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
UN experts urge Saudi Arabia to release two women detained over tweets In a report, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention condemned the use of a vague counterterrorism law against rights activists in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Iran's Raisi blames 'enemies' for hijab violations, urges action against women defying The Iranian president's order for action came in response to fast-growing defiance from a new generation of women challenging the strict dress code, which has been a fundamental pillar of the ruling theocracy. Iran
Iran: 3 women journalists go on trial as rulers continue with crackdown Repression of journalists has worsened since widespread protests began in Iran last year, and the government is also restricting use of VPNs. Iran
Turkey denies female inmate access to tampons Imposing a long-held taboo, Turkish authorities have denied a female inmate’s access to disposable tampons. Turkey
Egyptian man executed one year after brutal killing of Nayera Ashraf The killing sent shockwaves across the country, prompting calls to carry out the death sentence. Egypt
Turkey's conservatives lash out at actress Merve Dizdar after Cannes win Angry reactions to actress Merve Dizdar’s acceptance speech at the Cannes film festival may foreshadow more crackdowns on the liberal arts sector as Erdogan and a new conservative parliament takes the reins. Turkey
Syrian girls play soccer among ghosts of Islamic State Raqqa's first-ever girls' soccer team is blooming where Islamic State once terrorized the society. Syria
Christians in Jordan welcome progress on inheritance law Experts say the Jordanian Civil Code must differentiate between Christians and Muslims, so that the recent draft law on equal inheritance between female and male Christians can be implemented without controversies. By Rana Husseini
Turkey’s new parliament: 50 shades of nationalism, conservatism Turkey has ended up with the most nationalist and conservative parliament in its modern history, and where women, LGBT groups will face an uphill battle. Turkey
Women candidates in Turkey face growing hurdles across political spectrum Even as patriarchal attitudes fade, efforts to recruit candidates or put them at the top of party lists have fallen short due to the old boy network. Turkey
Iran steps up hijab crackdown on women, shuttering businesses In Iran's capital Tehran, some 150 such shops have been forced to close by authorities in the past two weeks alone. Iran
Who is May Golan, Israel's self-styled 'racist' considered for NY consul general? The Likud party confirmed Minister without portfolio May Golan, known for her strong support of the judicial overhaul, was proposed the much-coveted position of consul general in New York. Israel
