Iran's female MPs show mixed record Iran's female members of parliament have been few in number but have had a large impact on national policies. Iran
Walaa Hussein on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Walaa Hussein shares her thoughts on journalism. Egypt
Contemporary Islamic views support reform in favor of women The religious feminist movement has succeeded in improving the status of women in some parts of the Muslim world, while in others, there is resistance to any change regarding women’s rights. Saudi Arabia
Pakistan declines to join Saudi Arabia's anti-Iran alliance Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has rejected, at least for now, Saudi Arabia's entreaties for Pakistani troops to help guard the Saudi border with northern Yemen, controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi Shiite forces. Saudi Arabia
US 'working through' extent of support for Syrian rebels The resolution being considered by Congress does not address protection of vetted Syrian rebels against Syrian government forces; nuclear talks with Iran enter decisive phase amid challenges by Republicans in Congress; Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani determines fate of reconciliation in Iraq; Israeli election is verdict on Benjamin Netanyahu. Iraq
Female artisans carry on family tradition Craftswomen in Lebanon are eager to carry on family traditions, although they lack government support. Lebanon
Iran under fire ahead of deal deadline A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of March 16. Iran
Rouhani wins over Qom, for now President Hassan Rouhani took a surprise trip to Qom to win over the support of senior clerics in Iran's religious capital. Iran
'Big Brother' to move into Erdogan’s palace President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is setting up a massive electronic surveillance center in his palace to monitor the entire county. Turkey
Mosul residents prepare for battle The Islamic State plans to use Mosul's 1.5 million residents as a human shield in its inevitable battle against the Iraqi army and international forces. Iraq
Iranian singers push boundaries, face restrictions Iranian authorities have begun to crack down on female singers and musicians, despite attempts by the culture minister to issue more licenses for performances. Iran
Turkey to support Mosul operation from sidelines Turkey will provide assistance to the forces organizing to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, but will not engage directly in military conflict. Iraq
Maysaa Shuja al-Deen on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Maysaa Shuja al-Deen shares her thoughts on journalism. Yemen
Tulay Cetingulec on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Tulay Cetingulec shares her thoughts on journalism. Turkey
Ayah Aman on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Ayah Aman shares her thoughts on journalism. Egypt
Meretz chairwoman: Herzog will need us to form coalition In an interview with Al-Monitor, Meretz Party Chairwoman Zehava Gal-On calls upon leftist voters not to fall for the Zionist Camp's machinations, which threaten her party and the chances for a left-wing coalition. Israel
