Two decades after the U.S. invaded Iraq, Rasha Al Aqeedi reflects on her childhood during the tense years of occupation that followed.

New Lines is an American magazine for the best ideas and writing from around the world. Specialising in long-form essays and reportage, New Lines aims to make the past relevant and the present grounded in history.

New Lines Magazine

Living — and reliving — the U.S. invasion of Iraq

After decades of increasingly religious rule, which led to crackdowns on red-light districts, Anmol Irfan reflects on undoing generations of gender oppression in Pakistan and the fight for sex workers' rights.

Finding the gaps in stories of sex workers in Pakistan

Russia's proud imperial roots run deep. Here, Amie Ferris-Rotman reflects on her experience as a mother-to-be and why motherhood and the motherland are inextricably entwined for many Russians.

What my pregnancy in Moscow taught me of Putin’s Russia

Islamic art and the anatomy of an art history debacle

Following Professor Erika Lopez Prater's dismissal from Hamline University after showing historical Islamic paintings of the Prophet Muhammad, Christiane Gruber discusses what the incident teaches us about academic freedom and the power of knowledge.

Islamic art is pivotal for understanding the richness of the Muslim world

Is Ukraine part of Central or Eastern Europe? Luka Ivan Jukić explains that while the two are inextricably linked by history, language and culture, Russia's war has cemented Ukraine's identity as a part of Central Europe.

Ukraine’s identity has been decided by Putin’s invasion

Despite his lifestyle and far-right rhetoric contradicting Islam’s core values, many young Muslims are embracing Andrew Tate’s message. 

Rasha Al Aqueedi examines how the controversial influencer has brought together conflicting groups and identities against a common enemy of liberalism.

Andrew Tate and the moral bankruptcy of Muslim proselytization

Unable to complete their education, women are confined to their homes. 

Mehr Sher talks to Afghans affected by The Taliban's complete banning of women's education and explores what it means for their future.

After education ban, Afghan women face an uncertain future

What does hyper-masculinity have to do with the war?

Amie Ferris-Rotman investigates the significance of the gender politics lurking in the background of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, arguing that Putin wants us to believe that Moscow is masculine and Kyiv is feminine.

Gender is front and centre in Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine

Kaya Genç explores history's pivotal role in modern Turkey, and how unresolved tensions between the fallen emperor and his republican successor continue to define Turkish politics today.