Cumhuriyet, Turkey's last major independent newspaper, faces significant challenges amid increasing government control over media. Despite raids, imprisonments, and financial pressures, the paper remains committed to reporting the truth. Editor Murat Sabuncu and his team continue to operate under the threat of legal action and censorship. The upcoming elections are critical, with the opposition hoping to challenge President Erdoğan's dominance. Cumhuriyet's coverage remains critical of the government, highlighting issues like media censorship and the lack of services for marginalized groups. The paper's survival depends on its readers and its ability to navigate legal and financial obstacles.

The Astana talks on Syrian peace ended with mixed results, achieving significant but limited progress. Turkey, Russia, and Iran agreed to establish a monitoring mechanism for the ceasefire, but no consensus was reached between the Syrian regime and rebel delegations on key issues. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura highlighted the importance of the agreement on ceasefire monitoring, despite the lack of direct discussions between warring parties. Opposition delegates expressed concerns about Iran's role and the legitimacy of Shi'ite militias. The real test of the peace process will be its impact on the rebel-held enclave of Wadi Barada. Future negotiations are planned to continue in Geneva under UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The article highlights the unethical practices of journalists when reporting on the traumatic experiences of Yazidi women who were victims of the Islamic State's atrocities in Iraq. A study by Johanna Foster and Sherizaan Minwalla reveals that 85% of interviewed Yazidi women reported unethical behavior by journalists, including pressuring them to speak and failing to protect their privacy. The article emphasizes the need for journalists to prioritize the safety and dignity of their sources, obtain informed consent, and avoid re-traumatizing survivors. It also stresses the importance of contextualizing sexual violence as a war crime and ensuring that interviews are conducted in a culturally sensitive manner.

The Syrian passport, once inexpensive and quickly issued, has become a costly and time-consuming ordeal for Syrian refugees in Turkey. The Syrian government's new regulations have complicated the process, leading to a booming black market for third-party consular services. Refugees face exorbitant fees and long waits, with fixers exploiting the system for profit. The bureaucratic nightmare is exacerbated by the Syrian consulate's inefficiency and corruption, leaving many Syrians in Turkey struggling to obtain essential identification documents.

Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his AKP party celebrated in the streets following his declaration of victory in a contested election. Erdogan won with 52.7% of the vote according to the official Anadolu news agency, despite the opposition CHP claiming it was too early to confirm results. The election followed a controversial referendum that changed Turkey's government system, granting the presidency extensive powers. Opposition parties like the CHP and HDP, the latter of which celebrated its entrance into parliament, have different reactions to the results. Kurdish voters showed divided support between the AKP and HDP. Erdogan's victory is seen as a triumph for himself and his party by his supporters.

In the aftermath of the devastating explosion in Beirut, grassroots efforts led by groups like Base Camp have stepped in to provide essential services and aid, filling the void left by the dysfunctional and corrupt Lebanese government. Volunteers from various backgrounds have come together to organize relief efforts, demonstrating the power of community and mutual aid. Despite the systemic issues and political polarization, these initiatives offer a glimmer of hope and a model of transparency and efficiency that contrasts sharply with the official response.

Susamam, a Turkish rap epic, has become a protest anthem challenging a wide range of social issues in Turkey, from domestic violence to animal rights and police brutality. The collaboration of 19 artists has gained significant attention, with 20 million YouTube hits in its first week. The project, led by rapper Şanişer, was created in a climate of restricted freedom of expression, with Turkey being the top jailer of journalists. The rap avoids direct political statements, instead inviting self-reflection on societal complicity. It addresses global issues like capitalism and women's rights, and features diverse voices, including the only Kurdish artist, Ozbi. The track has received both acclaim and condemnation in a polarized Turkey.

Turkey has reversed its open-door policy for Syrian refugees, leading to a crackdown on ID papers and the deportation of thousands back to the warzone, including vulnerable individuals like Ward, a transgender woman. Despite legal protections against forced returns, authorities are accused of exploiting loopholes and coercing refugees to sign voluntary return papers. The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has been criticized for not adequately protecting refugees and maintaining silence in the face of these alleged violations. The Istanbul Bar Association has filed complaints against police officers, and UNHCR faces a dilemma between its mandate and its relationship with the Turkish government.

Countries neighboring Syria are detaining and deporting Syrian refugees, raising fears of mass deportations. In Istanbul, over 1,000 Syrians were detained and given 30 days to leave, while in Beirut, undocumented workers are being dismissed from jobs under a new government decree. The actions mark a shift in Turkey's and Lebanon's policies towards Syrian refugees, driven by political changes and economic concerns. Humanitarian groups contradict claims that Syria is safe for return, citing ongoing violence and human rights abuses. The article highlights the plight of refugees facing forced deportations and the political and humanitarian implications.

Duolingo has launched its long-awaited Arabic course for English speakers after several delays, addressing the high demand for learning Arabic, especially during the European migration crisis. The course teaches Modern Standard Arabic with a mix of regional dialects and includes Arabeezy to ease the learning curve. Despite the challenges posed by Arabic's diglossia and the lack of standardization among dialects, the course has seen significant interest, with over 300,000 users registering in the first two weeks. The article highlights the complexities of the Arabic language and the efforts by Duolingo to provide a comprehensive learning experience.