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
Historic Jerusalem market reopens with new purpose The ancient market of Tankiz Khan has been restored and has found new life as Al-Quds University's Jerusalem studies center. Palestine
Residents of Cairo's historic buildings make plea to prevent demolitions Cairo's governorate is destroying architectural heritage in Egypt as part of the Maspero Triangle investment plan. Egypt
Iranian Sunni leader makes appeal to Iraq's top Shiite cleric Iran’s prominent Sunni leader, Molavi Abdul Hamid, sent a letter to Iraqi Shiite cleric Ali al-Sistani requesting that he act as a mediator between Iran's Sunni community and the government. Iraq
Israeli Druze feel abandoned over new Nationality Law The Israeli Druze community feels that the Nationality Law turns them into second-class citizens, ignoring their loyalty and contribution to the state. Israel
Egyptian street dancers face fines, jail time over 'Kiki challenge' Egypt's religious and law enforcement authorities have demanded Egyptians stop participating in an internet trend that has people dancing alongside moving cars. Egypt
Jewish Arab village in the spotlight after Israel passes nationality law The Swiss Embassy picked the Jewish Arab village of Neve Shalom as the venue for its Independence Day events in protest of Israel's recently adopted nationality law. Palestine
Day trippers flock to Afrin’s orchards as Aleppo restores security As stability returns to Afrin, locals are flocking back to the area's peaceful nature and archaeological attractions faster than the tourist industry can reopen to benefit from renewed tourism. Syria
Summer exhibition displays Cairo's contemporary art scene Zamalek Art Gallery's traditional summer exhibit brings old masters together with budding young talent in Cairo. Egypt
Performing marriage lands Israeli rabbi in police detention The case of Rabbi Dov Haiyun, who was detained by police for officiating a wedding, demonstrates the hold of the Orthodox establishment on the lives of Israeli citizens. Israel
Detained pastor case casting large shadow over Turkish-US ties Complex criminal cases with political overtones makes the case of the American pastor Andrew Brunson more difficult to resolve than it might have been otherwise. Turkey
Egyptians brace for disappointment as Cairo makes play for 2030 World Cup Cairo hopes that more professional lobbying and a possible joint bid with Morocco and Tunisia could make Egypt a host of the 2030 World Cup, but many citizens are wary of public embarrassment. Egypt
Russia key to reset of Jordanian-Syrian ties With fighting appearing to wind down in Syria, talk has begun of normalizing ties between Jordan and Syria, but the matter is not so straightforward for Amman. Jordan
