March 2009's Issue

Scared for their lives, gay Iranians are fleeing the country as it marks 30 years as an Islamic Republic. Those arriving in Britain find that their ordeal is far from over, as Anna Webster reports.

The situation in Bangladesh remains tense in the run up to Independence Day on 26 March, writes Rahnuma Ahmed.

Saudia Arabia is feeding itself at Ethiopia’s expense, reveals Adam Robert Green.

It is half a century since the Dalai Lama and thousands of other Tibetans were forced into exile by the Chinese occupation. Nick Harvey talks to exiles young and old about their hopes for their country.

Poem by Margaret Atwood

True tales of a mixed-up world

Portuguese project spreads solar power across Europe

Unions’ fight brings flagship airline back to Argentina

Maria Golia goes into battle for the underdog – and then wonders just what she has done.

Afghanistan has the second highest maternal mortality rate in the world. And behind every death there is a poignant story – told here by a sister, a husband and by photographer Jean Chung.

Visitors to Kuala Lumpur could be forgiven for thinking that they have landed in a highly developed nation. But hidden from the casual visitors’ view are the urban slums, crammed high-rise lowincome housing, rural villages still in poverty.

Pashm’s band – a judicious mixture of Greek, Jewish and Balkan musicians – belt along with brass, baglamas, woodwind and lyres at their disposal.

Written and directed by Aditya Assarat

A groundbreaking new film about climate change starring Pete Postlethwaite.

Urvashi Butalia learns some lessons from South Africa.

The Last Supper is an erudite and entertaining novel of boundless ambition in its concept and consummate skill in its delivery.

Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth by Margaret Atwood