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
'Diamond Dust,' a poisonous pleasure for Egyptian moviegoers The book "Diamond Dust" and its adaptation for the stage didn't ruffle any feathers when they appeared in Egypt, but the movie version has proved to be controversial for taking on a political subject no one previously dared touch. Egypt
Idlib demonstrators proclaim Syrian revolution far from over Syrians are taking to the streets of opposition-held areas in northern Syria to condemn a potential invasion of Idlib and show the world they are still seeking to overthrow the regime. Syria
Turkey tackles extensive synthetic drug troubles Bonsai, a synthetic cannabis, has become one of the most popular — and dangerous — drugs in Turkey. Turkey
2018 'year of archaeological discoveries' for Egypt The Egyptian government has delivered on its promise that the year 2018 would be filled with notable archaeological discoveries in Egypt. Now the government has to find a way to boost tourism based on these archaeological treasures. Egypt
Palestinians expand Gaza protests The commission of the Great March of Return announced a sixth gathering point for daily protests at the border with Israel after talks between Israel and Hamas failed. Palestine
How Syrian artists are livening up Turkey’s art scene Syrian artists who have come to Turkey found it difficult to find platforms to showcase their work, but this may be changing slowly. Syria
Kahlon aligns with Regev with eye toward early Israeli elections Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon has signed on to Culture Minister Miri Regev’s racist agenda against Israel’s Arab citizens not because of his ideology but in cynical preparation for early elections. Israel
Renaissance fair brings Camelot to Lebanon The Middle East's first-ever Renaissance fair brings together several growing niche communities into one fantasy-filled event. Lebanon
Legendary Egyptian director's films restored for new generations A festival in Cairo featuring director Youssef Chahine's films is attracting a new generation, who are commemorating the 10th anniversary of his death. Egypt
'UNRWA or nothing': Palestinians in Lebanon brace for the worst Palestinians in Lebanon have already begun to feel the consequences of funding cuts in schools and hospitals as a result of the United States halting contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Lebanon
Intimidation, persecution of Iranian lawyers won’t halt dissent Iran's lawyers face tight restrictions and countless obstacles from the government, especially those who dare to work security and political cases. Iran
Egypt readies to host international biodiversity conference Cairo hopes that in hosting the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, it can both take great strides toward protecting Egypt's ecosystems and promote tourism. Egypt
