Summer reading

Iran/AfPak/Xinjiang/etc
Looking at clerical reactions to developments in Iran. More arrests of Iranians with foreign connections (returned exiles) seem to be taking place. Looking at the potential consequences of current developments.

Afghan women fear for the upcoming elections.

Looking at root causes of disputes in Xinjiang, even if daily life is claimed to be returning.

Baluchi activists in Iran are hard pressed - how hard pressed Iran is I am not sure.

Girls in Kashmir practice self-defence.

Middle East
An e-book on Yemen has been published.

The discussion on harassment of women in Egypt continues, now even in mosques.
Abu Dhabi Masdar City is really gaining attention.

Activists in Syria still have a hard time.

Early photos from Fujairah, showing another UAE. A modern outlook is shown here - in refashioning abayas.

Mandeans having found sanctuary in Södertälje continue ancient rituals.

ICG writes on Iraq and Kurds again, looking at very tangible issues in Erbil and elsewhere in the north.

Europe and policy issues
Looking at US-Russian relations ahead of Obamas recent Moscow visit.

Looking at the Swedish EU-presidency, at least from the start.

Looking at the inner workings of pirates society in an 18th century historical context.

Tracing centuries and continents of roma history.

The role of women in peace-building is highlighted.

The strong feelings raised by veiling women is quite a mystery to me, especially when clothed in strident terms of liberalism.

A market in Moscow providing an arena for migrant traders from all over the former Soviet states is closed. Effects on migrants is discussed here also.

Music
A review of a new Khaled album... a collection of early songs. Another long-term favourite reviewed - Thåström played in Stockholm.