Clashing Visions of Syria’s Future Play Out in Ancient Alleys of Damascus

Many in the capital worry that the secular freedoms they enjoyed under the Assad regime are under threat from the new Islamist government.

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Cruz Criticizes Hochul for Wearing Head Scarf at Slain Officer’s Funeral

In a social media back-and-forth, Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York replied to Senator Ted Cruz of Texas that “anyone with basic decency” would respect the officer’s Muslim faith.

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N.Y. County Settles With Woman Who Says the Police Removed Her Hijab

Suffolk County’s $225,000 settlement provides a striking counterpoint to the anti-sanctuary policies that have recently taken shape across Long Island.

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Reform U.K.’s Chairman, Zia Yusuf, Quits Amid Infighting

The sudden departure of Zia Yusuf, chairman of Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration party, is a blow to the organization and comes after a clash with another party member over the burqa.

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Masih Alinejad Tells of Iranian Activism That Led to Murder Plots in New York

Masih Alinejad started rattling Iran’s rulers as a teenager. Now, men whom prosecutors say arranged for an assassin to kill her in New York are on trial in Manhattan.

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Her Father Took Her on a Trip to Pakistan. The Police Say It Was a Trap.

Hira Anwar was pulled out of middle school for what she thought was a vacation. Her death is being investigated as a so-called honor killing.

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He Sang in Praise of Women Exposing Their Hair. Iran Flogged Him.

Mehdi Yarrahi, a popular Iranian musician, was arrested in a 2023 crackdown after releasing a song that praised women who rejected the mandatory hijab rule.

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A New Age of Iranian Cinema Is on Display at the Oscars

“The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” an Oscar-nominated movie filmed in secret in Iran, highlights the Iranian film world’s groundbreaking new work, inspired by the women-led protests in 2022.

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