Lebanon: What life is like in a ‘failed state’
As the economic crisis grinds on, Lebanese navigate soaring food costs and fuel and medicine shortages. Written by Arwa Ibrahim. Read by Loveday Smith.
26 Sep 202122min
Hungry for change: Belgium’s undocumented rally for their rights
Nearly 500 asylum seekers held a two-month-long hunger strike in a bid to obtain the right to live and work legally in Belgium. But what has been achieved and what comes next? Written by Sarah Murphy Madia. Read by Michael Paul.
19 Sep 202128min
‘Men don’t protect us, they won’t respect us’: Afghan diaries
How one woman is determined to stay despite the uncertain future that women like her face in the country. Nadima, in her own words.
12 Sep 202112min
‘It’s painful to leave home while it’s burning’: Fleeing Kabul
The first commercial flight has taken off from Kabul, Afghanistan. It had been closed since August 30th when the US ended operations to evacuate diplomats, foreigners and Afghans considered at risk from the Taliban.One of them was Sharif Safi. The Afghan activist reflects on how he fled to safety, and the hopelessness he feels for his country and its people.Read by Ben Mitchell.
5 Sep 20219min
The land we came from: My people are my homeland
Al Jazeera asks writers to reflect on the environment they grew up in and how it has shaped their lives. In "The land we came from" series, Terese Marie Mailhot writes about how she hates '"to think the place I played in as a child might someday become unrecognisable, but I still give thanks." Read by Sheila Sharma.
29 Aug 202112min
'I was born here, I'll be buried here': In Afghanistan to stay
Why one Afghan woman refuses to leave her home - even in the face of fear and uncertainty as the Taliban resume control. By Nadima
25 Aug 20217min
The mental health costs of Poland’s abortion ban
It's been seven months since Poland introduced a near total ban on abortions, including cases where there are severe foetal defects. The procedure is now only allowed in cases of rape, incest or when the pregnancy threatens the mother's life. Al Jazeera checks in with women whom are struggling with the emotional toll of the ban. Written by Ylenia Gostoli. Read by Lisa Brandt. This reporting was supported by the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Howard G Buffett Fund for Women Journalists.
22 Aug 202122min
The Kashmir village that outlawed dowries
This week on AJ Longreads we’re in Kashmir where residents are bucking the trend for lavish weddings. This is The Kashmir village that outlawed dowries by Sharafat Ali. Read by Mohita Namjoshi.
15 Aug 202118min
