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
Does Mhebis, a Ramadan tradition, have a future in Iraq? Al-Muhaibis, or Mhebis, a traditional game centered around finding a ring, is being played by Iraqis this Ramadan, but some foresee its disappearance as younger generations prefer spending time online playing electronic games. Iraq
Gaza women fight for fairer, faster divorces A women's association in Gaza is fighting to address the glacial legal process to obtain a divorce and the lack of support for women during those interminable periods. Palestine
Egyptian MPs open Pandora's box on popular soccer team's finances An exchange of accusations between Saudi soccer boss Turki al-Sheikh and Al-Ahly's board opens Pandora's box on the Egyptian soccer team's donations. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan's not doing Turks in Europe any favors Turkish supporters of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Europe have served him well, but whether it serves them well is another matter. Turkey
West Bank stands in solidarity with Gaza The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and Great March of Return have given rise to a new movement in the West Bank protesting President Mahmoud Abbas' sanctions on their fellow Palestinians. Palestine
New online platform helps Turkish immigrant women abroad The "Immigrant Women’s Solidarity Platform" connects Turkish women who are planning to move or have moved abroad, assisting them in settling down in their host countries. Turkey
US recognition of Jerusalem backfires on Israel Argentina's cancellation of a soccer match over the match’s relocation to Jerusalem is a clear sign that most of the world considers large parts of Jerusalem to be occupied land. Palestine
Can Egyptian families be persuaded that less is more? Egypt's recent family planning policies are educating couples on the number of children to have, debunking the idea that having many children means a source of income now and later in life. Egypt
Palestinian social security institution rolls out its services The board of directors of the Palestinian Social Security Institution announced that the agency has been launched and has a three-step plan to gradually carry out its duties based on the provisions of the Social Security Law. Palestine
Sadr welcomes return of Iraqi Jews Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr has spoken out in favor of allowing Iraqi Jews to return home after decades in exile. Iraq
How much freedom do Egypt's female preachers really have? The Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowments recently decided to permit female preachers to give lessons and meet with women across the country as part of its reforms to renew religious discourse. Egypt
Palestinian teen to serve full sentence for slap Elor Azaria, the IDF soldier who shot a disarmed Palestinian assailant in Hebron, was granted early release while Palestinian teen Ahed Tamimi, whose crime was slapping a soldier, was refused. Palestine
