Pen>Sword

Pen>Sword focuses on underreported stories related to Palestine, censorship on social media, and broader issues of Middle Eastern politics, racism, and Islamophobia. It challenges mainstream narratives, highlights the human cost of conflicts, and explores the intersectionality of identity, resistance, and global political dynamics.

Middle Eastern Politics Social Media Censorship Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism Palestinian Rights and Struggles Racism and Discrimination Global Political Dynamics Media Representation and Bias Cultural Heritage and Identity Refugee and Immigration Issues Human Rights and Social Justice

The hottest Substack posts of Pen>Sword

And their main takeaways

Morocco Makes World Cup History, Again

79 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎾 Sports Soccer History Gender Culture Religion
  1. Moroccan women's football team made World Cup history by advancing to knockout stages despite odds
  2. Nouhaila Benzina became the first footballer to wear a hijab in the World Cup, breaking a significant barrier
  3. Moroccan women's team defied expectations and beat Columbia, continuing to make history with their football prowess

Unveiling Gendered Islamophobia

179 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Islamophobia Gender Refugees Taliban
  1. The emergent laws policing Muslim women are rooted in imperial discourses, treating Muslim women's bodies as a way to advance colonialism and the 'War on Terror.'
  2. There is a gendered dialectic in Islamophobia that positions Muslim women as victims and men as ominous terrorists, driving a narrative that influences perceptions and actions.
  3. The discourse surrounding the rescue of Muslim women versus the lack of rescue for Muslim men reveals the strategic tropes associated with Muslim bodies exclusively along gendered lines.

On Earthquakes, Aid, and Human Fault Lines

79 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Islamophobia Natural Disasters
  1. Earthquakes do not discriminate, but human actions based on race and religion can cause significant harm.
  2. Natural disasters like earthquakes can have devastating impacts, leading to loss of lives and homes that require global aid response.
  3. Prejudice and hate can worsen the suffering of victims of disasters, highlighting the importance of unity and support during crises.

Pride and Prejudice in Tunisia

59 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  1. Kais Saied in Tunisia leverages racial divisions to maintain power, using anti-Black racism and xenophobia to manipulate public opinion.
  2. Saied's exploitation of racial prejudices aims to distract the public from systemic issues like corruption and unemployment, consolidating his power through division.
  3. By weaponizing racism against political opponents and stifling dissent with authoritarian tactics, Saied undermines democracy and centralizes power in his hands.

Denmark Moves to Ban Quran Burnings

59 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Islamophobia Free speech Foreign Policy
  1. Denmark is taking steps to ban Quran burnings in response to widespread anti-Muslim protests and hate crimes.
  2. Free speech has been misused as an excuse for Islamophobic actions, such as Quran burnings, in Denmark and other Western democracies.
  3. Pressure from Muslim-majority nations and organizations is pushing Denmark to address Islamophobia, showing the impact of external pressure on the treatment of Muslim minorities in Western nations.
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Top 5 Stories at the Close of Group Stage

59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
🎾 Sports Football Africa World Cup
  1. Morocco became the first African team to top a World Cup group in the 21st century, making a significant impact and upsetting favorites.
  2. The Palestinian flag was prominently present at the World Cup, symbolizing defiance and unity in the face of restrictions from Western nations.
  3. Japan's unexpected victories over powerhouses like Germany and Spain, along with their fans' spirited support, made them a standout team in the group stage.

The Fire This Time: Aaron Bushnell and the Rage that Burns Within All of US

5 HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Palestine Genocide Protest Suicide
  1. The tragic story of Aaron Bushnell highlights the deep emotional struggles and complexities individuals face when driven to extreme forms of protest.
  2. Bushnell's radical act was a desperate plea for action against genocide, revealing the intense emotional toll of complicity and inaction.
  3. The symbolic nature of Bushnell's final words 'Free Palestine' speaks to the universal pain and passion shared in the fight for justice and against oppression.