Trump and Xi Jingping summit: How are the United States and China redefining their relationship?

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As tensions over trade, Taiwan, technology, and global influence intensify, the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping may determine the future balance of power between Washington and Beijing. By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Sulaimani, Iraq | 13 May 2026 — Kurdish Policy Analysis "We don't have permanent allies and we don't have permanent enemies, only our interests are permanent, and we have to follow them." – Henry John Temple. The root of the current Strait of Hormuz tensions is not only about shipping routes or oil prices, but also about the final collapse of the historical US concept towards Beijing. However, the 2025 National Security Strategy, released by the White House in November, says this was a historic mistake because China used the assets it accumulated to strengthen itself and compete with the West, not to become their partner. For many years, the United States alone maintained maritime security; The fifth US ship in Manama, Bahrain, worked only to keep o...
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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


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