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 in northwest Syria take on physically demanding jobs Many women in displaced camps in northwest Syria have been forced to find jobs, often difficult and physical ones, due to the deteriorating security conditions and the absence of the family’s breadwinner. Syria
Proposed domestic violence bill prompts rare criticism of Al-Azhar sheikh Remarks by a prominent cleric saying it is permissible to hit a spouse "to preserve the family" has sparked backlash against Al-Azhar. Egypt
Turkish women decry high price of sanitary pads Women activists call on the Turkish government for a tax reduction and other measures to lower the prices of menstrual products, which have grown forbiddingly expensive amid the country’s economic turmoil. Turkey
Women-led tourism initiatives are changing the way Egypt is seen, experienced More women are gradually breaking into Egypt’s tourism sector and launching their own projects, often promoting along the way a new type of experience to visitors. Egypt
Libyan government's push to promote marriages faces backlash In the space of a few months, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh has managed to anger many Libyan women. North Africa
Child rape and security forces’ behavior spark outcry in Iraq Violent crimes perpetrated against Iraqi women and girls has led to outrage and renewed calls for women to have greater representation and decision-making opportunities in the country, as all-male government formation talks continue. Iraq
Kuwait women allowed into military as struggles for rights continue Women are now allowed to enroll in Kuwait’s military, but will not participate in combat; they will be only working in support units, like medical, administrative, and technical departments. Legacy: Gulf
Many female candidates' faces hidden as West Bank votes During campaigning for the local council elections in the West Bank, the photos of many female candidates were withheld. Palestine
Hard-won women's rights at stake in wake of Sudan coup Militarization of civilian spaces, strongly contested by Sudanese women, has resulted in dozens of assaults, arrests and killings, and threatens their presence, movements and lives. Egypt
Mr. Olympia Big Ramy's second marriage sparks debate over polygamy in Egypt The news of Mr. Olympia, otherwise known as Big Ramy, marrying for the second time without the knowledge of his first wife sparked controversy in Egypt, especially in the wake of statements whereby an Islamic preacher denied a woman’s right to ask for divorce when her husband marries another. Egypt
Women face obstacles in bid for Libyan presidency Libyans are going to the polls in less than a month to elect their first-ever president, and two women are in the running. North Africa
UK nominates documentary on femicide in Turkey for Oscars “Dying to Divorce,” the United Kingdom’s official entry into the Academy Awards for best international feature film, tells the story of Turkey’s gender-based violence victims, femicide and the inability of the legal system to bring the perpetrators to justice. Turkey
