All-women's cafe in opposition-held Idlib stirs controversy Syria’s northwestern city of Idlib, which is under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, witnessed the opening of its first female coffee shop in what some deemed a type of discrimination against women. Others saw it as an outlet for women to escape the prevailing patriarchy in the Syrian opposition areas. Syria
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Were the divas of Egypt’s roaring 20’s also pioneers of Egyptian feminism? A conversation with Raphael Cormack
Erdogan’s meeting with Biden more spin than substance The two leaders' first meeting as heads of state led to detailed discussions, but there were no breakthroughs. Turkey
Migrants found dead off Yemen's Red Sea coast after boat capsizes The bodies were found near Ras Al-Ara, a coastal village in the southern Yemeni province that's known as a smuggling hub. Yemen
Egypt's top court upholds death sentences of 12 Brotherhood figures The defendants were part of a mass trial of supporters of former President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
Saudi Arabia allows women to register for hajj without male guardian Women can register "along with other women" for the Islamic pilgrimage this year. News Brief
Canadian parliament calls on government to repatriate citizens from northeast Syria Few Canadians have been brought home from camps for Islamic State families in northeast Syria, and many remain there. News Brief
Lapid vows to mend ties with Democrats, change 'reckless' Netanyahu policies Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has vowed to return to a bipartisan approach toward the United States. Israel
Turkey’s muddled approach to Palestine Ankara sees a recently ratified security cooperation deal between Turkey and the Palestinian Authority as groundwork for a possible maritime boundary agreement between Turkey and Palestine. Experts see such prospects as far-fetched. Turkey
Israel’s Lapid enthusiastic to take on foreign affairs portfolio Entering his new office, newly appointed Foreign Minister Yair Lapid told Israeli diplomats that he is there by choice and not by default, and that he is eager to start working with them. Israel
Iran's Reformists asked to put forward presidential candidate Former presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi has called on Reformists to pick a candidate. Iran
Israeli government receives congratulations from White House, Congress, UAE The United Arab Emirates also welcomed Israel’s new cabinet, but Hamas said it will continue to “resist” Israel no matter who is in power. News Brief
On Israel with Ben Caspit Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert decries Netanyahu’s 'shameful' behavior as Bennett sworn in Ben Caspit
Iran's presidential hopefuls promise big on economy, but can they deliver? While candidates for the election this Friday have a long list of promises to fix the economy, inefficiencies in Iran's political structure limit the president's ability to make lasting change. Iran
Yemen’s Houthis claim drone attack on Saudi airport Saudi authorities also said the kingdom's air defenses intercepted an explosive-rigged drone targeting the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait. Yemen
Rise in Iraqi cancer cases may be linked to wars, environment The causes of the spike may be linked to Iraq's wars or environmental pollution, but the evidence is sketchy. Iraq