Shirin Jaafari is a reporter for The World focusing on the Middle East. She has covered conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine. Her reporting focuses on current events, politics, conflict and human rights. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Harvard’s Extension School. Before joining The World, Shirin worked for the BBC in Washington, DC. Shirin was a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists in 2009 and she received an honorable mention from the Gracie Award in 2022 for her coverage of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.When not filing for radio, she can be found hiking and camping in the mountains.You can find her on Twitter @Shirinj.
Jordanians boycott American companies seen as pro-Israeli
As Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza continues, a boycott campaign is growing in the Middle East and beyond. In Jordan, many have stopped buying American and European products that they say support Israel financially or have a pro-Israel stance. Starbucks and McDonald’s in Amman sit mostly empty. In supermarkets, everyday items carry warnings.
‘We have cried tears of blood’: Jordanians protest Israel-Hamas war amid security, humanitarian concerns
Addressing the physical and mental health needs of children in Israel and Gaza
'We are dead inside:’ Women in Afghanistan protest Taliban ban of beauty salons
A traditional Iranian sport has been closed off to women. One activist wants to change that.
Parts of Iraq are drying up, impacting already vulnerable communities
Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources has warned that the country is facing its worst water shortage in a century. It said 7 million people are experiencing reduced access to water. Shrinking water levels, rampant salinity and contamination have left communities with no choice but to migrate.
Women in Afghanistan are devastated by the Taliban’s ban on beauty salons
The Taliban have given all women’s beauty salons in Afghanistan one month to close down. The ultraconservative group, which took power by force in 2021, has consistently chipped away at women’s rights and freedoms in the country.
Beirut museum damaged by blast reopens
In 2020, a deadly blast at Beirut port destroyed the much-beloved Sursock Museum. Parts of the 20th-century building’s architecture, reflecting both Venetian and Ottoman stylistic elements, were damaged, along with 57 works of art. Now, almost three years later, the museum has reopened.
This startup is fighting to keep Iraq’s palm trees alive
Decades of war, mismanagement and the impact of climate change have taken a toll on Iraq’s iconic palm trees. One group is trying to help change that.
After Taliban ban, women NGO workers in Afghanistan struggle to make ends meet
Last December, in yet another blow to women’s rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban announced a ban on women working for nongovernmental organizations. Thousands of women lost their jobs overnight. The months since have been some of the most difficult for them.
Factory that made essential therapeutic food for malnourished children in Sudan burns down
Meanwhile, the ongoing fighting in Sudan continues to make it difficult for aid to get into the country, leaving many children at risk of starvation.
Negotiations continue in Saudi Arabia to end fighting in Sudan
Talks are underway in Saudi Arabia to end the fighting in Sudan. But so far, there’s been no major breakthrough. The World’s Shirin Jaafari spoke with Fahad Nazer, spokesperson for the Saudi Embassy in Washington, about where the talks are headed.
In Sudan, volunteers step up to help those caught in the crossfire
While many Sudanese are fleeing the country, most people remain trapped in their homes as food and medical supplies dwindle. In the absence of outside help, neighborhood committees have formed to bring in food and water and to check on people's welfare.
Canada unveils a first-of-a-kind Eid stamp this year
Canada Post has released a unique Eid stamp this year that features a centuries-old artifact from Iran. Museum curator Fahmida Suleman discussed the project with The World.
‘I wished to die’: Syrian American sues Syria’s government over alleged torture
A Syrian American man has filed a civil lawsuit in the US against the government of Syria for allegedly detaining and torturing him in 2012. Obada Mzaik was 22 years old when he was arrested at the Damascus airport.