500 Drones Launched From Iraq Toward Saudi Arabia — Region on Edge

Image
Iraq Becomes Drone War Battlefield as Iran-Backed Militias Strike Gulf States. Five Hundred drone attacks from Iraqi territory hit Saudi Arabia and beyond, raising fears of a hidden regional war spiraling out of control By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj, SULAIMANI,   Kurdish Policy Analysis , April 21--  Iraqi militia groups close to Iran have fired dozens of drones at Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries during the war; This has created a “silent” war in the midst of the Great War. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, half of the 1,000 drone strikes against Saudi Arabia were from within Iraqi territory. The report cited a Saudi security assessment that said the attacks targeted sensitive positions, including the Yanbu refinery on the Red Sea and oil fields in eastern Saudi Arabia. The report said the drones hit not only Saudi Arabia, but also Kuwait's only civilian airport. Even after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire earlier this...
Post a Comment

Japanese Author Maki Kanai to Publish Major Photo Book on Kurdish Nowruz Culture

The award-winning photographer documents Kurdish traditions across six countries, blending ethnography and visual storytelling in a global cultural archive. Book Explores Kurdish Traditions and Celebrations Across Multiple Countries

Kurdish Policy Analysis / SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq —— Maki Kanai, a renowned Japanese author and photographer, announced on Saturday that she is preparing to release a new photo book dedicated to the celebration of Nowruz and Kurdish culture. The book will be part of her popular series Takusan no Fushigi and is scheduled for release in May 2026.


In a brief introduction to the project, Kanai explained: “On the day of spring’s arrival, Saitama Prefecture in Japan becomes a stage for the harmony of Nowruz; how do the Kurds celebrate it, and how do local communities preserve this cultural heritage?”

The book combines interviews and encounters Kanai conducted with Kurdish communities in Japan, Iran, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, highlighting the richness and unique traditions of Kurdish heritage.


Through her photography and narratives, Kanai seeks to capture the vibrancy, symbolism, and artistry of Kurdish cultural practices, especially those surrounding Nowruz.

Significantly, the project was developed in close collaboration with Kurdish translator, writer, and cultural researcher Amanj Shakeli, who contributed photographs, illustrations, and cultural insights, ensuring the book authentically reflects Kurdish traditions.


Kanai’s work aims not only to showcase the beauty of Kurdish celebrations but also to foster a broader appreciation for the cultural continuity of the Kurdish people worldwide.

By merging photography with ethnographic storytelling, the book offers readers a rare glimpse into the rituals, attire, and local customs associated with the New Year festival and Kurdish heritage.


This upcoming release is expected to resonate with audiences interested in global cultural traditions, visual storytelling, and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.

Nowruz, meaning “New Day,” is the traditional celebration of the spring equinox and marks the beginning of the new year in many cultures across the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond.


Rooted in Zoroastrian traditions over 3,000 years ago, it symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness. For Kurds, Nowruz is a deeply significant cultural and national holiday, observed with festivals, music, dance, traditional clothing, and family gatherings.


Communities light fires, perform folk dances, and prepare special dishes, emphasizing themes of unity, resilience, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Beyond its festive aspects, Nowruz serves as a time for reflection, reconciliation, and the reinforcement of social bonds, making it a cornerstone of Kurdish cultural identity.

About Maki Kanai 

Maki Kanai is a Japanese visual storyteller known for her ethnographic photography projects that explore cultural identity, tradition, and everyday life across Asia and diaspora communities.

She is best known for her long-running Takusan no Fushigi (“Many Wonders”) series, which blends documentary photography with narrative writing to explore cultural rituals, seasonal festivals, and human stories often overlooked in mainstream media.

Kanai’s work typically focuses on:

  • Cultural preservation in diaspora communities
  • Seasonal and ritual-based traditions
  • Cross-cultural identity and migration
  • Everyday human narratives through visual anthropology

Her photography style is characterized by:

  • Natural lighting and candid composition
  • Emphasis on emotional storytelling
  • Strong ethnographic framing rather than commercial aesthetics

Over the years, she has built a reputation for producing quiet but deeply detailed cultural archives, often collaborating with local researchers, translators, and cultural practitioners to ensure authenticity.

Her previous works have explored festivals and traditions across East Asia and Central Asia, earning her recognition in cultural journalism and documentary photography circles for bridging visual art with anthropology.

The upcoming Kurdish-focused volume represents one of her most expansive international projects to date, both geographically and culturally.


#MakiKanai #KurdishCulture #Nowruz #Japan #Photography #Ethnography #Culture #Books #MiddleEast #Kurdistan


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Iranian Media Unveils ‘Lord of the Straits’ Animation Amid Hormuz Tensions

     Iran Drops “Lord of the Straits” Animation — A Chilling Signal Over Hormuz Control March 23, 2026 Iranian state-affiliated media outlets have released a stylized animation titled “Lord of the Straits,” centered on the strategic Strait of Hormuz , as tensions in the region continue to escalate. The animation, which has circulated widely on social media, depicts a dramatized narrative emphasizing Iran’s control and influence over the narrow maritime passage, a critical artery for global oil shipments. While the video does not include official military statements, analysts say its messaging aligns with Tehran’s broader strategic signaling amid the ongoing confrontation involving the United States and its allies. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil trade, making any perceived threat to its security a major concern for global energy markets. Recent weeks have seen heightened rhetoric from multiple sides, including warnings over potential di...
Read more

Did Japan just send Godzilla to the Strait of Hormuz? As global tensions rise, a viral meme captures the chaos of 2026’s geopolitical crisis.

Image
       Godzilla escorts an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz in a viral meme capturing the chaos of rising global tensions in 2026 Japan Deploys Legendary Asset to Secure Strait of Hormuz: Godzilla Now on Escort Duty As tensions surge in the Strait of Hormuz —a critical artery for nearly 20% of global oil—an unexpected viral moment has taken over the internet: Japan has “deployed” Godzilla . What started as a joke is now one of the most shared reactions to a rapidly escalating geopolitical crisis in 2026. Why This Matters The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly 20% of global oil Any disruption impacts fuel prices worldwide Escalation could affect Iraq, Kurdistan, and global markets In a move that has stunned military analysts and delighted meme lords everywhere, Japan has apparently answered the call to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz —by sending its most fearsome maritime guardian straight from the silver screen. A now-viral image shows the King of the Mo...
Read more

U.S.–Iran 45 Day Ceasefire Bid Emerges as War Nears Breaking Point

Image
  ANALYSIS — Last-ditch diplomacy tests limits as U.S.–Iran war nears escalation point.  Backchannel diplomacy scrambles for a 45-day pause as threats escalate and the fate of the region hangs on a rapidly closing window. Kurdish Policy Analysis , April 6 (Analysis) — A flurry of high-stakes diplomacy aimed at halting the U.S.–Iran war has emerged as what officials describe as a “last realistic opportunity” to prevent a far wider regional conflict, even as military threats intensify and timelines compress. At the center of the effort is a proposed 45-day ceasefire , structured as a two-phase process: an initial pause in hostilities followed by negotiations toward a permanent settlement . A narrow diplomatic window The urgency reflects a rapidly closing window. U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a deadline—extended slightly to Tuesday evening— warning of major strikes if Iran fails to meet key demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz , a vital artery for glo...
Read more