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
Israel plagued with political corruption Unless Israeli society acts severely and decisively against political corruption, this corruption monster will take over every aspect of life. Israel
How my hometown became major smuggling route in Libya Libya's interior has become a hub for human smugglers who utilize the uncontrolled roads to transport migrants wishing to travel to Europe by sea. Libya
Egyptians petition for home schooling recognition An increasing number of families in Egypt are choosing home schooling as an alternative educational approach and are calling on the Ministry of Education to recognize it. Egypt
Makeshift school teaches marketable skills in Cairo slum With paltry government support, the Stabl Antar Dream School is providing both a basic education and vocational training to the children of a shantytown in south Cairo. Egypt
Egypt training opinion leaders as soldiers to fight 'fake' data The Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowments is holding courses to teach imams, preachers and other influential leaders how to recognize and confront foreign misinformation — but some argue the plan is actually aimed at imposing the regime's view on citizens. Egypt
Iranian film on Tehran's role in Syria war creates controversy The first Iranian film depicting Tehran’s fight against Islamic State terrorists divides observers into two camps: those who think it is a great film by a great director and those who think it is just a cliche. Iran
Najaf’s wax statues kindle meltdown for conservative Iraqi clerics The exhibition of wax sculptures in a museum in Najaf, a conservative Shiite city, marks a major reformist development and a cultural breakthrough. Iraq
Netanyahu’s real crime: Plundering land for settlers Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be indicted for receiving gifts from businessmen, but he will not be indicted for giving the gift of Palestinian land to settlers. Palestine
Small press brings e-books to Gaza The e-publisher Khota Books started with local authors and now offers Gazan readers both electronic and physical copies of works by international writers. Palestine
Cairo removes Ottoman name amid Egypt-Turkey strife As tensions escalate between Egypt and Turkey, Cairo governorate has decided to rename Selim I street, named for the "grim" Ottoman sultan who conquered Egypt. Egypt
Turkish genealogy database fascinates, frightens Turks The government has made Turkey’s population registers public for the first time, identifying ethnic Armenians and other minorities, and excited Turks immediately crashed the system. Turkey
Barqa Museum in Nablus collects Palestinian heritage A family of collectors from Nablus has single-handedly created a museum of more than 5,000 pieces that reflect Palestine’s heritage since the Canaanite period. Palestine
