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
Vatican to appoint new Iraqi cardinal The Vatican will inaugurate the Chaldean Patriarch of Iraq, Louis Raphael I Sako, as cardinal, which will strengthen the status of Christians in Iraq and bring them more global support. Iraq
Sisi critics, supporters face off online Tensions are running high in Egypt after the government raised prices of fuel and cooking gas — and as the June 30 anniversary approaches, the authorities are taking no chances and have deployed added security. Egypt
Women's center opens its doors to formerly displaced in Iraq's Qaraqosh In the predominantly Christian city of Qaraqosh, where almost one-third of the previous population returned after the liberation from the Islamic State, Women's House has been founded to assist and support displaced and vulnerable women. Iraq
Film explores how things have, and haven't, changed for Tunisia's women The female-directed drama "Beauty and the Dogs" shows how much Tunisia has changed since the revolution in which it was set. Tunisia
Istanbul exhibit casts light on Ottoman photography An Istanbul exhibit looks at the photographic albums that Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid sent to German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in an effort to entice Germany to invest in Anatolian railways. Turkey
Long road to justice for Yazidis who escaped IS Yazidi women who were once held captive by the Islamic State still struggle to have their voices heard in Iraqi courtrooms, where their captors are being tried. Iraq
Egyptian artist portrays soccer stars as saints Proud Egyptians have been putting the faces of their soccer team on everything from T-shirts to Ramadan lanterns, but when an artist decided to paint them as saints, all hell broke loose. Egypt
Erdogan still faces uphill battle despite electoral victory Turkey’s turn toward a blend of political Islam and ultra-nationalism is unlikely to help improve ties with the West. Turkey
Egyptian women look to boost presence in police force Although women have made increasing progress in entering Egypt’s police force, they still face many obstacles. Egypt
Will new bill destroy Israeli Knesset's Arab alliance? Likud Knesset member Yoav Kisch is sponsoring a bill designed to break up the predominantly Arab Joint List. Israel
Iran's calendar in dire need of reform There will be several benefits to the national economy if Iran's government finally establishes a five-day work week in the country. Iran
Why Israelis root for Iran, Morocco in World Cup With no team of its own competing in the World Cup, Israelis are supporting others from the Middle East regardless of political differences. Israel
