Analysis Gulf investors emerge as key players in US social media giants TikTok, Snap, X With UAE tech investor MGX set to take a stake in TikTok's US operations, investors from the Middle East could cement their role in America's social media landscape. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
Analysis Telegram CEO's arrest spotlights UAE’s investment-based citizenship laws By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Israel’s election battles fought on social networks, not at mass rallies While Blue and White senior officials Benny Ganz and Yair Lapid have a solid presence on social networks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s activities on this platform have only gotten more sophisticated. Israel
Iran spy services claim infiltration of foreign-based opposition in new series Iran's state broadcaster is airing a documentary series to show off the country’s intelligence services’ infiltration of the foreign-based opposition. Iran
'No money, no marriage' sparks dueling social media campaigns After young Egyptian men launched a campaign to boycott marriage due to the unfulfillable demands of prospective brides' parents, women countered with a campaign of their own in defense of their families. Egypt
Israeli ultra-Orthodox journalists in love with Twitter Ultra-Orthodox journalists explain that the use of Twitter opened up their world to the general Israeli society, breaking several stigmas and misunderstandings. Israel
Tunisians celebrate landmark ruling against president Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has lost his legal case against a citizen, a decision being hailed as a first for civil rights progress there. Tunisia
Iran’s defeat in Asian Cup sparks heated debate on political culture Iran's national soccer team had to pack its bags and head home from the AFC Asian Cup following their 3-0 defeat against Japan in a match replete with controversial scenes. Iran
How Iran has moved to defrock ‘Instagram cleric’ An Iranian cleric’s defrocking has brought attention to a particular court that is unique to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran
Iran's conservatives return to Telegram after failed ban After banning Telegram, Iran's conservatives are now returning to the messaging app to protect Iranians from "the poisoned propaganda of the enemy." Iran
Trump reignites Iranian rage with 'terrorist nation' diatribe Despite political differences, many Iranians are coming together to lash out at US President Donald Trump after he called Iran "a terrorist nation." Iran
Twitter is Coming: Iranians strike back at Trump with memes Following US President Donald Trump’s tweet that used a "Game of Thrones" meme to warn Iran about new sanctions, keyboard-happy Iranians quickly striked back at both Trump and their own officials. United States
Netanyahu’s government engaged in political tracking The Netanyahu government is not only campaigning against left-wing politicians and activists, it is actively engaged in political tracking of the left by means of monitoring online activities and by refusing entry to the country. Israel
Syrian girl’s Twitter account accused of Western propaganda Russia has accused the West of manipulating the Twitter account of a six-year-old girl from Idlib, who is posting about the suffering of children in the province ahead of an imminent regime offensive. Syria
