15 unexpected photos from a Reuters correspondent about what it means to live in the Middle East

The Middle East is a very controversial territory, which for many reasons constantly attracts the attention of the whole world. Wars, inhuman treatment of women in some states, harsh laws - this is the minimum that comes to anyone's mind at the mention of this part of the world. There are so many incredible stories and conjectures that it sometimes becomes difficult to distinguish truth from legends and inventions based on stereotypes.

Can anyone tell more truthfully about the Middle East than a person for whom these lands are native? Reuters photojournalist Zora Benserma was born in Algeria. A few years ago, she fled from there, fleeing a military conflict, but even today, on duty, she often has to be in Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Tunisia, as well as other countries in Africa and the Middle East. Here is an honest selection of photographs about life in these states, made by a free man and daughter of the East.

Algerian women on the beach, 2006

Woman in traditional Algerian clothes and relaxing in a bikini, 2003

Tunisian woman flees from Libya back home, crossing the state border, 2011

Afghan women ride taxis in Kabul, 2009

A man lost consciousness on the border of Tunisia, he is being held by Egyptian refugees, 2011

Girl in the house destroyed during the battle between the troops of Gaddafi and the rebels, 2011

Tuareg women in Tamanrasset meet President of Algeria, 2008

Milad Siri checks his weapon before leaving his house in Baghdad, 2003

This woman recently had a baby in a hospital in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, 2007

Entertainment in Baghdad Cafe, 2003

US military in Iraq interrogates spouse of suspect in transportation of explosives, 2005

11-year-old girl raped by soldiers in Sudan, 2009

Algerian shelter for women who have been abused, 2007

A man holds a poster with a portrait of Gaddafi in the middle of the remains of a building destroyed by NATO air strikes, 2011

Cashier in Libya, 2011