diaspora
The Weight of Other People’s Wars
The war has occasioned an anguished debate among Iranians. The division that has emerged — between those who will not support a war on their own country and those who have, through suffering and desperation, arrived at support for the war — is real and painful and will not be resolved easily.
Tehrangeles Syndrome
In Los Angeles, home to the largest Iranian diaspora in the world, a community fractured by ideology is reckoning with what it means to cheer for a war on your homeland and a government that is rounding up your neighbors.
Iran’s Protest Movement and Diaspora Politics
Following weeks of nationwide protests fueled by economic collapse, internet blackouts and a deadly crackdown, Iranians face a country in ruins. From the streets of Rasht to the Iranian diaspora abroad, the question now is not only whether the regime can survive, but what might come after it.
Nigeria’s Returnees Are Not Always Welcome
A growing number of Nigerians are leaving their lives abroad and returning home, a trend known as “japada.” While their reasons range from burnout and lost family ties to a desire for purpose, many face harsh judgment both online and from family and friends.
The Weight of Gold: A Mandaean Journey Through Exile
Mandaeans follow ancient precepts of Gnosticism and worship John the Baptist. During Mesopotamia's golden era they settled along the banks of the Tigris, Euphrates and Karun rivers in what is now known as Iraq and Iran. Forced into exile by the 2003 invasion of Iraq, they are slowly disappearing.
Remembering a Palestine No Longer There
The “Palestine” we have grown attached to is simply not there waiting for us. Just as some Palestinian refugees still cling on to the heavy, rusty keys of homes they were expelled from in 1948, hoping to return some day and find life as they left it, we all adhere to an idea that is just as illusory today.