Culture Alert: Art speaks to power in February

February exhibitions in the Middle East offer satirical and fantastic looks at politics and society, clearly demonstrating that the fighting spirit in the arts is far from being defeated by the powers that be.

Egypt

Collectors hunt down forgeries as Arab art market flourishes

As Middle Eastern art experiences an international boom, Lebanese collector Basel Dalloul is leading a drive to expose forgeries and follow more stringent standards for authentication.

Lebanon

Nine Lebanese women murdered by partners in single month

As sexual and domestic violence complaints mount, Lebanese women's rights activists fear that violence against women in the country may be rising as women grow emboldened to resist abuse.

Lebanon

What's Hamas up to in Lebanon?

Saleh al-Arouri, deputy chief of Hamas' political bureau, is busy reinforcing the movement's presence in Lebanon and mending ties with Hezbollah.

Palestine

Lebanon’s crisis allows Hezbollah to consolidate power once again

Hezbollah's support base seems to be divided on Saad Hariri's sudden resignation from Riyadh and the visit of Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali to Hezbollah members in south Lebanon.

Legacy: Gulf

Lebanon's Animal Welfare law put to the test

A video of municipal workers in the Beirut area killing stray dogs has raised the ire of activists and calls for adherence to the Animal Welfare law.

Lebanon

Award-winning talk show for Arab youth tackles religion, sex

An Arabic-language talk show gives Arab youth a space to speak and express themselves on everything from religion to sex.

Qatar

Is Turkey aligned with al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib?

Russian-Turkish relations worsen as Syrian forces advance in Idlib; Al-Monitor leads media coverage of Iran’s financial crisis — by six months; the American University of Beirut dedicates "transformative" Halim and Aida Daniel Academic and Clinical Center.

Lebanon

Lebanon’s energy promise could be regional game changer

If handled correctly and the status quo between Hezbollah and Israel is maintained, Lebanon’s oil and gas exploration process will lead to the production of energy in 2021-22.

Israel

Culture Alert: Art mingles with diplomacy, feminism and sport

The Middle East's cultural scene at the start of 2018 is almost as lively as its political landscape, as art flirts with feminism, diplomacy and sport.

Egypt

Lebanon's mothers see glint of hope in custody ruling

A Shiite mother in Lebanon was recently granted temporary custody of her two children in what human rights advocates say could indicate a long overdue, small step forward in personal status laws.

Lebanon

Iraq's bursting plastic surgery world dangerously unregulated

More Iraqis than ever are seeking out cosmetic surgery and other services, and many unlicensed facilities and providers are rushing to meet the demand.

Iraq