Trump’s AI Gaza video elicits mockery from Middle East social media users The US president’s video depicting a future Gaza under American authority was widely shared on Arabic and Hebrew social media, with many Palestinian users criticizing it. Palestine
In first since regime fall, Syria’s Asma al-Assad breaks silence: What to know In a series of posts on an X account attributed to her, Syria’s former first lady Asma al-Assad wished the Syrian people safety and said she will not intervene in political issues in the future. Syria
After sharing escape plan, Hafez Bashar al-Assad's alleged X account suspended The son of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad posted about his family’s final days in Damascus before the rebel takeover. Syria
Turkey’s proposed ‘foreign agent’ law threatens press freedom, critics say The bill is seen as a major blow to the already weak independent civil society organizations in Turkey. Turkey
Analysis Telegram CEO's arrest spotlights UAE’s investment-based citizenship laws By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Iranians ask government officials: #Where_is_your_kid? Public calls for Iranian officials to account for the lifestyles of their children bring focus to the issue of the lack of trust in the political establishment. Iran
Talk of referendum on Trump meeting goes viral in Iran The idea of holding referendums in Iran is generating lots of posts on social media, especially a vote on President Hassan Rouhani possibly meeting with Donald Trump, a topic on which the print media is largely steering clear. Iran
Egyptian street dancers face fines, jail time over 'Kiki challenge' Egypt's religious and law enforcement authorities have demanded Egyptians stop participating in an internet trend that has people dancing alongside moving cars. Egypt
Egypt's activists fear social media law is anti-social Egypt's parliament passed a law allowing authorities to monitor social media to fight the spread of false news and rumors, but activists say the law is part of the government's attempt to crack down on freedom of speech. Egypt
Young Turks with enough cash seek to skip military service Thanks to a massive grassroots lobbying effort, the Turkish parliament will consider allowing prospective conscripts to pay their way out of military service. Turkey
Israelis take two steps forward on equality, then two steps back Israeli consumers protested against companies segregating men and women or excluding on a racial basis, but the judiciary and government ministries continue to back gender segregation. Israel
Egyptian activist creates music from garbage “Music has logic, and anything can make a sound,” says Shady Rabab, who received a UN prize for addressing poverty and waste management in Egypt by making musical instruments from trash and training young people in a band. Egypt
Sisi critics, supporters face off online Tensions are running high in Egypt after the government raised prices of fuel and cooking gas — and as the June 30 anniversary approaches, the authorities are taking no chances and have deployed added security. Egypt
Protesters say support for Gaza Strip continues to grow Calls and protests to lift sanctions on the Gaza Strip have spread outside the Palestinian territories and are expected to grow even bigger. Palestine
New online platform helps Turkish immigrant women abroad The "Immigrant Women’s Solidarity Platform" connects Turkish women who are planning to move or have moved abroad, assisting them in settling down in their host countries. Turkey
Wave of arrests in Egypt sends alarming message at start of Sisi's second term International human rights activists and organizations accuse the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of launching the worst large-scale campaign against the opposition ever witnessed in Egypt. Egypt
Defying blockade, Palestinians set sail from Gaza Although Israel stopped the latest attempt by sea to break the siege on Gaza, Palestinians are determined to continue efforts to draw attention to the blockade. Palestine
