Read by 1M+ monthly readers
Read by 1M+ monthly readers
Read by 1M+ monthly readers
Legacy media sucks. Fund us to expose West Asia’s buried stories.
Legacy media sucks. Fund us to expose West Asia’s buried stories.
Legacy media sucks. Fund us to expose West Asia’s buried stories.
No government directs us. No corporate sugar daddies either. Just you. We don’t sell headlines. We shift narratives. Help fund that shift.
No government directs us. No corporate sugar daddies either. Just you. We don’t sell headlines. We shift narratives. Help fund that shift.
No government directs us. No corporate sugar daddies either. Just you. We don’t sell headlines. We shift narratives. Help fund that shift.
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Donate with Card
Make a one-time donation of $10, $25, $50 or any amount to help us stay independent and keep publishing the stories that matter.
Donate with Card
Make a one-time donation of $10, $25, $50 or any amount to help us stay independent and keep publishing the stories that matter.
Donate with Card
Make a one-time donation of $10, $25, $50 or any amount to help us stay independent and keep publishing the stories that matter.
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Support us monthly with $5, $15, or $35 and get extended podcast episodes, early access to exclusive content, your name in our credits, and direct access to our monthly Q&As.
Join Us on Patreon
Support us monthly with $5, $15, or $35 and get extended podcast episodes, early access to exclusive content, your name in our credits, and direct access to our monthly Q&As.
Join Us on Patreon
Support us monthly with $5, $15, or $35 and get extended podcast episodes, early access to exclusive content, your name in our credits, and direct access to our monthly Q&As.
Join Us on Patreon
Support us monthly with $5, $15, or $35 and get extended podcast episodes, early access to exclusive content, your name in our credits, and direct access to our monthly Q&As.
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West Asia is no longer the periphery—it’s the pivot.
Our reporting connects this region to the emerging powers of Eurasia and the Global South,
cutting through the narrative fog with precision and purpose. Support the Cradle and be part of the
media realignment this moment demands.
+
Articles
Articles
reasons legacy media hates us.
We’ve covered
what they won’t, since
day one.
M
+
+
Readers
Readers
Readers
monthly readers across the global majority.
monthly readers across the global majority.
monthly readers across the global majority.
Because the story of West Asia
Reaching people across borders
isn’t just local.
isn’t just local.
isn’t just local.
+
Countries
Countries
one connected story.
one connected story.
one connected story.
Our journalism crosses borders
Our journalism crosses borders
Our journalism crosses borders
because the impact does too.
because the impact does too.
because the impact does too.
Why Your Support Matters
Told by journalists who live the story, not just visit it.
Told by journalists who live the story not just visit it.
Editorial Independence
We report what others can’t or won’t from the heart of West Asia
We report what others can’t or won’t from the heart of West Asia
We report what others can’t or won’t from the heart of West Asia
The Cradle exists to give voice to a region willfully misrepresented in global media. Our journalists aren’t parachuted in. They live the stories, speak the languages, and have access foreign reporters can only dream about. That’s what makes our reporting different and essential. If you want journalism that challenges power and speaks with clarity – not permission – this is where it happens.
The Cradle exists to give voice to a region willfully misrepresented in global media. Our journalists aren’t parachuted in. They live the stories, speak the languages, and have access foreign reporters can only dream about. That’s what makes our reporting different and essential. If you want journalism that challenges power and speaks with clarity – not permission – this is where it happens.
The Cradle exists to give voice to a region willfully misrepresented in global media. Our journalists aren’t parachuted in. They live the stories, speak the languages, and have access foreign reporters can only dream about. That’s what makes our reporting different and essential. If you want journalism that challenges power and speaks with clarity – not permission – this is where it happens.
This is what you help expose
This is what you help expose
This is what you help expose
Exclusive: Tracking the flow of stolen Syrian oil into Iraq
The Cradle exposed how the US military, with the complicity of Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling elite, orchestrated the smuggling of stolen Syrian oil—laundering it through covert convoys, proxy networks, and bases across Iraq.
Who is looting Yemen's oil, and where does it all go?
The Cradle exposed the multinational looting of Yemen’s oil and gas—led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, backed by the US and UK, and executed through opaque tanker routes, proxy militias, and resource theft that fuels war and deepens humanitarian collapse.
Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov disappears in Baghdad: Iraq sources
The Cradle broke the global story of Elizabeth Tsurkov’s disappearance in Baghdad—forcing the Israeli prime minister’s office to confirm her kidnapping, and exposing the covert presence of an Israeli intelligence-linked figure in Iraq - before any western outlet dared to report it.
Exclusive: Tracking the flow of stolen Syrian oil into Iraq
The Cradle exposed how the US military, with the complicity of Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling elite, orchestrated the smuggling of stolen Syrian oil—laundering it through covert convoys, proxy networks, and bases across Iraq.
Who is looting Yemen's oil, and where does it all go?
The Cradle exposed the multinational looting of Yemen’s oil and gas—led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, backed by the US and UK, and executed through opaque tanker routes, proxy militias, and resource theft that fuels war and deepens humanitarian collapse.
Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov disappears in Baghdad: Iraq sources
The Cradle broke the global story of Elizabeth Tsurkov’s disappearance in Baghdad—forcing the Israeli prime minister’s office to confirm her kidnapping, and exposing the covert presence of an Israeli intelligence-linked figure in Iraq - before any western outlet dared to report it.
Exclusive: Tracking the flow of stolen Syrian oil into Iraq
The Cradle exposed how the US military, with the complicity of Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling elite, orchestrated the smuggling of stolen Syrian oil—laundering it through covert convoys, proxy networks, and bases across Iraq.
Who is looting Yemen's oil, and where does it all go?
The Cradle exposed the multinational looting of Yemen’s oil and gas—led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, backed by the US and UK, and executed through opaque tanker routes, proxy militias, and resource theft that fuels war and deepens humanitarian collapse.
Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov disappears in Baghdad: Iraq sources
The Cradle broke the global story of Elizabeth Tsurkov’s disappearance in Baghdad—forcing the Israeli prime minister’s office to confirm her kidnapping, and exposing the covert presence of an Israeli intelligence-linked figure in Iraq - before any western outlet dared to report it.
Exclusive: Tracking the flow of stolen Syrian oil into Iraq
The Cradle exposed how the US military, with the complicity of Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling elite, orchestrated the smuggling of stolen Syrian oil—laundering it through covert convoys, proxy networks, and bases across Iraq.
Who is looting Yemen's oil, and where does it all go?
The Cradle exposed the multinational looting of Yemen’s oil and gas—led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, backed by the US and UK, and executed through opaque tanker routes, proxy militias, and resource theft that fuels war and deepens humanitarian collapse.
Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov disappears in Baghdad: Iraq sources
The Cradle broke the global story of Elizabeth Tsurkov’s disappearance in Baghdad—forcing the Israeli prime minister’s office to confirm her kidnapping, and exposing the covert presence of an Israeli intelligence-linked figure in Iraq - before any western outlet dared to report it.
Because of you, these stories reached the world.
Because of you, these stories reached the world.
Because of you, these stories reached the world.
Real Journalism Backed by
Real Journalism Backed by
Real Journalism Backed by
Real People
Real People
Real People
Words from those who know the stakes
Trusted voices on what this platform stands for—and why it matters.
Told by journalists who live the story not just visit it.
"When I’m asked where to find real news about the Middle East, and analysis that is more than propaganda or stenography, I always answer ‘The Cradle.’ It reports not what happens in public, but hidden stories that are often far more important."
Stephen Kinzer
Author, Journalist
"When I’m asked where to find real news about the Middle East, and analysis that is more than propaganda or stenography, I always answer ‘The Cradle.’ It reports not what happens in public, but hidden stories that are often far more important."
Stephen Kinzer
Author, Journalist
"When I’m asked where to find real news about the Middle East, and analysis that is more than propaganda or stenography, I always answer ‘The Cradle.’ It reports not what happens in public, but hidden stories that are often far more important."
Stephen Kinzer
Author, Journalist
"When I’m asked where to find real news about the Middle East, and analysis that is more than propaganda or stenography, I always answer ‘The Cradle.’ It reports not what happens in public, but hidden stories that are often far more important."
Stephen Kinzer
Author, Journalist
“The Cradle has done a great job. It is one of the best when it comes to Middle Eastern affairs and West Asia as a whole, and I’ve always made it a point to follow it. The Cradle’s efforts are highly appreciated among our journalistic circles.”
Abdel Bari Atwan
Journalist, Editor
“The Cradle has done a great job. It is one of the best when it comes to Middle Eastern affairs and West Asia as a whole, and I’ve always made it a point to follow it. The Cradle’s efforts are highly appreciated among our journalistic circles.”
Abdel Bari Atwan
Journalist, Editor
“The Cradle has done a great job. It is one of the best when it comes to Middle Eastern affairs and West Asia as a whole, and I’ve always made it a point to follow it. The Cradle’s efforts are highly appreciated among our journalistic circles.”
Abdel Bari Atwan
Journalist, Editor
“The Cradle has done a great job. It is one of the best when it comes to Middle Eastern affairs and West Asia as a whole, and I’ve always made it a point to follow it. The Cradle’s efforts are highly appreciated among our journalistic circles.”
Abdel Bari Atwan
Journalist, Editor
“The Cradle has done a great job. It is one of the best when it comes to Middle Eastern affairs and West Asia as a whole, and I’ve always made it a point to follow it. The Cradle’s efforts are highly appreciated among our journalistic circles.”
Patrick Lawrence
Writer, Commentator, Correspondent
“The Cradle has done a great job. It is one of the best when it comes to Middle Eastern affairs and West Asia as a whole, and I’ve always made it a point to follow it. The Cradle’s efforts are highly appreciated among our journalistic circles.”
Patrick Lawrence
Writer, Commentator, Correspondent
“The Cradle has done a great job. It is one of the best when it comes to Middle Eastern affairs and West Asia as a whole, and I’ve always made it a point to follow it. The Cradle’s efforts are highly appreciated among our journalistic circles.”
Patrick Lawrence
Writer, Commentator, Correspondent
“The Cradle has done a great job. It is one of the best when it comes to Middle Eastern affairs and West Asia as a whole, and I’ve always made it a point to follow it. The Cradle’s efforts are highly appreciated among our journalistic circles.”
Patrick Lawrence
Writer, Commentator, Correspondent
“If you want to know everything that matters all across West Asia, there’s only one place to go: The Cradle. Independent, in-depth, and very stylish. There’s nowhere else to go. Definitive, West Asia. This comes from a foreign correspondent of 40 years.”
Pepe Escobar
Author, veteran geopolitical reporter, columnist
“If you want to know everything that matters all across West Asia, there’s only one place to go: The Cradle. Independent, in-depth, and very stylish. There’s nowhere else to go. Definitive, West Asia. This comes from a foreign correspondent of 40 years.”
Pepe Escobar
Author, veteran geopolitical reporter, columnist
“If you want to know everything that matters all across West Asia, there’s only one place to go: The Cradle. Independent, in-depth, and very stylish. There’s nowhere else to go. Definitive, West Asia. This comes from a foreign correspondent of 40 years.”
Pepe Escobar
Author, veteran geopolitical reporter, columnist
“If you want to know everything that matters all across West Asia, there’s only one place to go: The Cradle. Independent, in-depth, and very stylish. There’s nowhere else to go. Definitive, West Asia. This comes from a foreign correspondent of 40 years.”
Pepe Escobar
Author, veteran geopolitical reporter, columnist
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Answers to Common Questions About Our Mission and Work and Quick Guide to Our Programs and Processes
Answers to Common Questions About Our Mission and Work and Quick Guide to Our Programs and Processes
Answers to Common Questions About Our Mission and Work and Quick Guide to Our Programs and Processes
Who funds us?
We are funded by individual supporters who believe in independent journalism. But that’s not our only differentiator. None of our donors own us, and none have any influence over what we cover or how we cover it.
How are donations used?
Can I make a one-time contribution instead of monthly?
How else can I support The Cradle?
Who funds us?
We are funded by individual supporters who believe in independent journalism. But that’s not our only differentiator. None of our donors own us, and none have any influence over what we cover or how we cover it.
How are donations used?
Can I make a one-time contribution instead of monthly?
How else can I support The Cradle?
Who funds us?
We are funded by individual supporters who believe in independent journalism. But that’s not our only differentiator. None of our donors own us, and none have any influence over what we cover or how we cover it.
How are donations used?
Can I make a one-time contribution instead of monthly?
How else can I support The Cradle?
Who funds us?
We are funded by individual supporters who believe in independent journalism. But that’s not our only differentiator. None of our donors own us, and none have any influence over what we cover or how we cover it.
How are donations used?
Can I make a one-time contribution instead of monthly?
How else can I support The Cradle?