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
Women's campaigns flourish beyond Iran protests The spread of several social campaigns for women's empowerment in Iran are challenging the perception that their role in the Iranian protests was only about standing up against compulsory hijab. Iran
Women start filling up tanks at Gaza gas station Marking a first in the Gaza Strip, a gas station manager is employing women despite the criticism. Palestine
Rouhani unblocks Telegram; hard-liners send message Iran’s president is under fire from hard-liners for unblocking a popular messaging app. Iran
Can Netanyahu scratch Americans from Jewish roster? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made his choice of siding with the ultra-Orthodox against US Reform and Conservative Jews. Israel
Tribute band carries legacy of Egyptian-Italian icon Egyptian band Monde Dalida rises to the task of passing on the legacy of the Egyptian-born singer to the next generation. Egypt
IS families lose their homes in Syria’s Akhtarin The local council of Akhtarin, in the Aleppo countryside, is confiscating the properties of former IS and regime fighters to benefit victims of the war. Syria
Syrian perfume-makers scent success in Egypt Syrian perfume-makers have continued their longstanding tradition of crafting fragrances in Egypt. Egypt
Ultra-Orthodox women fuel change in traditional communities Ultra-Orthodox demographics are changing, with less children per family and more educated and employed women. Israel
Syrian stars look to shine at Egyptian soccer academy An academy that helps gifted Syrian kids play in big soccer clubs sees talent and hope in Egypt. Egypt
Yazidis in Turkey camp wish for IS captives to return home Yazidis who have been in a camp near Mardin wish for their women and children to return home safely from IS captivity. Turkey
Egyptians continue book swap despite theft The street library initiative launched by an Egyptian-German businessman offers novels, poetry and nonfiction books in the busy streets of Cairo. Egypt
Debate on polygamy heats up in Egypt Some Egyptian women strongly advocate polygamy, citing a large number of unmarried women, but others point out that a lack of men is not the problem and that a large percentage of second marriages end up in divorce. Egypt
