On May 19 th , Iranians are casting their ballots and choosing their new President. For many, the election will be a decision between the moderates (led by Rouhani) and the conservatives (led by Ghalibaf and Raisi). For some, however, the decision is about whether it is worth going to the polls or not, as the elected President has limited powers and the strong influence of the Supreme Leader and unelected institutions weakens the democratic elements. In the last week before the elections, we look at the political system in ...

Angers' French defender Issa Cissokho (L) vies for the ball with Lyon's French midfielder Nabil Fekir (R) during the French L1 football match between Angers (SCO) and Lyon (OL) at Raymond-Kopa Stadium in Angers on April 28, 2017. JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP

As we observe World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd this week, we have a look at states’ interference in press freedoms in the MENA region and the West. The abuses on press freedom run the gamut from thin-skinned leaders who can’t take criticism to conflict zones that make it difficult for any reporters to do their jobs. But while the MENA region is often criticized for its freedom of speech record, we ask, is the West any better? Under the pretext of terrorism, religion, fake news and state security ...

Real Madrid's French coach Zinedine Zidane gestures during a press conference at Valdebebas training ground in Madrid on April 22, 2017, on the eve of the Spanish League Clasico football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona. GERARD JULIEN / AFP

The Yazidi New Year festival is celebrated on the first Wednesday after April fourteenth and honors the day when God’s representative, the ‘Peacock Angel’ Tawûsê Melek descended to earth at Lalish to fill earth with life and renewal. This year’s celebration marks the biggest gathering since the Yazidis faced persecution by Daesh in 2014. Candle-lit processions, painted eggs, and special dishes are all part of the visual feast that makes up this ancient holiday celebrating the rebirth of spring.

Real Madrid's French coach Zinedine Zidane waits prior the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg football match Real Madrid vs FC Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, on April 18, 2017. Christof STACHE / AFP

Ferrari's German driver Sebastian Vettel celebrates after winning the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit in Manama on April 16, 2017. ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP

A string of attacks on Egypt’s Coptic Christians has left the region shaken. Daesh promised more attacks after targeting the community in the Sinai Peninsula, and last week, on Palm Sunday, bombs struck two Coptic churches, killing 45. Over the last several years, religious minorities of all stripes have been under attack in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Even quiet Jordan has heavy security presence stationed outside churches ahead of Easter. But lest these attackers succeed in spreading sectarianism and dividing communities, now seems like a good time to remember all ...

Al-Ain's captain Emirati midfielder Omar Abdulrahman (R) is tackled by Al-Ahli's Saudi defender Motaz Hawsawi during their AFC Champions League Group C football match at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al-Ain on April 11, 2017. KARIM SAHIB / AFPAl-Ain's captain Emirati midfielder Omar Abdulrahman (R) is tackled by Al-Ahli's Saudi defender Motaz Hawsawi during their AFC Champions League Group C football match at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al-Ain on April 11, 2017. KARIM SAHIB / AFP

Whether our widely shared habit of drinking coffee in the morning, brushing our teeth after eating or enjoying a calm afternoon in an English garden, we owe many of today’s habits to Muslim inventions of the Islamic golden age. Benefitting from the knowledge they inherited from the Greco-Roman antiquity, India, Persia and China, Muslim scientists developed existing knowledge further and made new revolutionary discoveries. Through their innovative work, they contributed to an ever developing corpus of knowledge that subsequently spread to Europe and other parts of the world, shaping the ...

Camels are seen before a race during al-Marmoom Heritage Festival at the al-Marmoom Camel Racetrack on April 7, 2017 in Dubai. KARIM SAHIB / AFP