Culture How ‘dog mom’ vacuum cleaner ad sparked culture war in Turkey A Mother’s Day advertisement featuring a “dog mom” triggered a backlash from conservative media, government officials and regulators, turning a soft consumer campaign into a flashpoint over motherhood, declining birth rates, stray dogs and even antisemitism. Turkey
Analysis Is Syria’s Sharaa poised to outdo Turkey in formalizing gains for Kurds? Damascus is making limited but tangible progress in its engagement with Syrian Kurds, even as Ankara seeks to shape the terms of any settlement. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
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
Israeli Bedouin women champion social progress The Israeli Interior Ministry together with the Association of Community Centers initiated a first-of-its-kind course designed to train Bedouin women to become members of executive boards. Israel
Egyptian women say their time is coming in presidential races Despite their historical absence in contests for president, Egyptian women believe one of their own will run for president someday soon. Egypt
Iranian women must remain united to advance rights The recent anti-compulsory hijab protests in Iran have forged both unity and division among women activists. Iran
Egyptian women tell their story in 'Colored Dress' An Egyptian docudrama seeks to highlight the success stories of real women who have battled with social norms and economic difficulties to pursue the lives they want. Egypt
Rights coalition takes on female genital mutilation in Egypt Amid high rates of female genital mutilation in Egypt, women's and human rights organizations have come together in a campaign to educate the public and enforce laws against the practice. Egypt
Iranian women steadfast in campaign to attend soccer matches Despite crackdowns and unfulfilled promises by politicians, female soccer fans in Iran continue to protest — and to cross-dress — in their efforts to attend matches at stadiums. Iran
Iranian female singers get boost from music idol Female vocalists at concerts re-emerge as a heated point of contention in Iran, as hard-liners continue to ban them from public performances. Iran
Sisi touts victories for Egyptian women as election nears Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has made strides in politically empowering women in the past year and likely hopes the progress guarantees him a solid base of voters in the upcoming elections. Egypt
Protests against compulsory hijab trigger debate in Iran A protest by Iranian women against rules mandating hijab have divided citizens. Iran
Istanbul hospital’s cover-up of teen pregnancy just tip of iceberg An Istanbul hospital covered up 115 cases of underage pregnancy, refusing to report the cases to police as required by law. Turkey
The female body on display in Haifa At the tiny Mane-Katz Museum in Haifa an exhibition embraces feminine sculptures by Chana Orloff and her artist colleagues. Israel
Iranian painter's mouthless women speak volumes at Istanbul exhibition Maryam Salahi, an Iranian artist living in Turkey, taps into her "foreignness" for an exhibition in Istanbul exploring identity and freedom in the Middle East. Turkey
