Limited aid entering Gaza, and Syria cracks down on ISIS

Aid is once again entering Gaza but with Israeli-imposed limitations. Syrian security troops have begun operations to “eradicate” ISIS from urban centres. Egypt has repatriated ancient artefacts from Australia.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Netanyahu says Israel will control all of Gaza while allowing 'minimal' aid

Syria cracks down on ISIS as authorities seek closer US ties

Australia and US return ancient artefacts to Egypt as repatriation campaign gathers pace

This episode features Kamal Tabikha, Cairo Correspondent, and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.

On Women's Day

Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?

Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality

The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?

Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'

'Outclassed in Kuwait'
Taleb Alrefai,
HBKU Press

The more serious side of specialty coffee

While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.

The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.

Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”

One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.

Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.