Syria

On the frontlines with the Kurdish female fighters beating back ISIS
Reportage

On the frontlines with the Kurdish female fighters beating back ISIS

Öcalan's Angels — Iraqi pro-government forces are making gains in the start of their large-scale operation to retake Mosul, the last major stronghold of the so-called Islamic State In eastern Syria. Fighting alongside the government forces are a Kurdish feminist army, but what’s driving young Kurdish women to take up arms, knowing they may never return? Magnum photographer Newsha Tavakolian went to find out for Huck's Defiance Issue.

Written by: Newsha Tavakolian

Life as a White Helmet: The volunteer rescue workers saving civilian lives in Syria
Activism

Life as a White Helmet: The volunteer rescue workers saving civilian lives in Syria

“Every day is a new life” — Also known as The White Helmets, the Syrian Civil Defence is an unarmed, volunteer organisation which helps anyone in need - regardless of their religion or politics - in areas where public services no longer function. They have saved 60,000 lives across Syria and were recognised for their heroic work with a nomination for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. Syrian Civil Defence volunteer Mahmood Adam reflects on his work as a White Helmet and on rescuing civilians after the Douma massacre, one of the deadliest attacks of the war.

Written by: Mahmood Adam - as told to Alex King and Laila Kiki

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Issue 80: The Ziwe issue