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
Egypt's feminists laud mass appointment of women as top judges Women have been latecomers to Egypt's judiciary, but they're inching toward key posts in waves. Egypt
Hebron forced to crack down on lucrative, dangerous scrap trade The local authorities are fighting the scrap trade in Hebron, where people burn used goods to extract valuable materials despite the damage it causes to the environment and public health. Palestine
Traffic policewomen, a first for Bethlehem Women participated for the first time in organizing traffic in Bethlehem, as part of a police program aimed at promoting women’s role in the force. Palestine
Is Egypt doing enough to fight drug addiction? Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity recently launched a drug abuse-awareness initiative in Port Said in an attempt to reach families and youths on summer holidays at the beach. Egypt
Tunisian entrepreneurs roll up sleeves after encouraging startup law Less bureaucracy and more subsidies get Tunisia’s young businessmen to reach out to unorthodox fields such as exporting edible flowers or mushrooms for pharmaceutical use. Tunisia
Can Gaza rebuild its arts haven damaged by Israeli bombing? The Arts and Crafts Village in Gaza City has provided a base for artists for nearly two decades, but after Israel's attack last month, the village needs help rebuilding. Palestine
Survey suggests Palestinian radicalization driven by lack of hope A recent poll indicates a slight increase in support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah, mainly due to US policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but those numbers are countered by signs pointing to growing radicalization and lack of hope. Palestine
Turkey’s Christians divided over 'freedom' declaration A declaration by non-Muslim spiritual leaders in support of Ankara has exposed in-house divisions in Christian communities. Turkey
Hebron women turn to at-home businesses to boost self-sufficiency In light of Israeli restrictions on residents of the Old City of Hebron, local women have turned to small projects to strengthen their steadfastness and increase their independence. Palestine
Israeli bill aims to crack down on those hiring prostitutes Politicians from both right and left supported the bill of Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked to fine those who hire prostitutes. Israel
Addressing Jewish refugees' issue vital part of Mideast peace For years, the Arab world and Israeli politicians have ignored the pain and rights of Jews expelled from Arab countries out of neglect or worry that it would muddy the debate on Palestinian refugees. Palestine
Medieval Turkish village reinvents itself as tech hub In the mid-15th century, Sultan Mehmet II strategically dispatched 300 soldiers across the coast from Lesbos; today, the old Janissary village bids for technological, rather than military, power. Turkey
