Artistic heart of Iraq's Kurdistan thrives, but wants more public engagement Sulaimaniyah, often called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s “culture capital,” has become something of a haven for artists, though obstacles remain for the vibrant and self-sustaining artistic center they envision. Iraq
Libyan artists turn to black comedy to show youth exploitation A play dubbed “Chocolate Egg” uses black comedy to show the exploitation of young Libyans by officials to lure them into military formations. North Africa
Saudi 2030 to expand art scene in Jeddah, Riyadh With Saudi Arabia’s new social reform plan the local art scene is blooming with a plethora of cultural initiatives. Legacy: Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
What's next for Lebanon's blood shortage? Donner Sang Compter, a Lebanese nongovernmental group, has staged hundreds of blood donation events to take some of the pressure off patients who need blood. Lebanon
Can Egypt's floral industry bloom in whole region? Egypt’s spring flower exhibition, the oldest in the region, unites flower producers with the public but the sector is eager to go beyond borders. Egypt
What has gone so wrong for the New Right? New Right leaders Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked are making a frenzied effort to boost the popularity of their party amid the unexpected rise of Moshe Feiglin, who is eating away at their base. Israel
Controversial Iranian rapper reignites clash between Reformists, hard-liners An Iranian rapper's weed-smoking at a concert in Georgia has given Reformists another chance to attack rival conservatives, who once idolized the controversial singer. Iran
Women lead the way in Sinai hike A new hiking initiative in Egypt's Sinai governorate, where hikes are led by local Bedouin women, creates new opportunities and showcases compelling narratives. Egypt
Separate and parallel: Why are Iranian conservatives creating ‘safe havens’? The Iranian state appears to be increasingly funneling its resources into preserving and satisfying its loyal base rather than toward all-out efforts to win the hearts and minds of the broader public and enforce ultraconservative practices. Iran
Israel's year of the undecided voter Undecided voters will determine the outcome of the April 9 elections and with that the fate of the Arab Peace Initiative, which the Arab League endorsed yet again at its annual summit but has not registered on the radar of Israeli candidates or the media. Israel
Is this seat occupied? Hebrew University debates IDF uniforms in class A training program for Israeli military intelligence has renewed debate over the presence of army uniforms on university campuses. Palestine
Druze feelings mixed about Trump’s recognition of Golan Some Druze residents of the Golan Heights protested US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the territory, but others welcomed it. Israel
Careful what you wish for: The lesson of Israel's vote threshold Israel's vote threshold has created a situation in which the Likud, which went to great effort to expel Moshe Feiglin, prays that his party will cross the threshold to enter the Knesset, while Blue and White, which dislikes Balad, hopes for its success. Israel
Eastern Ghouta newcomers sweeten Aleppo countryside Familiar sweets with an eastern Ghouta flair are bringing novelty to street food in the Aleppo countryside. Syria
Cairo sewer covers reveal city’s history Salma Nassar's photos of sewer covers shed a light on Cairo's urbanization and political symbols over the years. Egypt
