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
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
Women carve niche in Gaza's small theater world Three determined Gazan women have established their own all-female theater production company. Palestine
#MeToo movement is stillborn in Turkey The #MeToo movement has focused on violence in Turkey with significant support, but the attackers are neither named nor punished, and sexual misconduct is still a taboo subject, so its victims often suffer alone in shame. Turkey
Nightclubs, cafes still risky business for Iraqi women Young women working in Iraq's nightclubs, casinos and even cafes often find themselves at the mercy of unscrupulous business owners and even mafiosos, in addition to suffering from public condemnation and little government protection. Iraq
Women join opposition police forces in Aleppo’s liberated areas With the help of Turkish trainers, the first batch of policewomen graduated from the opposition’s National Police and Public Security Forces in the areas liberated during Operation Euphrates Shield in the countryside of Aleppo. Syria
Saudi reforms put spotlight on Iran's women's movement Absent political will to engage in genuine reform, Iranian women face a long road ahead in achieving their rights. Saudi Arabia
Women’s battle with Egypt’s State Council continues The State Council refused to look into an appeal to appoint women as judges, despite constitutional texts stressing the equality between men and women in assuming public posts. Egypt
Cairo women ride in peace with first female bus driver New driver Umm Abdalla's all-female passengers can breathe easy as she navigates her full-size bus through Giza traffic. Egypt
Palestinian artist urges women to talk about sexual harassment A project by artist Yasmeen Mjalli encourages Palestinian women to raise their voices against sexual harassment and abuse. Palestine
New phone app helps Egyptian women fight sexual harassment A group of young Egyptians has developed a mobile phone app to fight sexual harassment by helping women identify and avoid harassment as well as deal with its aftermath. Egypt
Syria's Arab, Kurdish women join forces to fight for future Scores of Arab women are joining the Kurdish Women’s Protection Units in Syria as they see an opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of future generations of women. Syria
Former Salafi cleric stuns Morocco with calls for gender equality Since his release from prison in Morocco, former hardcore Salafist Mohamed Abdelwahab al-Rafiqi has become a controversial figure with his calls for equality in inheritance rights. Morocco
Egyptian feminist band gives voice to country's women All-female band Bnt Al Masarwa is turning the oppression of Egyptian women into songs to raise awareness of their discrimination. Egypt
