symbolize Turkish election opposition

The Pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and their imprisoned leader and candidate, Selahattin Demirtas, are running a positive and creative election campaign, rattling the nerves of an increasingly anxious Justice and Development Party and government.

Turkey

Kurdish singer aspires to run for Turkish parliament on AKP ticket

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan surrounds himself with celebrities such as legendary Kurdish Arab singer Ibrahim Tatlises as a means of boosting support.

Turkey

Ankara backtracks on freedom to commemorate Armenian murders

The 2018 commemoration of the Armenian massacres was memorable for the ban on using the word "genocide" and a big drop in attendance.

Turkey

The topsy-turvy world of Jewish-Arab relations

Despite evidence of a serious deterioration in relations between Jews and Arabs in Israel, one researcher contends that Israeli Arabs continue to show a strong link to a Jewish and democratic Israel.

Palestine

Amazigh awakening: Libya’s largest minority wants recognition

Amazigh leaders are threatening to boycott parliamentary elections and a constitutional referendum if their rights and culture are not officially recognized.

Libya

School finally back in session for Iraqi Dom village

After its school was destroyed more than 13 years ago, education is returning to a small Dom village in southern Iraq.

Iraq

Aspiring Coptic soccer players finally make it to playing field

In Egypt, where Copts who apply for soccer clubs get the standard reply “We’ll call you,” Je Suis Academy offers them a chance to train and overcome prejudices.

Egypt

Syrian Kurds press on with elections despite divisions

Kurds supporting self-rule in Syria have two elections down and one to go in their march toward a federalist government, although not everyone in the territory is on board.

Syria

Sudan-born model exposes blight of racism in Egypt

Sudan-born model Fatima Ali began speaking out four years ago against the daily racism she faces in Egypt and is compiling her writing on the subject into a book.

Egypt