Kurds from various countries have traveled to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to join opposition groups fighting the Iranian government. One of these individuals, who traveled from Sweden, shares his motivations and experiences in an interview reported by Anna-Maria Holmgren.

Young Syrians navigate uncertainty after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, balancing hope for democracy with fear of new authoritarianism. Eighteen-year-old Talia Charaf celebrates the end of dictatorship while remaining wary of potential religious restrictions. Her friends express mixed views on the future, ranging from support for an Islamic-influenced constitution to concern over extremist influence in the transitional government. Ethnic and religious tensions shape anxieties about national unity as institutions are rebuilt from scratch. Despite instability, Talia remains optimistic that Syrians can create a free, harmonious, and democratic country.