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
Tehran cop standing up to celeb raises debate on privilege, rule of law A controversial incident involving a former Iranian soccer player who refused to abide by traffic laws has ignited furious reactions in Iran against celebrities expecting special favors. Iran
Iraq’s religious leaders join hands to promote peaceful coexistence Leaders of various religious groupings in Iraq have been holding meetings in places such as Lalish, Karbala, and Baghdad to join hands for peace. Iraq
Association helps Cairo's 'garbage people' make a clean living The residents of Manshiyat Naser, a slum area on the outskirts of Cairo, have been collecting garbage for decades but now, they learn to recycle it as well. Egypt
New Zealand, Australia outraged over Erdogan’s remarks on Christchurch attacks Turkey’s president has cast the rampage that killed 50 Muslim worshippers in New Zealand as an attack on the wider Muslim world, particularly Turkey. Turkey
Israeli court closes holy site flashpoint, goads Jordan to respond An Israeli court has temporarily closed an embattled Al-Aqsa site in an effort to relieve the simmering tension there and pressure Jordan into engaging with it. Palestine
Will Egyptian, African filmmakers inch toward co-productions? With Egypt assuming the African Union presidency in 2019, it is looking to increase cooperation with Africa in various fields and the cinema industry is one of them. Egypt
Women, children leaving IS stronghold overwhelm Syrian camp A steady stream of so-called Islamic State "brides" and their children continue to arrive at Kurdish-controlled northeastern Syria's al-Hol, a sprawling desert camp designed to house less than a sixth of their number. Iraq
Iran's state TV kills top-rated show Despite being the most popular show on Iran's national TV, Adel Ferdowsipour's hard-hitting soccer program has been axed by the station's new hard-line manager. Iran
Iran’s Islamic authorities slowly embrace ancient Festival of Fire As Iranians uphold both religious values and national traditions, the Islamic Republic is beginning to recognize the once-rebuffed ancient Festival of Fire. Iran
Hospital-acquired infection kills 15 infants in Tunisia Outrage flared in Tunisia when 15 infants died at a state-run hospital after they were given formula later found to contain bacteria. Tunisia
New program pushes role for Egyptian women in sustainable energy An international bank is working to increase the presence of Egyptian women in the field of green energy. Egypt
Iran's state TV woos audiences with American-style shows Iranian versions of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and "America's Got Talent" are now on state TV, but seem to draw more criticism than ratings. Iran
