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
Egypt tightens leash on TV dramas A new committee in Egypt designed to monitor TV series to make sure they abide by customs and traditions has been met with mixed reactions. Egypt
Israel's endangered birds face growing threats A new report paints a worrisome picture of the condition of Israel’s wild birds, of which 65 species are in severe danger of extinction from various threats. Israel
Child poverty increases in Egypt as critical support languishes As independent organizations work to alleviate poverty and ensure access to education for Egypt’s children, the government’s NGO law is backfiring, hindering such attempts. Egypt
Turkey’s aspiring young artists seek base of their own Graduates of Turkey’s fine arts schools parade their work in the country’s cultural capital, Istanbul, sporting their agenda involving the issues of immigration, domestic violence and poorly planned urbanization. Turkey
Cinema bloggers of the Middle East boast free, unbiased voice Middle Eastern cinema bloggers gain popularity on social media, critiquing films on numerous Arabic-language blogs. Saudi Arabia
School finally back in session for Iraqi Dom village After its school was destroyed more than 13 years ago, education is returning to a small Dom village in southern Iraq. Iraq
How Ahed Tamimi became an icon to Palestinians With her indictment in Israeli court last month, 16-year-old Palestinian Ahed Tamimi has reached hero status among Palestinians for her confrontations with Israeli soldiers. Palestine
Culture Alert: Art mingles with diplomacy, feminism and sport The Middle East's cultural scene at the start of 2018 is almost as lively as its political landscape, as art flirts with feminism, diplomacy and sport. Egypt
Iran boosts restrictions on internet amid protests Despite its importance to the economy, Telegram is blocked in Iran and will open once the company removes content that authorities say advocates violence. Iran
Netanyahu's coalition goes to war — with itself Recent proposed legislation has fractured the governing coalition, forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to roll up his sleeves to keep it from falling apart. Israel
IRGC media producers open new front against Rouhani The wave of unrest in Iran is not only triggering the mobilization of the security services, but also the regime’s media producers. Iran
Egypt's top felines take to catwalk As they were in ancient times, Egypt's cats today are still being worshipped — this time in organized beauty contests. Egypt
