Iran formally allows women to drive motorcycles: What to know The new resolution comes amid widespread unrest in Iran, where massive nationwide protests triggered by economic hardship and a severe government crackdown have shaken cities across the country. Iran
Culture Lebanon’s first lady Nehmat Aoun takes center stage during Pope's visit Lebanon’s first lady, Nehmat Aoun, attended nearly all gatherings and visits of Pope Leo during his three-day trip to Beirut, highlighting her active involvement in social and humanitarian issues. Lebanon
Lebanon’s citizenship offer for FIFA head sparks debate over equal rights Lebanon’s president has announced he will grant citizenship to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, sparking a wave of outrage. Lebanon
Iran judicial chief orders crackdown on women defying hijab law: What to know Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei also called for legal action against the United States over the June strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran
What's behind Taliban's decision to attend UN conference in Qatar? The attendance in and of itself signals progress and the possibility that the international community might find better ways to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul. Qatar
How EU-West Bank police mission hopes to advance two-state solution Newly appointed EUPOL COPPS chief Karin Limdal is tasked with helping Palestinian law enforcement institutions reform to facilitate the implementation of the two-state solution and Palestinian statehood. Palestine
Culture Saudi Arabia to make debut at Miss Universe pageant The move is a historic first for Saudi Arabia, where women have long faced restrictions under conservative Islamic laws. Saudi Arabia
Israel's Labor Party chief: Netanyahu’s policies 'charade,' Gaza solution requires PA In an exclusive interview, Israeli Labor leader Merav Michaeli squarely blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for emboldening far-right politicians and damaging relations with the United States. Israel
Israel’s first lady speaks out about 'unbearable' plight of women hostages in Gaza Michal Herzog, Israel's first lady, spoke to Al-Monitor about her mission to make the world recognize the sexual violence perpetrated against Israeli women on and since Oct. 7. Israel
Iranian journalist Sara Massoumi sentenced to prison over tweet: lawyer Sara Massoumi criticized the Islamic Republic over the death of teenage girl Armita Geravand, who some allege was beaten for not wearing the hijab. Iran
‘Silence is complicity:’ Sheryl Sandberg speaks out on allegations of Hamas sexual violence At the UN headquarters in New York, Israel’s envoy to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, slammed the organization UN Women for its reluctance to acknowledge the sexual crimes perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli women on Oct. 7. Israel
Iran's security arrests mother of Armita Garawand as teen still lies in coma Just days after her daughter fell into a coma after reportedly being attacked by morality police officers, Shahin Ahmadi was arrested by security forces and taken to an unknown location. Iran
A year on, Mahsa Amini's death exposes divides in Iran establishment The death of Mahsa Amini almost a year ago has had profound and enduring effects on Iranian politics and society, reconfiguring political alliances and a renewing debate over the future direction of the Islamic Republic. Iran
Culture 'Discrimination will not stop us!': How Arab women scientists are fighting to learn The controversy surrounding diversity and gender-based discrimination in the sciences is continuing, but Arab female scientists persist in what they started.
UN experts urge Saudi Arabia to release two women detained over tweets In a report, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention condemned the use of a vague counterterrorism law against rights activists in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
