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
Fired teacher tells story of Turkish purge onstage A teacher who was dismissed from her job in the aftermath of the coup attempt is using drama to give a voice to Turkey's 150,000 civil servants in similar situations. Turkey
Award-winning talk show for Arab youth tackles religion, sex An Arabic-language talk show gives Arab youth a space to speak and express themselves on everything from religion to sex. Qatar
Humanitarian disaster looms in northern Idlib Tens of thousands of Syrians displaced to northern Idlib by the latest Syrian regime offensives are in need of urgent assistance. Syria
Iraq's Islamists dump religion for upcoming elections Islamist parties in Iraq are shedding their religious platforms to focus on reform in the campaign for upcoming elections and are also allying with secular parties. Iraq
Jerusalem community center offers new tune to ultra-Orthodox Abiya Beit Midrash community center opens new perspectives for ultra-Orthodox young people who are curious about what goes on beyond their sector. Israel
Tunisian protesters get seven-year itch The austerity measures announced by the Tunisian government as part of this year's budget seem to be targeting the most vulnerable groups in society, including the middle class and the poor. Tunisia
Rouhani doubles down on Iran's conservatives with 'digital economy' plan Unlike conservatives, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani sees opportunities rather than threats in the expansion of the country's cyberspace. Iran
Iranian directors see little respite despite support for Rouhani Despite their support for moderate President Hassan Rouhani, Iranian film directors remain under the same kind of pressure from the authorities they faced during earlier administrations. Iran
Israel’s first mobile museum brings pop-up culture to forgotten town ZUMU, a roving project of art installations and community outreach, will spend one month in the hard-knock Israeli town of Yeruham, where most children have never visited a museum. Israel
Controversy ensues in Egypt over Sisi's use of religious endowments President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is discussing the option of investing religious endowment assets in national development projects to promote the economy, although some point to issues of this action's legality. Egypt
Israeli nationalists' messiah complex The political leaders of Israel's settler sector are abusing Judaism, a dangerous weapon in irresponsible hands. Palestine
Egypt seeks donations to finish, maintain museum The Egyptian government has launched a fundraising campaign to complete Giza's Grand Egyptian Museum, work that has been delayed for more than two decades. Egypt
