Society

Games of chance and society in the Middle East

A historical look at how chance-based games shaped culture, law, and society in the Middle East.
A man fixes the United Arab Emirates’ national flag to the roof of his house in Dubai, after a call by the UAE’s vice president, prime minister, and ruler of Dubai, urging people across the country to hoist the flag as a symbol of unity and pride.

What threat model did the UAE confront, and why should we care? - opinion

Children at Beersheba’s Hagar bilingual school read together

The language gap – and why it matters - opinion

Arab-Israeli educator Suleiman Suleiman advocates shared responsibility and coexistence.

Arab-Israeli educator Suleiman Suleiman advocates shared responsibility and coexistence


The secret Europe is hiding: Where to find true peace in 2025

Europe struggles with over-tourism, but Estonia’s remote islands offer true peace: Ruhnu with 150 residents and ringing sand, Vormsi with Swedish heritage, and Kihnu with a matriarchal society.

Kihnu Island, Estonia

Embracing diversity, healing through Tisha B’Av - opinion

As we approach Tisha B’Av, let's reflect on embracing diversity in Israel, honoring each other’s differences, and striving for unity and respect.

 People spend time at a beach in Tel Aviv during the Israel-Iran war, June 21, 2025; illustrative.

Ancient sarcophagus of 'Pa-di-Hor-pa-khered' returns to Egypt

The sarcophagus, dating from the Ptolemaic period, belonged to a member of high society in ancient Egypt.

 Ancient sarcophagus of 'Pa-di-Hor-pa-khered' returns to Egypt.

DNA analysis reveals 9,000-years-old women-led society in Turkey

Study finds women and girls were key figures in Neolithic settlement, with maternal lineage shaping household burials.

 DNA analysis reveals 9,000-years-old women-led society in Turkey.

DNA analysis reveals 4,500-year-old maternal society in China

The Fujia site shows two maternal clans linked by marriage, suggesting that nearly 5,000 years ago, women may have played a central role in governance and social cohesion.

 DNA analysis reveals 4,500-year-old maternal society in China.

Cultural Practices and Their Societal Impacts: A Global Perspective


AI changing the rules of the game, and those who don’t adapt will be left behind - opinion

We are only at the beginning stages of AI adoption, currently focused mainly on delegating existing tasks to smart systems. But soon enough, the very nature of tasks will transform.

 An illustrative image of artificial intelligence.

Necropolis in Italian island reveals a multicultural Iron Age society

Analysis shows Greeks, Phoenicians, and Italians coexisted in ancient Ischia, forming a cosmopolitan society.

 Castello Aragonese off the coast of Italian island Ischia.

Divisions in Israeli society and vision for the future


Exploring the new chapter in Tel Aviv Museum of Art's Israel Collection exhibition

Inflamed Nerve is a profound journey into the intricate story of Israel in its eighth decade.

 ZOHAR TAL INBAR’S Boy of Light and Gold challenges traditional notions of beauty and glamour.