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
Graduates of Gaza universities demand jobs, degree recognition Gaza university students and graduates are calling on the Ramallah government to restore the accreditation of their schools while a committee sounds the alarm about soaring unemployment rates. Palestine
Jordan shows off its arsenal in new tank museum Established by King Abdullah's decree a decade ago, the recently opened tank museum in Jordan shows a large collection of local and international armored vehicles. Jordan
Gazans sneaking into Israel dodge both IDF, Hamas forces The Palestinian security forces in Gaza are just as tough as the Israelis on the youths who try to cross the border looking for work. Palestine
Egyptian men's rights activist sees oppression in female empowerment In a backlash against the women's movement in Egypt, one attorney is demanding the formation of a National Council for Men. Egypt
Exhibition pays tribute to prolific Lebanese cartoonist The Sursock Museum in Beirut is displaying thousands of cartoons by Pierre Sadek, who inspired many Lebanese satirists and created space for the next generation. Lebanon
New Israeli education law angers Palestinians Palestinians believe that recent legislation from the Knesset that applies Israeli education law to academic institutions in settlements in the West Bank is a step closer toward annexation. Palestine
Israeli Bedouin women champion social progress The Israeli Interior Ministry together with the Association of Community Centers initiated a first-of-its-kind course designed to train Bedouin women to become members of executive boards. Israel
Palestinians determined to reopen West Bank mushroom farm Local Palestinian agricultural products are a powerful way to resist economic dependency on Israel, but barriers have plagued the West Bank's first mushroom farm. Palestine
Umm al-Fahm: Where the streets have no name Israeli authorities are refusing to approve street names selected by the city of Umm al-Fahm to acknowledge and honor Palestinian figures and history. Palestine
Students in northern Syria depend on Turkey to complete degrees The Turkish Basaksehir Academy in al-Bab is gaining popularity in northern Syria because of its internationally recognized degrees, but the high tuition fees exclude students from low-income backgrounds. Syria
Jordanian artists combine music, satire to voice their woes A group of young Jordanian satirists poke fun at government decisions with songs that appeal to the youth. Jordan
Israel almost ready for another Golda Meir Almost 50 years after her era, Golda Meir remains the only woman to have served as prime minister of Israel, but the clock is ticking. Israel
