Avril Haines, Joe Biden's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, has pledged to declassify an intelligence report on the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi was killed in 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been implicated in the murder. The Trump administration had previously blocked the report's release, citing national security concerns. Haines's commitment represents a shift towards transparency and may have implications for US-Saudi relations.

Following the Beirut explosion, Lebanon faces a mental health crisis, with widespread trauma among a population already strained by conflict and economic hardship. Initiatives like Beirut Disaster Relief and Beirut Explosions Emotions have been launched to provide free psychological support. IDRAAC and MIND are working closely with mental health professionals to address trauma and PTSD. Theatre company Clown Me In and NGO Himaya are focusing on helping children and families cope with the aftermath. Mental health professionals are also dealing with their own trauma while trying to support the community.

Despite technological advances and rights established by international law, labor exploitation remains a global issue, with racial and gender dimensions. The International Labour Organization reports 40.3 million people as modern slavery victims, with 24.9 million affected by forced labor. In the Middle East, the kafala system leaves migrant workers vulnerable, despite trade union efforts leading to reforms in places like Qatar. Child labor persists in Asia-Pacific, with Indonesia lagging in its eradication pledge. Global agriculture, including palm oil plantations in Guatemala, continues to exploit workers. In Europe, migrant sex workers face criminalization and exploitation. Mauritania struggles with slavery, particularly among the Afro-Mauritanian or Haratine population. The solution to ending extreme worker exploitation requires action from governments, corporations, civil society, trade unions, individual workers, and consumers.

The second edition of Beirut Pride, scheduled for May 12-20, was cancelled by Lebanese authorities, and organizer Hadi Damien was arrested and forced to sign a pledge to halt activities. The cancellation followed a distorted Arabic version of the event's program, which authorities claimed promoted debauchery. Despite this, the Zoukak theatre company and local NGO Helem continued to support LGBTQ rights, with Helem holding a conference on May 17. Activists advise the LGBTQ community to stay discreet for the time being, with plans to organize another event in solidarity with Beirut Pride when the situation improves.

In Lebanon, journalists, activists, and talk show hosts face legal pressures and charges of defamation, symbolizing government efforts to suppress free speech ahead of the parliamentary elections on May 6, 2018. Legal attacks have increased, particularly since November 2017. High-profile cases include LBCI talk show hosts Marcel Ghanem and Hisham Haddad, and journalist Hanin Ghaddar. The upcoming elections, delayed since 2013, will introduce proportional representation, ending the sectarian parliamentary system. Critics argue that the legal system is being used politically to intimidate and promote self-censorship. Human Rights Watch and other organizations call for the repeal of laws criminalizing peaceful criticism of the government. Despite the risks, many in Lebanon continue to express their opinions, hoping for more protection and change with the new elections.

The article discusses a book that explores the daily realities of Arab women, covering themes such as beauty, family pressure, commitment issues, violence, and oppression. It highlights the stories of several women who challenge societal expectations and stereotypes. Raya Hajj and Mishka Mourani's stories address career and independence struggles, while Zeina Abi Assy's narrative deals with body image and self-acceptance. Shahd Alshammari discusses disability and love, and Nisreen Sinjab portrays the life of an Arab woman balancing family, career, and self. The article emphasizes the importance of intellectual freedom for Arab women and the growing movement of Arab feminism. It also includes the story of Gabi Toufiq, who shares her experience with rape and the subsequent victim-blaming. The anthology is seen as a testament to the courage of young Arab women writers who are speaking up against stigmatization and seeking independence.

The article discusses a collective exhibition called 'Haneen' in Beirut, which is supported by UNICEF and the local NGO Beyond, in collaboration with Lebanese artist Chadi Aoun. The exhibition features 39 poems written by Syrian children who are refugees in Lebanon, expressing their experiences and traumas of the war in Syria. These poems have been interpreted by 47 artists through various mediums such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, and sound installations. The exhibition aims to highlight the therapeutic nature of art for children affected by war and to create a connection between Syrian refugee children and Lebanese and Syrian artists.

The article discusses the increasing legal attacks against journalists, activists, and media personalities in Lebanon, particularly in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections on May 6, 2018. It highlights several cases where individuals were charged with defamation for criticizing the government or political figures. The article features comments from representatives of the Samir Kassir Foundation, The Washington Institute, March Lebanon, and Human Rights Watch, who express concerns about the chilling effect these prosecutions have on free speech. The new election law and its potential to end the sectarian parliamentary system are also discussed. The article suggests that the legal actions are intended to intimidate and promote self-censorship among critics of the government ahead of the elections. Despite the risks, some journalists and activists remain hopeful for change and continue to speak out.

An exhibition titled 'Haneen' in Beirut showcases the works of Syrian refugee children expressing their experiences of war through poetry, paired with interpretations by Lebanese and Syrian artists. Supported by UNICEF and local NGO Beyond, the exhibition features 39 poems by Syrian children and 47 artworks, aiming to demonstrate the therapeutic nature of art and foster connections between the children and artists.

The Lebanese government launched an online platform for non-resident Lebanese to register to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for May 2018. This initiative, which saw over 90,000 eligible voters register, marks the first time the option has been available. Although out-of-country voting was mandated to start with the 2013 elections by Elections law No. 25, it has been delayed multiple times.

Lebanese singer Yasmine Hamdan's song 'Balad' from the album 'Al Jamilat' reflects on the social and security issues in Beirut, depicting scenes of daily life such as traffic jams, shouting people, and children selling items to drivers. The song expresses the feelings of being a hostage to the security situation and feeling abandoned as a citizen.

The article discusses the significant role Yemeni women are playing amidst the ongoing conflict in the country. Despite facing challenges such as widowhood, lack of access to maternal care, and a conservative society, women have been actively involved in providing humanitarian relief and peacebuilding efforts. Hiba Ali Zain Aidaroos, a lawyer and lecturer, founded the NGO Sawasya to report human rights violations, distribute food aid, and provide solar energy systems. The article also mentions a report by Saferworld and other organizations highlighting women's growing roles in the conflict. Women with medical backgrounds, like those working with MSF, are providing essential services, and gender activist Rasha Jarhum discusses the pre-war and current challenges for Yemeni women. The article underscores the resilience and optimism of Yemeni women, who are expected to continue fighting for their rights post-war.

The article discusses the dire state of women's healthcare in Syria, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict which has led to the destruction of medical facilities and the targeting of healthcare workers. With over 320 health facilities attacked since 2011, access to healthcare is largely dependent on one's location within the country. The situation has resulted in understaffing in critical areas such as sexual, reproductive, and mental healthcare. Organizations like Medecins Sans Frontieres and local NGOs are attempting to fill the healthcare gap, with some setting up specialized centers and underground hospitals to protect patients and staff from aerial attacks. Despite these efforts, many women still lack access to necessary healthcare, leading to increased maternal mortality rates and reliance on midwives or private hospitals. The article also touches on the challenges faced by Syrian refugee women in neighboring countries. Efforts by various organizations to provide training, raise awareness, and improve access to healthcare are highlighted as crucial steps towards empowering Syrian women during the war.

In Lebanon, public criticism of the army's human rights abuses is met with threats, amidst increased security measures against terrorism. Tensions escalated after a Lebanese army raid in Arsal, a town near the Syrian border, where soldiers encountered suicide bombers and arrested around 350 people, with four dying in detention. The subsequent Hezbollah and national army actions against Islamic State and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham militants have further divided Lebanese citizens.

The article discusses the Mzaar ski resort in Kfardebian, Lebanon, which is the country's oldest ski resort and is known for its scenic views of the Bekaa Valley and the Beirut coastline. The resort, situated at the highest point of Mount Mzaar, attracts around 7,000 skiers on a busy Saturday and caters mostly to the local population. However, it also draws visitors from the Gulf, the Emirates, and even European countries like France and Switzerland. The director of the resort, Christian Rizk, emphasizes skiing as a Lebanese passion, and the resort's commitment to providing a diverse skiing experience is echoed by visitors like Lebanese cousins Nour and Sandra, as well as international tourists who compare the resort to Swiss and Alpine destinations.

The article discusses the impact of new U.S. restrictions on asylum seekers, particularly Syrian refugees in Lebanon, following President Donald Trump's executive order. Lebanon, hosting about 1.5 million Syrian refugees, is seeing a parallel between Trump's and Lebanese President Michel Aoun's views on refugees. Aoun has called for the repatriation of Syrians and supports the creation of safe zones in Syria, a policy Trump appears to support. The uncertainty for refugees is exacerbated by the U.S. ban and Aoun's proposals, affecting Syrians' hopes of resettlement and their current living conditions in Lebanon. The article includes perspectives from Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the challenges of the Lebanese sectarian system, and the potential consequences of permanent Syrian settlement in Lebanon. It also touches on the broader implications of safe zones and the political alignment between Trump and Aoun.