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
Will kafala system come to an end in Gulf countries soon? Egyptian expats expressed hope after Egypt and Kuwait signed a memorandum of understanding to regulate the status and sponsorship of workers, which paves the way for the elimination of the controversial kafala system. Kuwait
Why Turkey's performance artists take to streets Turkey’s best-known performance art work is the dignified immobility of a man at the height of the Gezi Park protests five years ago; many young artists have followed in his footsteps since. Turkey
What made this Iranian TV host lose his job? A young state TV host is fired from his job after he criticized one of the most outspoken cinema critics of Iran. Iran
Tunisian activists ready to walk the walk A group of young Tunisian civil society activists established the Red Vest campaign in protest against the worsening economic and social situation in Tunisia. Tunisia
Equal inheritance still struggle in Morocco While Tunisia gears up to become the first country in North Africa to achieve inheritance equality between men and women, the issue still stirs a nationwide controversy in Morocco. Morocco
Syrian writer gives voice to victims of war Betul Abras, who has fled from the Syrian war herself in 2013, has been helping other victims of war to heal for the last five and a half years. Syria
'Red Vests' flood Tunisian streets on 8th anniversary of revolution Tunisia's answer to France's Yellow Vest protests, Les Gilets Rouges, is advocating for poor and marginalized Tunisians with economic and social demands. Tunisia
Iraqi Kurdistan struggles to end violence against women Despite millions of dollars spent on combating violence against women in Iraqi Kurdistan, the phenomenon is still common in the region and the number of victims continues to rise. Iraqi-Kurdistan
What brings the end of tulip era in Turkey's tourism campaign? Turkey has used a tulip logo in its national branding for nearly two decades, but it signaled that a new symbol may be needed next year. Turkey
Will Egypt kill this popular online game? After the "Blue Whale," some Egyptian parliamentarians want to ban "PUBG," a game that allegedly incited a 16-year-old to kill his teacher. Egypt
Iranian Reformists clash with hard-liners in drive to restrict child marriage A parliamentary bill to restrict child marriage is pitting hard-liners against Reformists in Iran. Iran
