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
Turkey’s national booze under government siege On top of sky-high taxes on liquor, the Turkish government has moved to thwart the home brewing of raki, the much-coveted national booze. Turkey
Tailored classes ease Syrian kids' transition to Egypt Supplemental classes and alternative schools are popping up all over Egypt to help smooth the transition of displaced Syrian students. Egypt
Tunisians fear another bread revolution Tunisians took to the streets to protest the government’s state budget and austerity measures, leading to violent clashes that raised concerns about a repeat of the bread riots of the 1980s. Tunisia
The Palestinian village with only three residents While all of the inhabitants of the town of Shoshahla left under Israeli threats, three people have returned and continue to cling to their land and refuse to leave a second time. Palestine
Palestinian artist draws vivid picture of women's suffering, rage Palestinian artist Hanaa Hamash pays homage through her artworks to the Palestinian women living under occupation. Palestine
Women’s organizations in northern Syria have come a long way Although women’s organizations are successfully raising awareness about women’s rights and the need to fight sexual violence and crimes in north Syria, challenges represented by a patriarchal society remain. Syria
Palestinian national dish fuels Al-Aqsa protests Maqluba, the beloved Palestinian dish, has become a tradition of the protests in Jerusalem and elsewhere, reinforcing Palestinian community and solidarity. Palestine
Turks up in arms over religious green light for 9-year-old brides Huge public outrage forces Turkey’s top Islamic authority to step back from its endorsement of marriage for girls as young as age 9. Turkey
Born in the wrong place: Europe's Islamic State offspring With the Islamic State defeated in Iraq and Syria, parents and relatives of European women and children who joined members of the terrorist organization there are calling on their governments to help facilitate the return of the children to their home countries. Iraq
Gaza speech therapist treats refugee kids online A speech therapist in the Gaza Strip has found a way to help children across the Arab world, especially Syrian refugees. Palestine
Israel's betrayal of African refugees Israel's right-wing government is set on expelling African illegal immigrants, who face great danger in their home and host countries. Israel
Young designer aims to promote Egyptians' African roots A young Egyptian fashion designer strives to launch the Afropunk Festival in Egypt to promote African identity and fashion. Egypt
