Culture How Argentina-Spain World Cup final became debate over Israel, Palestine Governments and fans alike have turned teams and players into symbols of political division. Palestine
What we know about UAE blocking X accounts accused of misinformation A number of X accounts including Al Arabiya Breaking are now not accessible in the Gulf state as Abu Dhabi navigates regional turmoil. United Arab Emirates
UAE AI investor MGX moves closer to strategic stake in TikTok US The state-linked Emirati investment firm is set to acquire a 15% stake in the social media platform's new US business as part of a plan that would avert a nationwide ban starting in 2026. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Gulf investors emerge as key players in US social media giants TikTok, Snap, X With UAE tech investor MGX set to take a stake in TikTok's US operations, investors from the Middle East could cement their role in America's social media landscape. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Turkish court accepts 'absurd' indictment of rights activists Amnesty International's Turkey leaders are among 11 human rights defenders indicted on terror charges for holding a workshop on information security and stress management, and the trial is set to begin Oct. 25. Turkey
How Egyptian activists are trying to curb polygamy A number of activists launched a Facebook campaign to add a new condition in marriage contracts, requiring the first wife’s permission for her husband’s second marriage. Egypt
Will Israel finally take responsibility for kidnapped Yemeni babies? Over the last year, the long-running affair of Israeli-Yemenite babies kidnapped and put up for adoption has risen on the public and political agendas. Yemen
Egypt raising awareness about mental illness The Ministry of Health and Population has launched a campaign to raise awareness of mental illness and to challenge the social stigma surrounding it. Egypt
Ultra-Orthodox play long game with Sabbath soccer debate Israel's Ultra-Orthodox may not really be bothered by soccer being played on the Sabbath, but the complaint offers useful leverage for other political demands. Israel
Talk of 'good genes' provokes nepotism outcry in Iran Comments by the son of prominent Reformist leader Mohammad Reza Aref concerning his "good genes" have caused furor among Iranians. Iran
In Morocco, press freedom shrinks with Hirak protests As part of the Moroccan authorities' efforts to silence the Hirak protest movement, journalists are facing pressure and repression, prompting questions about their objectivity and the freedom of the press. Morocco
Iran-Israel soccer row apparently much ado about nothing The reported suspension of two Iranian soccer players from the national team for having competed against Israelis appears to have vanished into thin air. Palestine
Old fears rise again about Palestinians in Iraq Sentiment against Palestinians is taking hold in Iraq, where some are being accused of supporting the Islamic State's extreme ideology. Palestine
Israel's culture minister pressures theater over Palestinian poet An event hosted by the Arab-Hebrew Theater in Jaffa supporting Israeli-Palestinian poet Dareen Tatour generated a harsh reaction by Israel's Culture Minister Miri Regev, who threatened to cut state funding to the theater. Israel
Jerusalem's African community stands with Al-Aqsa Jerusalem's African community, with its deep roots in the city, was active in the recent protests at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Palestine
Israeli legislators protest outside attorney general’s home Israeli legislators should not join demonstrations criticizing Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit for taking his time in investigating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
