Tracks East

With music banned by the Taliban, Afghan refugees in Pakistan want to keep their musical traditions alive.

18 years after American troops first arrived in Afghanistan, the United States has announced their withdrawal. Can the Afghan forces keep the Taliban at bay without help from NATO?

Since the Taliban retook Kabul in August 2021, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated considerably. Afghanistan remains the world's largest producer of opium and the country also has high rates of addiction. The Taliban is trying to rid the country of heroin addicts, with particularly brutal methods.

Since the Taliban's return to power, Fawzia Koofi has been forced to continue her fight for women’s rights in exile.

The last foreign troops are leaving Afghanistan, leading to fears of a Taliban resurgence

 Whilst the Afghan government negotiates with the Taliban, babies seem to have become targets in a never-ending war.

Masha Borzunova meets a Russian deserter who tells how he went from being a war hero to an ostracised traitor of his country.

Opposing the Neom project in Saudi Arabia can get you put in prison or killed.

Will the clear victory for Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria in recent elections mean a turning point for Bulgaria?

From queer cake sitting to sex positive tasting evenings, Tracks finds out about food and sexuality.

They are reclaiming their bodies and freely expressing their sexuality: A focus on sex positive popstars in contemporary culture.

Ancient Greek statues are white, pure and classical, just like the marble they are carved from. False. These statues were painted in fabulous bright colours. Archaeologists and art academics have known this for centuries so why does the white myth endure?

For many, the Eurovision Song Contest is the chance for a Pan-European party. But it is also highly political, especially for countries in Eastern Europe

The Argentinian duo talk about their lives: their musical influences, their friendship, their touring, and how Sting helped them to meditate.

How can we communicate without internet and 5G? Tracks meets fans of off grid communication in London, Barcelona, and Bologna.

How can we have more fulfilling sex? Ronja von Rönne meets couples and singles who have reinvented their sexuality.

Using the latest technology, researchers are discovering the bright colours of ancient Greek art and architecture.  

From queer cake sitting to sex positive tasting evenings, Tracks finds out about food and sexuality.

Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community is on the rise across Europe, despite stronger equal rights laws.

As Berlin-based label Ostgut Ton turns 16, ARTE Concert celebrates in style

The UN is in crisis as its Special Rapporteur accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza. Will Palestine be its downfall?

Europe is facing a tsunami of cocaine with the illegal drug being smuggled in via the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal. 

How can you feed yourself self-sufficiently in the desert? An ancient superfood could hold the answer.

42-year-old Armen Grigoryan is the youngest barber in the timeless atmosphere of the oldest barbershop in Armenia.

Naturism has a long history in Germany and in the UK. but fewer young people are taking up the lifestyle.