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
Syrian women face heat, harassment while picking Jordan's crops Many women who fled the war in Syria have found themselves working to survive with their entire families in Jordan's fields. Syria
Firing of Palestinian prisoner affairs minister sparks anger In an interview with Al-Monitor, Issa Qaraqe, former minister of prisoner affairs, discussed his dismissal and replacement as various Palestinian factions condemned the move by President Mahmoud Abbas given Qaraqe's widely respected efforts on behalf of prisoners. Palestine
Home for a day: Palestinian diaspora reconnects with motherland A project run by Ziad Bakri in Palestine aims to reconnect Palestinians in the diaspora with their family's history by visiting the homes their relatives left in 1948. Palestine
Azaz conference explores boosting role of Syrian women Women in the opposition-controlled areas in northern Syria are taking action to claim wider social, economic and political roles in the opposition-held areas. Syria
Talk of referendum on Trump meeting goes viral in Iran The idea of holding referendums in Iran is generating lots of posts on social media, especially a vote on President Hassan Rouhani possibly meeting with Donald Trump, a topic on which the print media is largely steering clear. Iran
Mideast migrants face increased discrimination in Italy New Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini is taking steps to stop illegal migration to Italy, but critics say his methods are fueling racism against Middle Eastern foreigners. Libya
Arab Israelis split over campaign against Nationality Law Following a three-week delay, the Arab-Israeli leadership this week joined the protest against the Nationality Law, appealing to the Supreme Court to overturn it and organizing a large demonstration. Palestine
Tiny fish powers Gaza bodybuilders After a bodybuilder in Gaza City started searching for an affordable protein-rich diet, he found the answer in UNRWA's standard food aid packages. Palestine
Without conscription, will Israel's Arab citizens ever obtain equal rights? The relative contribution of Arab Israelis to the shaping of Israeli culture, economy and science is more significant than that of their Druze neighbors, yet Israeli Jewish society refuses to acknowledge it. Palestine
Gaza’s aspiring female artists drop paint brushes for solid jobs Young female artists in Gaza are finding themselves stuck between economic woes and social constraints, leading many to forgo their passion to paint. Palestine
Will Israel get its first ultra-Orthodox woman lawmaker? Israeli ultra-Orthodox women are fed up with the exclusion from national politics, and are challenging the religious parties that prevent women from joining. Israel
Culture alert: Music mixed with history in August Some of the August festivals in the Middle East take place in spectacular settings, from Cairo to Byblos to Troy. Egypt
