Middle East: Why are Ramadan TV specials always so controversial?

European countries are shutting down their visa- or residency-for-investment schemes, worried about corruption and security. Meanwhile, the Middle East is just getting started in the so-called "citizenship industry."

The law was published in France's official journal after the Constitutional Council endorsed key provisions in the reforms. The controversial increase in the age of retirement triggered months of nationwide protests.

In Yemen, more than 900 prisoners were released this past week as momentum builds to end the nine-year conflict there. This is linked to the fact that the leadership in Saudi Arabia and Iran are talking to each other again. The two powers broke off relations seven years ago, impacting politics and conflict across the region.

China has been promoting itself as a peacemaker in the Middle East. Beijing brokered a peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia — and is now eyeing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Khat lovers in Kenya continue enjoying their favorite plant — also known as miraa — despite its classification as a drug in many countries. Trading miraa is a lifeline for some Kenyans, and they can't afford to quit.

Egyptians are furious: In a new Netflix documentary, Egyptian Queen Cleopatra is being played by Black British actress. They say this distorts Egypt's identity. But does a black Cleopatra really steal Egyptian history?

As intense heat becomes more frequent, the Middle East will see a rise in heat-related deaths. Even though the region lags in public health planning, experts say it has a lot to teach us about surviving extreme weather.

The Greek papers express their indignation after a devastating migrant boat tragedy, the worst in years, off the coast of Greece. Also: the Guardian reports on a groundbreaking but controversial new study that has produced embryos without using eggs or sperm.

LGBTQ activists are trying to counter the conservative narrative that suggests homosexuality has no place in Muslim culture. There's plenty of evidence in regional history that says otherwise.

Protesters in Israel continue to take to the streets. The renewed demonstrations come after the Knesset adopted a key clause in the country's judicial reform package. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing ahead with the controversial bill that seeks to curb the power of Israel's Supreme Court, despite widespread opposition. We take a closer look.

Thousands of people, including Western diplomats, participated in the Pride march in Hungary. It comes as the authorities implement a controversial law restricting the "display or promotion" of homosexuality.

Child trafficking and exploitation is on the rise along the route that undocumented migrants take from the Horn of Africa to Saudi Arabia, the UN says. Boys and girls aged 13 to 17 are particularly vulnerable.