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
Lebanese women entrepreneurs push for success The Lebanese League for Women in Business is launching projects encouraging women to open their own businesses. Lebanon
Female grapplers take it to the mat in Egypt The first Egyptian women to wrestle professionally are breaking taboos and fighting for recognition. Egypt
Egyptian women speak out amid global focus on sexual harassment While social media campaigns are giving voice to many hitherto voiceless women in Egypt, much remains to be done about sexual harassment in the country. Egypt
Egypt's female performance groups on the rise All female dance groups in Egypt are becoming more popular at weddings and other cultural gatherings, but still must conform with society's conservative beliefs on music. Egypt
Egyptian initiative spotlights women's rights through film Through her Women’s Cinema initiative, Egyptian parliamentarian Mona Mounir hopes to raise awareness of women's issues and provide a platform for women to discuss sensitive topics. Egypt
Is Egypt ready to end underage marriage? Egypt is seeking to curtail customary marriages of girls under the age of 18 after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called for measures to combat this phenomenon amid opposition by some religious scholars. Egypt
Tunisian women break taboo saying no to children A women's association in the Tunisian countryside works on breaking the societal taboo of women remaining childless by choice. Tunisia
Turkish government revives its anti-divorce report The Turkish government has relaunched a debate on its controversial investigative report that seeks to prevent divorce and strengthen family unity. 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
Turkey's women step up protests against AKP, its supporters Turkey has been a scene of female protests, from women protesting against the new law on marriage to actresses making statements on festivals. Turkey
Saudi driving decree first step in needed changes The royal decree allowing women to drive in Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the country is facing increasing international pressure, especially over its war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Turkey to toughen laws on surrogacy Turkey’s Ministry of Health prepares a new draft law that would prevent Turks from having children through surrogate mothers, even if abroad. Turkey
