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
KRG delegation arrives in Afrin as Turkey offensive softens Kurdish split A delegation of Iraqi Kurds from rival political parties arrived in the Syrian Kurdish enclave of Afrin in a show of Kurdish solidarity. Iraq
Rights coalition takes on female genital mutilation in Egypt Amid high rates of female genital mutilation in Egypt, women's and human rights organizations have come together in a campaign to educate the public and enforce laws against the practice. Egypt
No chance for peace while settlers dream of holy war Messianic settlers are exploiting the deaths of those killed in violent attacks as excuses to build ever more settlements and claim all of the West Bank. Palestine
Turkey’s graffiti artists: businessmen by day, rebels at night Turkey’s graffiti artists have started taking their work not only to the museums and art galleries, but also to the corporate world. Turkey
Iraq's gazelles under threat from illegal traffickers Iraq tries to increase the number of its endangered Goitered Gazelles by placing them in reserves, but lack of funding remains a challenge. Iraq
Turkey's new nationalism paints West as oppressor A new report by an American think tank suggests that the nationalism sweeping Turkey is an old and successful tactic of promoting a siege mentality that translates to tight control and votes for authoritarian leaders. Turkey
Israeli duo takes street art to museums Street artists Nitzan Mintz and Dede, partners in life and art, have taken their artworks from the street to museums and galleries. Israel
Iranian women steadfast in campaign to attend soccer matches Despite crackdowns and unfulfilled promises by politicians, female soccer fans in Iran continue to protest — and to cross-dress — in their efforts to attend matches at stadiums. Iran
Iranian graffitists feel walled in The life of a graffiti artist's work can be as short as an hour in Iran, where municipalities wage a determined war on underground street artworks, unless the cities commission the wall paintings. Iran
Is interior minister deceiving Israelis about deportation of migrants? Israeli Interior Minister Aryeh Deri claims that additional working permits will be issued for Palestinians to replace deported African migrants. Palestine
Egypt imposes travel restrictions on journalists Reporters for state-run newspapers in Egypt will now have to get permission from the government to travel to certain countries. Egypt
In wake of protests, Iranian officials call for large turnout to mark revolution Following anti-government protests last month, Iranian officials are keen on a large turnout to celebrate the 39th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran
