DW author Shabnam von Hein

Image: Björn Kietzmann/DW

Shabnam von Hein

Shabnam von Hein mainly writes analysis and background articles about Iran and Afghanistan.

Skip next section Featured stories by Shabnam von Hein

Featured stories by Shabnam von Hein

Photo released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on June 21, 2025 shows the nuclear site in Isfahan and the centrifuge production facilities that were struck by IDF forces

Photo released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on June 21, 2025 shows the nuclear site in Isfahan and the centrifuge production facilities that were struck by IDF forces

Snapback sanctions expose Iran's diplomatic dilemma

Iran must reach a deal with Western parties by late September or face renewed UN sanctions over its nuclear program.

A man rides his motorbike past a portrait of slain Iranian armed forces chief of staff in Tehran

A man rides his motorbike past a portrait of slain Iranian armed forces chief of staff in Tehran

How Iran's internet serves as lifeline despite censorship

Using the internet in Iran was tough even before the Israeli airstrikes. But many still use it to help those in need.

A Taliban security personnel (L) frisks Muslim devotees upon their arrival at the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque for Eid al-Fitr prayers

A Taliban security personnel (L) frisks Muslim devotees upon their arrival at the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque for Eid al-Fitr prayers

How 'safe' is Afghanistan under the Taliban?

The Taliban has claimed it's safe, but Afghans say hunger, poverty and fear are everyday realities.

Skip next section Stories by Shabnam von Hein

Stories by Shabnam von Hein

Afghan men walk on the rubble of a damaged house following a deadly magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Sunday

Afghan men walk on the rubble of a damaged house following a deadly magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Sunday

Afghanistan quake: Why are women struggling to get help?

Afghanistan quake: Why are women struggling to get help?

Taliban restrictions and cultural barriers have left many women without help after Afghanistan's earthquake.

Seen through a small gap in a tent, sitting outside, a woman in brown clothing with a black headscarf, wearing a blue surgical mask and a blue armband, looks at the ground

Seen through a small gap in a tent, sitting outside, a woman in brown clothing with a black headscarf, wearing a blue surgical mask and a blue armband, looks at the ground

En route to Germany, Afghans face deportation in Pakistan

En route to Germany, Afghans face deportation in Pakistan

How quickly they are allowed to travel to Germany is a matter of life or death for many Afghans stuck in Pakistan.

Donald Trump, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev L, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan

Donald Trump, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev L, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan

How will Iran respond to 'Trump route' in South Caucasus?

How will Iran respond to 'Trump route' in South Caucasus?

The US is preparing a transit corridor in the South Caucasus — and Iran's response has been surprisingly mixed.

People try to cool off with water sprayed by shops on a hot summer day in Tehran, Iran on July 22, 2025

People try to cool off with water sprayed by shops on a hot summer day in Tehran, Iran on July 22, 2025

Is Iran running out of water?

Is Iran running out of water?

As heat wave and water shortages paralyze public life, climate experts say their warnings have been ignored for years.

A group of Afghan children sitting on the ground

A group of Afghan children sitting on the ground

Afghan refugees in Iran: Deported to uncertainty

Afghan refugees in Iran: Deported to uncertainty

More than 1.3 million Afghan refugees have been forced to leave Iran in 2025. Many return to extreme hardship.

Metal tubes with Iranian flags on them

Metal tubes with Iranian flags on them

Why is Iran doubling down on its nuclear program?

Why is Iran doubling down on its nuclear program?

Iran's nuclear program was always a show of strength. Now, it has also come to symbolize the regime's resilience.

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