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
Lebanese activists fight against child marriage with videos Lebanese nongovernmental organizations and artists use videos to create awareness of the risks of early marriage, which affects 6% of all girls in Lebanon. Lebanon
Fans mourn death of Turkey’s somber cartoonist Galip Tekin, who was found dead in his apartment in Istanbul July 6, was well-known for his fantasy and science fiction comics and dystopian comic novels that portrayed everyday events and characters in Turkey. Turkey
In Aden, Yemeni activists still live in fear Two years after Houthi rebels were expelled from Aden, Yemenis are fleeing the port city as militias and extremists are increasingly targeting activists, intellectuals and anyone opposing their views. Yemen
Lebanon's budding hashish business brings high returns Cannabis production in Lebanon has soared by more than 30% since 2012, when spillover from the war in Syria led security forces to focus on deadlier threats like car bombs and Islamic militants. Lebanon
Iranian government confronts Telegram as election approaches Iranian authorities are scrambling to gain control of the messaging app Telegram ahead of the presidential elections, blocking channels by the thousands only to see new ones take their place. Iran
What it's like to use Facebook from inside a Gaza prison It's more than just liking photos and online check-ins; the Gaza Central Prison recently granted access to Facebook for 10 of its prisoners. Palestine
Popular Egyptian TV show takes advantage of social media drama All the world's a stage when it comes to social media, and a new TV series points out why that can be dangerous, while at the same time entertaining Egyptians and garnering high ratings. Egypt
Cinema lovers campaign to reopen theaters in Upper Egypt Egyptians have created a social media campaign calling on the government to bring cinemas back to conservative Upper Egypt. Egypt
How social media is changing Israel’s approach to sexual harassment After five years in prison for rape, former President Moshe Katsav has been released into a world where more Israeli women are ready to expose sexual harassment instead of hiding in fear and shame. Israel
How Egyptian women are working to counter rising prices Egypt’s consumers are fighting massive price increases by exchanging used goods on social media. Egypt
Twitter poll spells rejection for second Sisi term Pro-regime TV host Ahmed Moussa is busy defending Egypt's president as his popularity declines, but so far, Moussa's social media efforts have backfired as respondents overwhelmingly express disapproval. Egypt
How social networks are revolutionizing Israeli politics Israeli political parties are losing substance and relevance while direct connections and communication between politicians and the public are growing stronger and more meaningful. Israel
