World
Azerbaijan School Headscarf Ban Sparks Protests and Tensions
New uniform regulations enforced by the Azerbaijani education ministry have prohibited students wearing hijabs from entering state schools, triggering rare public demonstrations in Baku and southern regions. Authorities responded swiftly with dozens of arrests and restrictions on social media platforms. The enforcement has also created diplomatic friction with Turkey, where political figures and conservative groups criticized the restrictions, prompting a sharp rebuke from Baku against foreign interference. Additionally, regional complexities are highlighted by ongoing debates over secularism, geopolitical balances involving Iran and Israel, and state crackdowns on dissent.